Can i replace my suspension with car parts from a junk yard?

I need to fix both lower control arms on my car and needs new bushings. its an 87 toyota camry the thing runs great it just needs the maintenance that every car needs after this long on the road. so far ive done a complete tune up and next is the suspension. can i go to ecology or one of these junk yards for these parts? is it wise to do so?|||Control arms are generally very strong and survive the life of the car. The bushings are what will dry out, crack, and become brittle.


Your control arms probably just need new bushings, you may be able to get some for fairly cheap.


The junkyard's bushings will be a waste of time and money.


Spring and shock replacement is not terribly expensive. I strongly urge you to stick to new or remanufactured parts.


Tie rods and ball joints should also be replaced when needed. The only thing you can't do yourself is the alignment.


Junkyard can work for such things as ac compressors or alternators, radiators, and such, but never put old suspension parts on a car. There's just too much risk, plus I doubt you will find a 24 year old bushing from the junkyard in good enough condition to be considered salvageable.|||What is worn out on yours (the bushings) are more then likely worn out on a salvage yard part too. Now you can buy a special tool to do the bushings, or just use sockets, pipe and all thread to do the job. Of course an arbor press would be nice.


Maybe make a few phone calls after you talk to a parts supplier in your area, no doubt some one can replace the bushings for a small fee and save you a few busted knuckles.|||Not for suspension parts. You could easily end up with parts that are no better than the parts on your car now.



Personally, on a beater this old, I wouldn鈥檛 spend a lot of money fixing it up. If you want something better sell it and put the money you would have spent fixing it up towards something newer.



As the saying goes, you can polish a turd, but all you end up with is a shiny turd.|||As long as you replace your parts with ones off a similar car, there is no problem.


Just remember, if yours are worn out, the ones in the junkyard may be worn out also


(if your bushings are worn, most likely the junkyard ones are too)


Just buy new bushings %26amp; install them in your control arms if thats the only problem.|||You probably don't want to do that. Bushings are made of rubber and rubber wears out over time, it dries out and cracks. Not to mention, a bushing that has been stressed and worn out over the life of the previous car will not be any better than the ones you have now. Buy new ones, it's worth it.|||steal parts, yes, but the rubber or other soft parts, id buy new in a box.|||Control arms should not be a problem. Replace bushings with new from auto parts store.|||YES! My BF built his car from the ground up from junk yard parts. He has a 73 SS NOVA