Upgrading or replacing the suspension control arm on a 2014–2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500 isn’t as simple as just selecting the year and trim. GM used several different Silverado control arm designs during these years, each with its own ball joint size and steering knuckle type.
If you don’t know which setup your truck has, you could end up ordering the wrong control arm parts and delaying your installation. This guide covers the three factory control arm types used on Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks from 2014 to 2018 (and some 2019 “Old Body” models), how to identify them, and how to choose the perfect upper and lower control arm for your suspension upgrade.
Why Silverado Control Arm Variations Matter
GM equipped these trucks with different combinations of upper control arms and lower control arms:
- Cast steel
- Cast aluminum
- Stamped steel
Each style uses a specific ball joint diameter and matches with a certain knuckle material. If they don’t match, your new parts, whether they’re adjustable control arms or factory replacements, won’t fit correctly.
So, before you shop for parts, it’s important to visually inspect your truck’s control arms or check part numbers.
The Three Types of Silverado Control Arms
Between 2014 and 2018, Silverado models came with three different control arm setups. Each one pairs with its own ball joint size and steering knuckle. Figuring out which setup is on the truck before ordering saves a lot of hassle and keeps the suspension working like it should.
1. Cast Steel Control Arms (Used 2014–Early 2016, Mostly 2WD)
The cast steel suspension setup was carried over from the 2007–2013 generation and is commonly found on:
- Most 2WD Silverado/Sierra 1500 trucks (2014 to early 2016)
- Some 4WD models during the same time frame
How to Identify Cast Steel Control Arms:
- Dull black finish
- Rough cast texture
- Visible casting seam on front and back
- Paired with a cast steel steering knuckle
These use smaller diameter ball joints than the other two setups, so parts are not interchangeable with stamped or aluminum suspension options.
| Product Code | Description |
|---|---|
| K881343 | 2007-2016 SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 2WD 4.5″ LIFT KIT (MAX TRAC SHOCKS) (CAST STEEL ARMS) |
2. Cast Aluminum Control Arms (2014–2018, Some 4WD + 2019 Old Body)
The cast aluminum control arm setup was used on:
- Some 4WD Silverado/Sierra 1500 trucks (2014–2018)
- 2019 “Old Body” trucks (prior to the full redesign)
How to Identify Cast Aluminum Control Arms:
- Raw silver color (aluminum)
- Cast texture
- Casting seam on front and back
- Paired with a cast aluminum steering knuckle
These use larger diameter ball joints and are incompatible with the cast steel suspension components.
3. Stamped Steel Control Arms (Mid-2016–2018, Common on 2WD & 4WD)
The stamped steel suspension setup replaced the cast steel version in mid-2016 and was used on:
- Most 2WD trucks from mid-2016–2018
- Some 4WD models in the same range
- 2019 “Old Body” models
How to Identify Stamped Steel Control Arms:
- Glossy black painted finish
- Smooth steel surface
- Welded seam along front and back
- Paired with a cast aluminum steering knuckle
These also use the larger diameter ball joints, the same as the cast aluminum version.
| Product Code | Description |
|---|---|
| K881753F | 2016-2018 SIILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 2WD 5″ LIFT KIT (FOX SHOCKS) (STAMPED STEEL ARMS) |
Special Note for 2014–Early 2016 Silverado & Sierra Owners
If your truck was built between 2014 and early 2016, it’s important to double-check your suspension before ordering control arm parts. This period saw the most variation in front lower control arm and upper arm setups.
To confirm:
- Visually inspect your control arms and knuckles using this guide
- Check your VIN and suspension RPO codes
From mid-2016 onward, most Silverado/Sierra 1500 trucks used either stamped steel or cast aluminum arms, both sharing the same ball joint size.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Silverado Control Arm
Here’s a table for a quick compatibility test:
- Match ball joint size and knuckle material before purchase
- Verify upper and lower control arm compatibility for your lift or replacement
- Consider ball joint replacement if your current arms are still in good shape but worn at the joint
- Double-check ball joint size and knuckle material
- Always order based on visual confirmation or OEM part numbers
- And…Don’t assume fitment based on trim or drivetrain alone
When you understand the differences in Silverado control arms, you’ll save time, avoid returns, and ensure your upgrade or replacement goes smoothly. Whether you need a standard lower control arm, a performance-focused upper control arm, or both, the right choice starts with knowing your truck’s exact setup.
FAQs
1. What is a UCA, and what does it do?
A UCA, or upper control arm, is part of the suspension that connects the steering knuckle to the frame. Its job is to help control how the wheel moves, keep the alignment in place, and work with the lower control arm to make the ride stable and smooth.
2. Are UCAs difficult to install?
They’re not the trickiest suspension job, but they’re not that easy either. The old arm needs to come out, the ball joint has to be handled carefully, and everything has to line up right. An alignment afterward is a smart move to keep the steering straight and the tires wearing evenly.
3. What about the lower control arms?
LCAs take a lot of the load. When they’re worn, the truck might feel loose, pull to one side, or make clunking noises. Swapping them out and doing bushings and ball joints at the same time can make a big difference in stability and ride quality.
4. How do you know if an upper control arm is bad?
Signs can be uneven tire wear, clunks when going over bumps, or steering that feels vague. A quick look might show cracked bushings or a loose ball joint. If it’s bent or worn, replacing it before it causes more damage is the way to go.
5. Can you drive with a bad control arm?
You probably could, but it’s not worth the risk. The truck won’t handle the same, and the extra stress can wear out other suspension parts fast. It’s best to get it fixed before it leaves you stranded or does more damage.
6. Do you need an alignment after replacing control arms?
Definitely. New arms change suspension angles, and without an alignment, the truck might pull or wear out tires unevenly. Getting it aligned right after the swap keeps everything tracking straight and smooth.
