'06 Apex/ Vector upper control arm swapability

[David Deyo]

Just bought an '06 GT and have found some suspension damage that I had not noticed beforehand. Right side control arms are tweaked. I bought a lower control arm from a '11 Vector GT and it matches mine dimensionally so that's good to go. Turns out the upper is bent as well and I can get a used upper from the same parts machine but it visually differs from mine so I don't know if it will swap over. It looks the same except that its missing the tubing brace that is about 6" outboard of the bulkhead.

So, the million dollar question is... Will this 2011 Vector GT upper control arm swap into my 2006 Apex GT?

If it does, I plan on welding in the brace so it looks like the original style. Its nice that the newer arms have grease fittings, too.

 

[David Deyo]

Just got the Vector upper control arm. They are a close match, with few differences. The main difference is the diameter of the tubing. Apex has bigger tubing and seems to be aluminum, while the Vector uses thinner tubing but seems to be steel. Strength-wise, it could just be a trade off, but since this a critical piece of the suspension I will be looking for the proper Apex upper arm. Just for the FYI aspect, the other differences were the lack of the tubing brace previously mentioned, and the outer spindle mounts use slightly shorter tubing where it bolts up to the spindle requiring about a 1/4" shorter bolt or the stock Vector bolt. It would bolt up and work in a pinch...

 

[spr5088]

I think those suspensions were different. The mono 2 is what may have come out of the '11 vector. Same suspension- they just made reinforcements to it after finding the older apex/vector mono skids were weak. Someone else can chime in and confirm or deny this

 

[RAMSOMAIR]

My brother did a swap 4 years ago and 5000 miles later all is good. Use the smaller Vector arm, no issues!

 

[4strokeluvr111]

Just got the Vector upper control arm. They are a close match, with few differences. The main difference is the diameter of the tubing. Apex has bigger tubing and seems to be aluminum, while the Vector uses thinner tubing but seems to be steel. Strength-wise, it could just be a trade off, but since this a critical piece of the suspension I will be looking for the proper Apex upper arm. Just for the FYI aspect, the other differences were the lack of the tubing brace previously mentioned, and the outer spindle mounts use slightly shorter tubing where it bolts up to the spindle requiring about a 1/4" shorter bolt or the stock Vector bolt. It would bolt up and work in a pinch...

Call Travis at www.barnofparts.com He will have the answers to your questions.

 

[David Deyo]

I think those suspensions were different. The mono 2 is what may have come out of the '11 vector. Same suspension- they just made reinforcements to it after finding the older apex/vector mono skids were weak. Someone else can chime in and confirm or deny this

My issue is related with the front suspension.

Thanks for the BOP link. They have some cool stuff. I just sent a parts request their way.

 

[spr5088]

My issue is related with the front suspension.

Thanks for the BOP link. They have some cool stuff. I just sent a parts request their way.

Sorry-- I'm sure the arms are interchangeable. He will hook you up for sure- great guy

 

[RAMSOMAIR]

Like I said switched Apex arms to Vector and vice versa for color reasons. Works great many miles later. Don't worry yourself.