FE1 Control arm differences?

[slugbug]

What is the difference between control arms for non FE1 and FE1 suspension? I have an early 2003 Ion and most of the control arms I see advertised seem to be for FE1 Suspension which my car does not have.

[ruley73]

Originally Posted by slugbug

What is the difference between control arms for non FE1 and FE1 suspension? I have an early 2003 Ion and most of the control arms I see advertised seem to be for FE1 Suspension which my car does not have.

The main difference is that the FE1 arms are stamped steel while the FE2/FE3 arms are cast aluminum.

The control arms are all interchangeable with regard to fit & function. You can install FE1 arms on a FE2/FE3 Ion or install FE2/FE3 arms on an FE1 Ion.

[slugbug]

My 2003 Ion does not have FE1 suspension from what I gather but will a control arm for FE1 fit my car?

[ruley73]

Originally Posted by slugbug

My 2003 Ion does not have FE1 suspension from what I gather but will a control arm for FE1 fit my car?

If you read and understood my previous post, you should already know the answer to this question (YES).

You can confirm which suspension you have by looking at the option sticker on the left side of the floor in the trunk. Most 2003 Ions have FE1 suspension, but some Ion 3 models came with FE2. No 2003 Ions have FE3 suspension because FE3 is exclusive to the Red Line Ion which wasn't made until 2004.