98' Geo, Prism question

[srspicer]

Hi All,

It has been a while since my last post, a long while, but then again, the car runs well!

Firstly, do I have the correct generation for the car, as the title says, 98' geo prism? If so, I have a question about compatability of parts between Toyota and Chevy parts. ( did not see a FAQ about compatibility) Story;

Daughter hits parked car. Pass. side damages= breaks inner tie-rod, bends lower control arm, breaks axle.

I've purchased parts from Advanced, like their knowledge behind the counter. Ordered new axle, inner tie-rod, outer tie-rod,lower control arm & ball-joint.

Problem; Lower control does not fit. I ordered the Toyota arm because they do not carry the Prism part. ( I also ordered the Toyota ball joint to go with it. ) Toyota control arm is too short by about 1/4", from the rear bushing to the front b. Should I look for the Prism part or different year Toyota arm?

Also, will the toyota ball-joint fit the Prism hub?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

Scott

[Buurin]

Originally Posted by srspicer

Hi All,

It has been a while since my last post, a long while, but then again, the car runs well!

Firstly, do I have the correct generation for the car, as the title says, 98' geo prism? If so, I have a question about compatability of parts between Toyota and Chevy parts. ( did not see a FAQ about compatibility) Story;

Daughter hits parked car. Pass. side damages= breaks inner tie-rod, bends lower control arm, breaks axle.

I've purchased parts from Advanced, like their knowledge behind the counter. Ordered new axle, inner tie-rod, outer tie-rod,lower control arm & ball-joint.

Problem; Lower control does not fit. I ordered the Toyota arm because they do not carry the Prism part. ( I also ordered the Toyota ball joint to go with it. ) Toyota control arm is too short by about 1/4", from the rear bushing to the front b. Should I look for the Prism part or different year Toyota arm?

Also, will the toyota ball-joint fit the Prism hub?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

Scott

Ouch. Sounds like a botched parking job.

They should basically be the same car. (98 Prizm=98 Corolla=the right generation ) Is it possible that the subframe got bent as well? If the subframe itself checks out OK then looks like you may have to check with a Chevy dealer...

For the same reason, the Toyota ball joint should fit just fine.

[srspicer]

Thanks much Buurin.

My next stop is the Chevy dealer.

Scott

[srspicer]

Well, this is how things shook out.

It turns out that 98 was a transiton year for the Prism. During that year, the parts change over to GM and Toyota parts won't fit for certain items, the suspension parts I needed are some of them. Advanced Auto Parts found the Control arm for $300, even he said that was ridiculous. My I found lots of C.Arms on Ebay, but did not want to take the chance on non-fitment. My mech, found the parts for me for $125 for the C arm and B. Joint. Mission accopmlished.

Thanks for the help!

Scott