I am interested in replacing the lower control arms on my LR3. After much investigation, I decided to use OEM lower control arms. I found a recommendation to utilize Range Rover Sport lower control arms instead of the LR3 lower control arms. Apparently, the Range Rover Sport lower control arms are more robust and are utilized in armored Land Rover/Range Rover military vehicles. Can anyone confirm this is a viable drop in replacement option to improve the lower control arm on a 2007 LR3?

Below, the LR3 control arm part numbers are defined with the Range Rover Sport suggested replacement:
LR 075993 A Control Arm – Right Front Lower - LR 029304 (Range Rover Sport P/N)
LR 075995 A Control Arm – Left Front Lower – LR 029306 (Range Rover Sport P/N)

I appreciate feedback in regard to this recommendation. Thank you,

 

They are not more robust per say, they are just stuffer and thus you will have slightly more feedback into the frame. They do not last longer than the originals.

 

^^ This....also, I don't think the RRS control arms are the same that are used in the armored version Land Rovers. I believe that is a different p/n altogether. To add one more consideration, stiffer bushings are not more ideal for off-roading.

 

RBJ501000 AND RBJ501010 (armored’s LCA) do supersede to part numbers that are shared by RRS1. You can check it yourself at https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com/ if you want.
The arms are the same, the bushes are different compared to regular D3.

 

Also the original LCAs probably have a 32 mm ball joint while the “new” (updated) ones will/should have a 35 mm ball joint. The parts fitting the 35 mm ball joint have it in their description.

(Answer to the “drop in replacement” question would be “it depends” which is a great engineering answer in general)

 

Thanks for all of the replies. kajtzu, I appreciate your investigation confirming the RRS lower control arm part number is the same (except for the ball joint diameter concern) as the armored lower control arm part number.
It seems the lower control arms are a bit of a weak link in the LR3 and I'm just looking for an improved OEM version. However, it seems there are other details such as ball joint diameter and mating connecting rods that must be taken into consideration when going the RRS/armored p/n direction. Given the nuances, and the fact I don't want to be shipping parts back to suppliers (making the shipping companies even richer), I may just stick with the LR3 lower control arm part numbers.
I just noticed the LR3 LCA is priced $53.00 more than the RRS LCA on the Atlantic British site.