Freelander 1 TD4 lower wishbones.

In March of this year I replaced both front wishbones as the ball joints were knocking. 2000km later and the ball joints are knocking again!!
I fitted Lemforder parts, or at least I hope I did. That's what I ordered and paid for but when the bits arrived, they were in Britpart boxes but the boxes had obviously been opened and resealed, so I assumed the boxes were for transport only.
This was confirmed when I rang the supplier but I have my doubts.
Is there any way I can confirm, with a stamped part number etc, that the parts I received were Lemforder and not cheap Britpart?

All the Lemforder parts I've ordered over the years came in Lemforder boxes. Although even Britpart wishbones should last more than a couple of K miles. I find the boots fail long before the joint on cheap ball joint assembles.

One of the wishbones arrived with a split boot and I got a replacement sent. They didn't want the faulty one sending back. The parts came from Island 4x4 along with Delphi drop links which came in original boxes. I think I've paid for Lemforder at £80 each and been sent some cheap crap.
The money is annoying, the time spent fitting them more so.
The worse thing is I cracked my sternum propping my chest against the brake caliper as I pulled on a big bar to undo the rear bush housing bolts!!
Not sure how I can prove I was sent the wrong parts and not looking forward to changing them again, but if I do, I'll find a better leverage point than my sternum!!

That's shocking! If the parts aren't too dirty / rusty, you should be able to see a Lemforder part No / batch No. and maybe their logo (which I think is a little owl in a triangle) stamped on it. Alternatively perhaps bite the bullet and buy a pair of Lemforder arms from another supplier, then carefully compare them with what you take off and if they're wrong, get in touch with Britpart and ask them for a full refund (plus a bit for your wasted time if you're feeling lucky!) and don't forget to mention "Trading Standards" to them! That usually puts the fear of God into most dodgy outfits!

Thanks Avocet. I still have a wishbone which was never fitted as it arrived with a damaged balljoint boot. I'll check if for maker's markings.

Most wishbones have some kind of stamped in markings. I've not paid much attention to which manufacturer stamps what, but maybe it's something that should be noted when parts arrive.

I've checked the wishbones and there are no markings that I can find. I still have one that is not fitted to the car making inspection easy.
Can anyone confirm that the Lemforder parts have manufacturer markings before I contact Island 4x4?

Jonny H said:

I've checked the wishbones and there are no markings that I can find.

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That sounds suspicious.

Jonny H said:

Can anyone confirm that the Lemforder parts have manufacturer markings before I contact Island 4x4?

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I've not got a Lemforder wishbone, but I do have an Allmakes in stock. From memory even that has stamped in markings.

Hopefully someone will be along who can say for sure that Lemforder stamp the Freelanders wishbones.

The Lemforder Discovery 3 wishbones definitely do have stamped markmark, so I can't see why the Freelander version wouldn't.

There's a number on the side in the black metal where the ball joint metal plate slides in. Some pic's below:

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/lower-front-suspension-arm.276442/page-3

Thanks Hippo. There are no marks or stampings on mine. I'll contact Island 4x4 and let folk know how I get on.

Island 4x4 have reluctantly agreed to refund me for the wishbones because I have questioned the source of the parts. They say it's a 'gesture of good will' but I suspect it's because they know the parts are not genuine. They want the parts returning to them, once removed from from the car, which is fine but I have told them that will have to be at their expense.
My problem now is sourcing replacement wishbones. I can't find Lemforder parts anywhere and genuine LR parts are £240 each!
Anyone know of a supplier of Lemforder wishbones or can anyone suggest a good alternative make?
Thanks in advance.

If Lemforder are hard to find, why not fit Delphi, which were the OE parts.

Thanks Nodge, Delphi are not easy to find here in Spain but I have found TRW. Does anyone have experience of TRW wishbones?

Delphi are a Spanish manufacturer, so I'd have thought you'd be able to find them there.

TWR are another premium brand, so should be just fine. I'd have no concerns fitting them to my FL1.

Cheers Nodge. I'll keep searching for Delphi but know I can find TRW if not.