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Lower Control Arm - Bent, Repairable, or...?

Started by Yellow71Cuda, December 03, 2020, 10:13:41 AM

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Yellow71Cuda

December 03, 2020, 10:13:41 AM
Hi guys,

I need some help please and opinions on what I may be dealing with here.  There is a large gap at the pivot end of the LCA, and it looks as if someone possibly tried to remove the bushing with a hammer and chisel and it has separated.  Hard to determine the history.  Is this easily repairable, or ???  :notsure:

Any opinions and advice are greatly appreciated!  :drinkingbud:   

Burdar

#1
December 03, 2020, 11:05:22 AM
There is a plate on the top side of the LCA that the lower bump-stop mounts to.  Is that plate still welded to the LCA on both sides?  In order to spread the two halves that far apart, I would think the welds on that plate have to be broken.  If not, one of the LCA halves has to be bent.

If the welds are intact, you can use a clamp to squeeze the two LCA halves together...then weld a small strap across the back to keep the ends together.  If one of the welds is broken, you can clamp the two halves together and weld the top plate back on.  That will keep the two halves together.  You need to make sure that the torsion bar socket is still free to spin though.  Don't tighten the two pieces really tight and then weld that plate back on.  The torsion bar socket needs to be able to move so you can adjust the ride height.

The LCA are build pretty sloppy from the factory.  I've seen some pretty large gaps there.  But yours is extremely excessive.  It's perfectly acceptable to squeeze the two halves together and weld a small strap across the back to tighten things up.

Purepony

#2
December 03, 2020, 11:06:27 AM
I'd replace it, just for safety and sanity   It can't be much to replace

dodj

#3
December 04, 2020, 11:17:37 AM
"There is nothing your government can give you that it hasn't already taken from you in the first place" -Winston Churchill

Yellow71Cuda

#5
December 04, 2020, 12:28:43 PM
Quote from: dodj on December 04, 2020, 11:17:37 AM
If it was me... replace with
https://www.qa1.net/automotive/suspension/control-arms-other-tubular-components/control-arms

Part of me would prefer to go with modern technology and go that route, but I really want to keep the car as factory appearing as possible.  I know I sacrifice the enhanced drivability a more modern suspension provides, but I'd like to remain a purist regarding most everything except for tires.  My dilemma is my current lower control arms.  One is factory correct and original to the car, and the other appears to have been replaced at some time with a replacement part with no lip on the pivot point (see photos).  I'm not sure this will cause any issues...it just bugs me a bit that it's not "year correct" for my '71.  Thoughts on this?  Has anyone seen this, or know what year LCA this may be from?

     

dodj

#6
December 04, 2020, 01:35:04 PM
I respect your originality position. So QA1 is out.  I would search out some originals to clean up. My logic is, you don't know what caused your lca to end up like that.
"There is nothing your government can give you that it hasn't already taken from you in the first place" -Winston Churchill

Yellow71Cuda

#7
December 04, 2020, 01:52:01 PM
Quote from: dodj on December 04, 2020, 01:35:04 PM
I respect your originality position. So QA1 is out.  I would search out some originals to clean up. My logic is, you don't know what caused your lca to end up like that.

The separated LCA was a part (one of a pair) I was looking to purchase to replace the LCAs which came off my car (mine are pictured below).  I was concerned that one of mine did not have the raised lip as pictured above.  I think it may be best to just clean up mine with new bushings and call it done...unless someone has any insight as to any issues I may have with the one I have which does not have the raised lip?   

dodj

#8
December 04, 2020, 03:35:06 PM
I would stick with your originals :alan2cents:
"There is nothing your government can give you that it hasn't already taken from you in the first place" -Winston Churchill

CudaA39

#9
December 04, 2020, 03:56:47 PM
Come swap meet season (all things considered) you'll probably be able to score another set for an affordable price.  I don't see how the QA1 lowers delivery any benefit over OE other than looks and a lighter wallet.  Even if they saved on weight, which I don't believe they do, that particular part can't really work any better than the original design.
Check out my 71 Gen3 build:

https://youtu.be/XSDAWczXoZw

2015 Tri-State Stock/Superstock Champion
2017 Monster Mopar Weekend Sunday Pro Winner
2018 Monster Mopar Weekend Friday No Box Winner and 11.50 R/U

Brads70

#10
December 04, 2020, 04:21:42 PM
Quote from: CudaA39 on December 04, 2020, 03:56:47 PM
Come swap meet season (all things considered) you'll probably be able to score another set for an affordable price.  I don't see how the QA1 lowers delivery any benefit over OE other than looks and a lighter wallet.  Even if they saved on weight, which I don't believe they do, that particular part can't really work any better than the original design.


:iagree:  place a wanted ad on here or the facebook site and I bet you will have some good options in hours....  :bradsthumb:

dodj

#11
December 05, 2020, 03:14:42 AM
What do you guys have against his originals though?  They look fine to me?
"There is nothing your government can give you that it hasn't already taken from you in the first place" -Winston Churchill

Yellow71Cuda

#12
December 05, 2020, 03:43:48 AM Last Edit: December 05, 2020, 05:00:25 AM by Yellow71Cuda
Quote from: dodj on December 05, 2020, 03:14:42 AM
What do you guys have against his originals though?  They look fine to me?

I was wondering that myself. 

So...I did some research, and apparently the LCAs have letter stampings and the rivets have date codes.  Both are stamped 82459.

My driver's side (with the raised lip) is stamped: PD LR (correct for E-body, left side) - Rivets 012 and 254.  (1970, first shift, second line) and (the 254th day of 1970)  My car was built in October, 1970.
My passenger side: (without the raised lip) PD RR (correct for E-body, right side) - Rivets 312 and 240. (1973, first shift, second line) and (the 240th day of 1973).

So my guess is that my passenger side LCA was replaced as some point in time with a replacement from a '73 or '74 model year, the only difference being that small raised lip around the pivot.  I've heard that won't make a difference or cause any issues.

     
 

Brads70

#13
December 05, 2020, 04:19:39 AM
Quote from: dodj on December 05, 2020, 03:14:42 AM
What do you guys have against his originals though?  They look fine to me?

The original one in his first picture that is spread apart, I'd replace that one. Nothing wrong with the others . If he wants one with the "lip" then place an ad and see what comes of it?   If your going to scrap the bent one I'd cut off the sway bar tab and save it. Someone might be able to use it at some point?

Yellow71Cuda

#14
December 05, 2020, 05:18:34 AM
Quote from: Brads70 on December 05, 2020, 04:19:39 AM
Quote from: dodj on December 05, 2020, 03:14:42 AM
What do you guys have against his originals though?  They look fine to me?

The original one in his first picture that is spread apart, I'd replace that one. Nothing wrong with the others . If he wants one with the "lip" then place an ad and see what comes of it?   If your going to scrap the bent one I'd cut off the sway bar tab and save it. Someone might be able to use it at some point?

The original one which is spread apart in my first pic is one of a pair I was looking to purchase (they are not mine). 
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