Possible Lower Control Arm Issue

[67 GTX]

Hey Guys,

After I got through painting my lower control arms, I noticed a slight bend on the drivers side one where the spindle attaches. The first two pictures show the bend, and the last two show the similar area on the passenger side's lower control arm. Can someone tell me if this bend is supposed to be there, or if there is an issue here.

Thank you!

Drivers side:

Passenger side:

 

[oldbee]

Sorry to say but time to spend some money. Had to change both my lowers many yrs ago.

 

[1967coronet440]

Go with the qa1 tubular lowers if you're open to aftermarket, very nice piece

 

[moparnation74]

It's bent...find another...

 

[1967coronet440]

Hey Guys,

After I got through painting my lower control arms, I noticed a slight bend on the drivers side one where the spindle attaches. The first two pictures show the bend, and the last two show the similar area on the passenger side's lower control arm. Can someone tell me if this bend is supposed to be there, or if there is an issue here.

Thank you!

Drivers side:
View attachment 423177 View attachment 423178

Passenger side:
View attachment 423179 View attachment 423180

I have a set off my 67 coronet in pretty good shape if you're interested in 1 or both send me a message

 

[67 GTX]

Does anyone think it can be straightened out at all?

 

[Fran Blacker]

Check your pivot shaft just in case for a bend.
Straighten it not I.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Trash it.

 

[kiwigtx]

Does anyone think it can be straightened out at all?

Never ever straighten or weld suspension or steering components.
Your life is worth more than any piece of metal on your car.

 

[Kern Dog]

A bend that bad will not allow you to get even caster numbers for alignment. It is best to replace it. The main part of the control arm is stamped steel. It can be bent back to shape but the part on yours that is bent is drop forged steel. It is difficult to bend back to shape without using a torch. The torch affects the temper from the forging process, making it more likely to bend again.
It could be cold bent in a hydraulic press but I'd wonder if it would weaken it.

 

[Cranky]

Never ever straighten or weld suspension or steering components.
Your life is worth more than any piece of metal on your car.

OH NO!! I'm in trouble!! What about those braces that you can buy (or make your own) to weld onto the lower arms to strengthen them? There's a lot of them on the road.

On a serious note, you would probably do more harm trying to straighten it than it's worth but I've been modifying suspension parts for a lot of years but I wouldn't even bother with that because it's really not worth the effort.

 

[kiwigtx]

OH NO!! I'm in trouble!! What about those braces that you can buy (or make your own) to weld onto the lower arms to strengthen them? There's a lot of them on the road.

When I say about welding or straightening suspension or steering components....I mean the forged pieces that should never be tampered with. The LCA mods that are available here and widely used are exempt.
Thanks for your input Cranky....and forcing me to make the point clear for others.

 

[kiwigtx]

Never ever straighten or weld suspension or steering components.
Your life is worth more than any piece of metal on your car.

 

[AR67GTX]

When looking for a replacement - be sure it has the sway bar mount already welded on or you will have to buy one of those too and have it mounted. As someone noted above - it would be a good idea to check the spindle to make sure it isn't damaged/bent.

 

[67 GTX]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I think you're all right, and I will not attempt to reuse my old LCA.

 

[67 GTX]

Can anyone please post pics of known good LCA's. I'm specifically looking for how to align the sway bar tab. I know the bottom portion of it lines up with the shock hole, but I want to confirm the angle that the top of it is at.

 

[AR67GTX]

Is the one good side you have not OK for this? I have a couple pictures but they may not be good enough.

 

[67 GTX]

Is the one good side you have not OK for this? I have a couple pictures but they may not be good enough.

View attachment 425014

View attachment 425015

Thanks for the pics, I believe I followed most of your lead.

 

[67 GTX]

So I was working on the new control arm today, and notice that the adjustment arm has some slop in it. My pics below are trying to slow the gap I am referring too. I was able to tighten it up a bit, but then it started to restrict the movement of the arm itself.

Does anyone see any issue with the current gap (the rusty looking control arm)?
The silver-ish one is my old bent one.

 

[PST]

How are you trying to "tighten the gap"? In most cases when there is play in the arm most will clamp the arms to squeeze the arm bacak together and take out the play. Then weld on a stiffening plate to hold the two halves of the arm together. How much play is there?

Thanks
James