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I need some some opinions please.... My lower control arm shaft was bent when the previous owner slammed into a curb at a fairly high rate of speed. Pics are attached. My question is what is the best way to straighten the piece where the shaft connects (first pic). It of course is connected to the frame. I thought of heating the the piece and straightening it out as best as I can, but don't know if this is the best idea, so I am looking for suggestions.
I can fix or repair most anything but would not do that job. You need to have frame shop do it so they can measure and make sure everything is lined up properly if you want the car to drive straight.
If the shaft is bent, but all the mounts are ok, you can straighten the shaft on a press, or just replace it.
I had a bent one on mine from bouncing it off a palm tree. I had another one handy so I swapped it out. Then I was martin around in the garage and put the bent one on the press, took about 20 minutes and I had it dead on.
Looks like the mount is bent on yours, but a little heat and it should come back in line, shouldn't be too hard.
If the frame was tweaked or twisted, might be time for a frame shop, But I would do what you can and see where you are.
replace shaft & replace frame piece, that way it is welded to the frame securely and it is straight. To weld it might be less work than straitening it. I would be afraid of stress already done on the old part.
If you keep the control arm, check it for cracks really good. I just replaced a cracked lower control arm on mine and was led to believe that's not an uncommon thing.