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Some of you might remember me having issues with wheelbase, my front passenger side wheel sits too far back. After another inspection I noticed my lower control arm bracket has been welded. I'm guessing it's been welded in the wrong place.
How do I remove the bracket? Cutting the bracket loose seems possible, but I think I cant realign in unless the "channel" under the cradle is also removed/loosened. How is that attached? Spot welds? Someone like DUB who has done this before might be able to advise.
then, after its loose, any pointers on where the proper location is? Thanks in advance!
What exactly do you mean "the control arm bracket has been welded?"
(Please ignore the triangle gusset added into the corner)
Before going in too far I'd measure and make sure the rather flimsy control arm isn't bent, a good hit into a curb will bend it out at the end of the arms where it meets the shaft. And for that matter, the shaft will bend where the bushings are.
Do some triangle measures from known positions comparing the drivers and passenger sides, frame fixture hole on the passenger side to the end of the control arm shaft on the drivers side vs the other way and then to the front, etc
M
What exactly do you mean "the control arm bracket has been welded?"
(Please ignore the triangle gusset added into the corner)
Before going in too far I'd measure and make sure the rather flimsy control arm isn't bent, a good hit into a curb will bend it out at the end of the arms where it meets the shaft. And for that matter, the shaft will bend where the bushings are.
Do some triangle measures from known positions comparing the drivers and passenger sides, frame fixture hole on the passenger side to the end of the control arm shaft on the drivers side vs the other way and then to the front, etc
M
Sorry, I should have said re-welded.
The arm has already been changed for a new one. I measured the frame using a document that DUB sent me, everything checked out.
Then the lower U channel would have to be cut loose to move the rear end of the shaft as well. You can see where they welded through those slots underneath. Between those and the weld around the edge of top bracket I'm surprised it could have ever been moved in the first place rather than the frame being bent somewhere else.
Getting that channel off without ruining it seems like a tall order. Replacements were available but I'm not sure how available there are "over there"
M
Then the lower U channel would have to be cut loose to move the rear end of the shaft as well. You can see where they welded through those slots underneath. Between those and the weld around the edge of top bracket I'm surprised it could have ever been moved in the first place rather than the frame being bent somewhere else.
Getting that channel off without ruining it seems like a tall order. Replacements were available but I'm not sure how available there are "over there"
M
Yes, from what I can see both the control arm bracket and the frame have been welded there. I'm guessing the frame separated there, and was welded back incorrectly?
getting the rail off without damaging it will be the hard task. I'm guessing its spot welded? Getting on in Belgium would be impossible, mind, ordering @ zip or similar wouldnt be a problem. Will be another nice weekend job...
I had to remove those lower channels on my 76 and found them very easy to remove. The factory "welding" was so crappy and such a small area that I ground off what I could get at and a few easy whacks with a hammer had the channels off in no time.
I had to remove those lower channels on my 76 and found them very easy to remove. The factory "welding" was so crappy and such a small area that I ground off what I could get at and a few easy whacks with a hammer had the channels off in no time.
Thanks! Just grind the spotwelded parts? Was thin king of trying a spot welding bit.
Removing lower control arm bracket
