Re-enforcing stock TJ lower control arms?

thecarman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Location
Apex, NC
Does anyone see a problem with me plating the open side of my TJ's stock lower control arms? You know how the stock arms have a "U" cross-section - I was thinking of welding a flat plate along the entire length of the open side, boxing it in.

It looks to me like it would be a cheap and easy way to strengthen the lower arms, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing something. ;)

The reason I'm considering this is that when I got the TJ, both lower rear arms were trashed from the previous owner hitting them on stuff. I replaced them with some used stock arms that Rob picked up from me from Sheldon a long time ago (thanks Rob and Sheldon!). I figured I should do something to help be new/used arms before I trash these myself. :driver:

I have adjustable rear upper arms to make my pinion angle right for my SYE, but I don't have the need for stock-length aftermarket replacement lower arms - I'd just like to take an hour or so to beef up what I've already got, if my idea will work. :)

Thanks!
Richard
 
Sounds like a good idea to me... ya might wanna try and keep the heat off the bushings... or just replace 'em when you're done.
 
i dont see why it wouldn't work. what size plate were you gonna use? if you want a few LCA's to practice on I've got some laying around.
 
I would think .120 would be fine.. how thick are the LCA's stock?
 
.120 would work, your just boxing it. The stock arms are not much thicker then that anyways. I wouldn't run a bead along the whole length though, maybe 3 - 4 1 inch beads. Careful with the rubber bushings. Don't want to melt those. Also check your front LCA mounts on the axle. I boxed those also, mainly because I drive by braile. Make sure you do it high enough to get the arms in and out.
 
If your going to keep the stock arms that is a great idea.

I would do all 8 arms while your at it. My buddy Matt slammed on his brakes at a stop light as his upper CAs buckled, it wasn't pretty to say the least.
 
With so many people replacing the arms it's not hard to find replacements cheap. I sold mine but if I knew you needed them I would have given them to you for spares.
 
yeah, i've got a box full of tj arms also if you want them...
 
Cool - sounds good all!

Yes - probably .120 plate - the arms themselves are thin. Will look at plating the axle brackets too. I know Jim hit them a few times already. :)

Good idea to do this to all the arms while I'm at it. :)

Thanks for the offers of free stock arms. Definitely let me know if you're going to throw them in the trash, and I'll pick them up before you do that. But if you're going to hang onto them yourself or you know others who might need them, I'll pass on them, as I have a few spares.

I'll post pics when I'm done - may be a week or two before I get to it.

Thanks!!!
Richard
 
Richard,
I have all of the rears you can have you just have to come buy and get them
I also have th uppers in the front
Carl
 
Would he have to worry about the metal deflecting if he used too much heat or welded full passes?
 
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