The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 86 Chevy 3/4 ton problems - help appreciated

My Brother inlaw is having troubles with his truck. Lower control arm, the mounting hole that the ball goes into is worn badley. He as not been able to find new replacement, thinks their not available. Any ideas? Could he shim it? or is there someone who does these repairs? He lives out in the desert and he really use'es his stuff hard and the dirt roads are bad out there too. If you got any ideas we would appreciate them, thanks Tom.

The lower control arm and any other parts he may need should be available at a salvage yard. The only reason it would be damaged as you describe is lack of maintenance and lubrication. The ones in the salvage yards will most likely be nearly as good as "new".

My first thought before I read T'mater's was that last time I was in a salvage yard I saw a lot of '73 to '87 trucks that would have that a-arm.

I was looking for a steering box off one and chose the one that would be easiest to remove. You can probably buy the entire IFS for $100 at a u-pull-it place.

I know they have u-pull-its in so cal.

Try just beating the hole shut from the sides. The weight of the truck and spring pressure will hold the a-arm down on the pall joint, so the ball joint fitting supper tight is not really important. You want it tight enough to hold, but supper brand new tight is not necessary. You could also tack weld the ball joint to the arm till you can find a replacement. As long as the ball joint is good, the nut is tight, and ball sock is good and tight, it won't come apart while driving. For really rough off road use, look at some of the off road sites for heavy duty parts.

Joe

Thanks much guys, I will pass the info to my Brother in law. Thanks again.