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| Elongating LCA slotted holes for alignment http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61925 |
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| Author: | CrackerCroaker [ Thu Aug 04, 2011 5:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Elongating LCA slotted holes for alignment |
Has anyone had to elongate those slotted holes at the lower control arm (LCA) mounts? I've added some lift and installed the JBA upper control arms. Upon alignment, the LCAs are now at the extreme end of the slotted holes and I still need another 1.7 degrees, which would be about a quarter inch if my math is correct. So I want to bring them out a half inch. I know of one shop (refuse to mention them by name) that will "rent" out a rotary file for just this application. I can get my own. Here's the rub... Looking at the frame, there is a "C" shaped piece of metal welded to just that spot. Not sure if it's safe to grind that out or what. I've done a search here but can't seem to find any scuttlebutt about it. I know there must be, but alas my search terms are just not hitting the mark. A link or some info would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much. |
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| Author: | tjkj2002 [ Thu Aug 04, 2011 5:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Elongating LCA slotted holes for alignment |
You got something bent,might not be noticeable but something is bent and is your problem.If a brand new lift(coils) wait till the coils settle some if camber is out,if caster is out nothing is wrong and part of lifting. You do not want to make those slots longer as those slots are long enough for the cam washers on those cam bolts.You would need bigger cam washers(custom made job) and then the cam washer guides would need to be modified also(again a custom job). I would be looking real hard at finding your bent part(s).Look for tell tale signs like cracked paint or surface rust which is a sign of being bent.Check the knuckles,LCA's,and cradle. |
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| Author: | CrackerCroaker [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 1:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Elongating LCA slotted holes for alignment |
Thanks very much tjkj2002! I made a phone call to the guy I bought the Jeep from. Had to lean on him a bit to get this tidbit of information, but it turns out that he had to replace the driver's side LCA becuse of an impact he had with a rock. After leaning a little bit more, I find out that he not only had to replace that control arm but the mounts had to be straightened out as well. Caveat emptor, right? But in all fairness to the seller, without a lift, the vehicle aligns just fine. I guess there's still a bend there. Well it's only the driver's side that the alignment shop cant get into spec (the camber). So after a visit to a fab shop and asking about bringing the slotted holes out a half inch I have a better idea about what can be done about those slotted holes. A certain shop will rent you a rotary file. If you call these guys they'll tell you it's cool to go ahead and cut into your frame and that grinding into those "C" shaped supports that are welded onto the mounts is fine as well. I'm not going to say that is right or wrong, safe or not, but I got a completely different opinion from a very reputable shop near the raceway in California. They do work for six NASCAR teams as well as running a team that sends trucks to the Baja 1000, and 500 race every year. Not saying that they walk on water, this is just to illustrate that this shop is legit. When I mentioned taking a rotary file to the hole and grinding away, the look of horror on the guy's face was an indicator of how preposterous this is. He did say that it's possible to "get away with that" (his exact words). Instead he offered to remove that "C" shaped piece of metal and properly relocate it - incidentally, he knew immediately that it's there without even seeing the vehicle, over the phone when I asked if he could elongate the LCA slotted holes for more negative camber, he said something like, "but you've got that piece there" - and he did mention what it's called and what it's for and I feel like a total dummy for not paying attention and/or knowing myself. Anyway, I don't want to go on and on, but I'm getting that taken care of and the cost is going to be about $500. Ouch, but at least the vehicle will be safe and properly taken care of. Thanks again tjkj2002! |
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| Author: | tommudd [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 2:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Elongating LCA slotted holes for alignment |
I would repair the real problem instead of making the holes longer. May need to be put on a frame rack but otherwise .......... |
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| Author: | tjkj2002 [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 3:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Elongating LCA slotted holes for alignment |
I'll sell you a perfect(not bent) cradle,$250 plus shipping,that way it will be done right and not hacked together.Being as your cradle is already bent it will never hold a alignment for very long and is weaker now. |
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