Right Lower Control Arm

[Reddawgfuji]

Ok folks Im not gonna waste time here. The Bird found a ditch and I need to get it fixed. In the first pic, you can see how far back I sent the front passenger wheel. The second and third pics are the lower bent A-arm. Please notice the tire and how it is scrapping the wheelwell. Also notice the bend and scuffs in the A-arm.

My question is: Should I have the A-arm bent back or replace it?

When I mean bent back, I used to work at a body shop when I was a teen were we would "stretch" the frame on cars to get them driveable again.

If I replace it, how much work is involved?

I would rather replace because in my opinion stretching cars makes the metal weak.

I realize Im gonna need an alignment. Im 44, not a kid, and have an awesome set of tools. Im just more of a motor guy not a suspension guy.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

[cam98aro]

Re: Right Lower Control Arm

i would replace it.. i dont think they are THAT expensive

and the control arm around come out with... 2 bolts and the ball joint IIRC

[T-Mill]

Re: Right Lower Control Arm

yea, if you've got the tools, it's fairly easy... a few more than two bolts, but still not much...

1. remove sway bar link: Hold bolt with a socket through hole under control arm and use wrench to remove nut from top
2. detach tie rod end at the steering knuckle: If you don't already have one, I tie-rod remover(aka picklefork) can be bought at Harborfreight for like $2...
3. remove two bolts that hold shock/spring to control arm from underneath control arm
4. remove the two through bolts that attach control arm to the K-member

then re-install and get it aligned...

I think that's all there is to it... may have left something out, though...

[Reddawgfuji]

Re: Right Lower Control Arm

Thanks guys!

I was wondering about the tension from shock tower but it does seem fairly easy. I found a boneyard control arm for $25 and will be doing it today. Then on to the cosmetics.

[Reddawgfuji]

Re: Right Lower Control Arm

Thanks again. It wasnt all that tough. An Air compressor and the right tools come in handy. I didnt realize our cars have used 4 different control arms. The code to what arm you have is on the drivers door and starts with an "F" to the code. My Bird happens to be code F41. I found a donor out of a '98 Camaro.