Reinforcing Stock Lower Control Arms (LCA)

[427camaro]

I remember a while back seeing a post on reinforcing the stock lower control arms, but when it came time to actually do it I had a hard time finding anything so I decided I would share how I went about it in hopes that it might help some of those guys (like me) on a tight budget and looking to save a little $$ by reinforcing the stock lowers.

If I remember right, the method I saw was to completely cover the bottom of the control arm boxing it in. After looking at the control arm stamping I decided to go a different route since one side of the arm is raised a little higher than the other so covering it with one piece didn't seem like the best method to me.

I used 1/8" angle steel and followed the indent on each side to create a square tube frame. I made a number of cuts down the side of the angle and scored the top of the piece to form it. Before welding the pieces in I welded the cuts up and smoothed them out. I am not the greatest welder, but I'm learning.

(I straighten the dent out on the other side.)




Same thing was done on other side. Also created a piece for the front and back to complete the triangular frame.

I also wrapped a strip of 1/8 steel around the ball joint pocket then welded and smoothed of course.

And the finished product vs Stock.....






They will soon be equipped with Moog ball joints and DSE bushings. Hope this helps....