Reinforce stock LCA?

[jaybee]

I saw a picture on another web site of a lower control arm that had been reinforced by adding a piece of steel just inside from the ball joint, tying the sides of the stamping together. It formed a little pocket around the ball joint. I myself have considered boxing the entire bottom of a control arm, maybe with a hole in the center for shock access and/or lighter weight. Are either of these approaches effective? I think the stock car guys did this in the days when they were required to use stock control arms.

[astroracer]

I did this when I dropped my truck. Welded a piece of 11ga into the bottom to reinforce it. Just remember to drill a good sized hole for stab bar link access before you get it all welded up...
Mark

[CHILI442]

That is a good idea on GM 'A' body lower control arms with a lot of miles (200,000 miles +). They have been known to crack and fail across this area, although it's not that common. One of the things that can cause this problem is if the car has slid into a curb in the snow with the wheels fully locked. The Spindle/steering arm hits the lower control arm and dents the arm. Check yours for signs.