Busted Control Arm

[Axle]

So it looks like the warranty won't cover the breakage.  The jam nut wasn't where it was supposed to be, which is what caused the failure over time.  A new control arm is about $100 plus shipping.  Here's a thought, though...  What about welding the pin and arm together where they join, then putting the jam nut in place and welding that in place as well.  I'd still be able to adjust the arm at the skid plate. 


Thoughts???




Edit:  Ok, just got off the phone with Rock Krawler and they agree with welding the pieces together.  Alex, whacha doin'!!! 

Edit #2:  Rock Krawler didn't TELL me to do the weld job, they just said it wasn't a bad idea.  Their normal procedure is to replace the control arm.

[HOT-ROD]

FYI, i have a mini torch, with metal that thick, you'll want to get it hot b4 trying to weld them together.

[albsvx]

got any pics yet?

[HOT-ROD]

well, how did it ride on the way back, and what about setting it to the right spec's?

[Axle]

It rode fine on the way back home.  No noises or anything.  But I know it won't last long in it's current condition.  As far as making sure it is set correctly, I am going to back off some of the threads up front.  Then I'm going to add some threads in the rear, weld the pin to the arm, then put the jam nut in tight and weld that too.  I'll still be able to make adjustments using the front pin.  Anyone have Alex's number?  I have the hobby shop one, but they were closed today.

As far as pictures go, I don't really know what you want me to take a picture of.  The only visible damage is the threads on the pin are a little flat.  It's the threads on the inside of the arm that are what are supposed to fail.  Just like they did.  And all because of a stupid jam nut not being in place.

In other news...  I will be going to pick up my 8.8 this next Saturday!  Definitely excited about that.  And, I got my Currie EZ tire deflator today from Quadratec.  A birthday present to myself.  Now I'll be able to air down alot faster and easier.



Edit:  Man I love being in this club!  I got a hold of Alex, and he said he isn't busy tonight.  He's going to grab the welder and head over to my place to fix 'er up!  I hope we don't need that torch of yours, Hot-Rod.  Everyone is welcome to come over if you want. 

[albsvx]

Well, I have no idea what your control arms are supposed to look like.  I've got no idea what you're talking about pins and jam nuts and threads.

Got any pics of what it's supposed to look like?

What brand is the lift?

[Axle]

Rock Krawler.  I'll take pics of the fix up so everyone can see what's going on.

[albsvx]

 

[rocket]

have you tried out your deflaters yet?  I'm curious as to how well they work.  I'm thinking of getting some (going from a streetable pressure to <10# one tire at a time will take a while)

[Axle]

have you tried out your deflaters yet?  I'm curious as to how well they work.  I'm thinking of getting some (going from a streetable pressure to <10# one tire at a time will take a while)

http://www.quadratec.com/products/95202_402.htm

Here is the one I have.  Next time we go wheelin' I plan to try it out.

[rocket]

thats pretty neat.  Though i though you got the automatic ones that you just screw on each tire and they stop at a pre-set pressure

[albsvx]

that one is kinda cool.  REAL fast.

I have the ones that screw onto each tire, they work great once you get them set.

I thought you had 2 sets of tires now?

[rocket]

I do, but unless i do the swap right at the trail head (vice the nearest parking lot), i need enough air to drive to the trail head (and an air tank to get back).  I dont' know how safe it its (or how good for the tires/truck) to drive a few miles on the road w/ only 5-8# (guessing at that, havn't aired below 25# yet).

[albsvx]

it's not safe at high speeds, but short of rolling it, really doesn't do any damage.

I've driven mine pretty far (like from my place to vanes, or my place to lakeview (and back)) on 5#s, just gets real sloppy, don't really want to take it over 40mph.

Also, 5 may be a bit low for 32"s

[reg]

broken control arms and tire pressure ...