stripped lower a arm

[gysgtc]

I just tried installing new parts on drivers side lower a arm and stripped the bushing threads in the a arm. The passenger side went in no problems. What can I do now?

[ChevLoRay]

Is it the control arm or the nut on the shaft, that is stripped? Either way, sounds like replacing the part is your only option. If one is stripped, it's a safe bet that the other piece is, too.

[gysgtc]

It looks like both are. I was thinking about taking it to a machine shop and having them turn down the threads until it will just go into the a arm, then tig weld it in place. Do you think that would work?

[ChevLoRay]

If the threads are not the same, you're gonna end up with a vehicle that can only be fixed with special parts not available to anyone else.

Why not just replace the control arm and make so you can use factory replacement parts? I understand the machine shop idea, but you may find you're gonna spend more $$$$ on the work, than a replacement piece would cost....unless you own/work at the machine shop. If so, then you wouldn't have asked that question because you'd have been showing us what you did.

I'm just saying this because of my age and knowing that things happen for which we want to find an alternate solution but don't want to bite the bullet and just replace the part. I get it. I've been where you are, but on different stuff and at different times.

There should be plenty of good used parts available from dryer climates that don't have the salty roads in winter.