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Old 12-19-2003, 08:59 PM   #1
Truckhead
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Question modifing the lower control arms

I have a 4/6 drop kit and a disc brake conversion from ECE on my 70' sb fleet and i'm running 16 inch rims. The problem i'm having is the inside rim lip is rubbing the control arm. Well, i ground some of the arm away but it still rubs at almost full turn lock.
What do you guys think about notching the control arm on both sides and then boxing the arm in? Is there an aftermarket lower control arm i can buy instead that will have the clearance for my rims? I got to do something as i went in for the frontend alignment and found also that my lower ball joints were damaged upon install(it looks like the shop that did the install beat the ball joints in with a hammer) resulting in quirky steering problems. With the truck on a lift it takes alot of force just to turn the tires left or right pushing on the tire, very stiff. So i figure i'll fix 2 problems at once.
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Old 12-20-2003, 03:43 AM   #2
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I've trimmed all my a-arms back on trucks I've owned/lowered. The trick is to trim the lip w/o creating any sharp edges that can develop into a stress related crack.

To prevent the chance of cracks, I drill a 5/16 or 3/8 hole where I want the trimmed part to stop. Then cut the lip off from the hole to the balljoint area & grind everything smooth. I'll also trim the opposite side of the hole (towards the frame) to a 45deg angle.

I've never had a problem w/just trimming the arms, but boxing them would be the best.
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Old 12-21-2003, 05:37 PM   #3
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Have you tried running a small 1/4" spacer?? This would likely take care of it?
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Old 12-21-2003, 09:52 PM   #4
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While spacers might solve the problem of rubbing, keep in mind they also add to the track width. For me, the stock track width is the max that is acceptable.
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Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive.
It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar.....

Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.
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Old 12-21-2003, 11:43 PM   #5
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With the ECE spindles, the track width is already 3/4 inch wider on each side than stock so spacers are out of the question. I'm going to check on a price to modify the a-arms. I'll keep you guys posted on the updates. If the price is good then maybe i'll get a few sets made extra to sell.

Last edited by Truckhead; 12-21-2003 at 11:45 PM.
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