Is this a safety issue???

[jfnar]

This is my driver's side lower control arm. I don't see any cracks and it pivots freely. Is this a safety risk? Sorry the pic is sideways. The left side is bottom. Thanks.

[Barnfind46]

I would address this before I drove the truck again. Not worth the risk.

[Jason Banks]

Even if it fell off.... the whole control arm probably would not come off...but you should try to thread it back in...at the minimum.

If it is not staying threaded in after driving, you might have to replace the whole control arm because it is not fitting tight enough.

[jfnar]

I should add that the cause of this problem is that the wheel came off (long story) and the lower control arm hit the pavement. It was going slow but still took a whack.

[superhondaz50]

New control arms are like $60

[jfnar]

Are they all the same from 67 to 72? This is a 68 but I have a 72 parts truck I can pull one from.

[Jason Banks]

Control arm is the same. Ball Joint is different.

[jfnar]

Ok, thanks. I already have 72 ball joints from a disc brake conversion. Thanks for the help.

[franken]

Originally Posted by jfnar

I should add that the cause of this problem is that the wheel came off (long story) and the lower control arm hit the pavement. It was going slow but still took a whack.

So the lug nuts got loose, fell off, the wheel fell off and that unscrewed the bushing, or ripped out the threads on the arm?

[jfnar]

You can't see it in the picture but that part of the control arm is twisted a little. I suspect the threads are stripped. I'll replace it this weekend with one from a parts truck.

[demian5]

Jack it up, screw it back on, grease it up, and snug the rest. If it has play once tightened back up, then worry. Otherwise drive that @#$%!

[jocko]

If the contol arm is bent from the impact, hard to say what may or may not have cracked or, at least, been compromised structurally. I’d lean to the over-safe approach on this just because of the unknowns - and do just what you’re doing, replace with 72.

[Steeveedee]

That part of the arm does not appear to have hit the pavement. I'll bet all the real scraping is at the lower ball joint. Even so, those nuts get serious torque and should not come loose. I'd replace it, if it were mine to do.

[jfnar]

The nut didn't come loose. Here's a picture of the arm after I removed it and one after I spread it back out with a hydraulic jack. The part from my 72 parts truck was rusted out and the only new replacement parts I've found are over $200. I haven't had any luck finding a good used one so I'll probably put this one back on.

[stsalvage]

Trust me order the Moog Upper and lower bushings order them in a kit with upper and lower ball joints you will love your self always your truck will drive so nicely you can order them off eBay 175.00 for the whole kit $209.00 for the tie rods and sleeves well worth it and take it back to a alignment shop and your done make sure get stuff with grease fittings

[Ironangel]

I think addressing the cause of the wheel coming off is the safety issue. Is that an open tie rod pivot hole in the drag or cross link in the background? That grease cap on the cross shaft is probably a result of the wheel flopping back? Those end caps keep the control arm pivot centered on the cross shaft. They also hold the grease in and dirt out in a perfect world. I've had new ones strip out before getting tight because the threads in the arms are questionable when new and after 45 years of pot holes and salt it's no wonder. I tap them in until they bite again and screw them in until they're reasonably snug against the edge of the arm and then tack them. Yes "tack" them where a grinder can reach the tack and your golden until you can afford to replace them as well as ball joints and tie rods. Might want to check those wheel bearings too, neglect them too long and you might have to chase your wheel down the street after flopping off in a turn, in downtown 8am traffic! It took me a block but I caught it before it hit anyone or anything. I was just a teenager, I can still hear the horns blowing when I think about it...:redface: "Yikes!" To bad cell phones with cameras weren't around back then, me chasing a tire down a crowded city street, horns blasting, people running for cover, surely would have made Americas Most Funniest Videos!

[jfnar]

I upgraded to disc brakes so it's getting all new ball joints, tie rod ends and bearings. That's what I was working on when I noticed the control arm issue. I wish I had noticed before I finished everything else instead of afterwards. Would have saved a lot of work. I hadn't thought about tacking it but it sounds like a good idea. I've had to chase down a couple of wheels before too but this is the first time I have to take the blame for it myself. Live and learn.

[indymachinist]

That control arm is dead to me. If it got hit hard enough to bend it back and yank the "threads" back on the cross shaft I don't want it anymore.