95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

consequences of a bent control arm

Old Apr 11, 2006 | 06:41 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by aowRS
I've always wondered if these control arms were designed to bend/give/distort in the event of a crash. There have been enough threads regarding bent LCAs after even mild hits off road.

Does anyone see a chance that a stouter arm will cause damage to the mounting points if hit hard enough off road? Where the stock arm will bend, the stronger one will natuarlly deflect this stress to the mounts, etc.

Just some thoughts.

Andreas

Excellent thought and a good question. But in a crash you'll have bigger problems than ripped lower control arm mounts.
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 07:03 PM
  #22  
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I think he was refering to the fact that by adding a beefier LCA that when off road and you smack it. With there being no give you could cause some damage to other parts, such as the mounting points for the LCA.

With that having been said I can see his point in that aspect, but I don't think that in the long run its going to matter because if you smack that thing good enough it will bend, but its still a good question never the less.
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 10:00 PM
  #23  
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I drove with a bent axle (only slightly) for about a 2 years. In that time I destroyed 4 rear tires.

BTW, I also have the SS arms, they Rock! Literally.
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 03:12 AM
  #24  
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lee
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i wont be making it to SE4RJ... i had 3 friends who were up for the drive with me, but they have since ditched out on me and no one from NE4ROC had interest.. plus i have such a long mod list to attend to!

the question about the beefier LCA's causing other problems is a great one... if anyone has a good answer, id like to hear it.... however, id guess that bending an LCA is more likely than bending its mounts. the LCA attaches to the axle and the frame, correct? ill have to step outside to my truck to be certain, but im pretty sure that is the case...

Last edited by lee; Apr 12, 2006 at 04:51 AM.
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 03:23 AM
  #25  
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From: Ellicott City, MD
Maybe Steve S. can weigh in - he was one of the first to bolt on a set of Spidertrax arms. I remember that he needed to drill the mounting holes out a bit, so I'm sure he knows whether the mounting points are beefy, or just sufficient for the task of keeping a locating arm mounted under normal conditions.

Andreas
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 08:02 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by jodynich
I don't see him being defensive... just suprised at the cost of the product ($400 is a lot of green)

You can always call Kartek, ask for "Baja" Mike give him the eye to eye distance, and they can make up a set of lower control arms. They simply thread some chrome moly tubing and you used heim joints. Far cheaper alternative, Lance is running them on his 4th gen....
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 09:42 AM
  #27  
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lee, you can take the bent one off, take it to a fab shop and have them straighten it, and then add a piece of 3/16" thick 1x1 angle stock to it with the \/ pinting down like this. that will get it back to the correct length, then add strength to it so it won't bend again. make sure to add the angle to the other one as well.
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 09:51 AM
  #28  
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From: vansterdam BC.
i was wondering about replacements for these arms as well in my other thread. is it possible to get a bent one fabbed with the same eye to eye length and maybe some gusseting or angle ironing to add strength? i mean if youre going to go all the way and get a pair custom made, might as well make em with a bit more clearance?
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 11:38 AM
  #29  
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From: boston, ma


thats mine... not as bad as yours
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 11:42 AM
  #30  
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that's not too bad. straighten and put some angle on it and you'll be fine until you can afford new bling-bling ones from steve.
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 05:50 PM
  #31  
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I drove with mine bent for a while as well until I found a used one. Not a big deal if it's not chewing up your tires.
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