I have a 2000 Cherokee XJ Classic with a Dana 30 front axle. A local collision shop explained to me that I have a dangerous control arm bracket DIY welding job on the passenger side front axle and the shop would not touch it. I plan on purchasing some replacement Lower Control Arm Brackets TJ/LJ/XJ/MJ from either ironrockoffroad or rustysoffroad and now I'm wondering what type of welding shop would be willing to do this work if I purchased the new control arm brackets? I'm in the Metro Detroit area so some local expertise would be fantastic.

 

This is a very straightforward job. Pull the axle, grind off the old ones, haul it down to the welder's, have the location specs for the new ones handy and any welder can stick 'em on for you.

 

Let's break this down. I have space in my garage to do this. I need two spring compressors, two good size jacks stands, probably should use four. Anything special to remove the brakes? Any special tools needed or any pitfalls I could face? I have an angle grinder. I would just trace the old brackets with a silver sharpie then make a drawing with the measurements or where the new brackets would go. Grind and lug the axle to the welder.

 

Disconnect the calipers and let them hang. HFT ball joint clamp to pop out TREs. Don't need spring compressors. Springs come out when you take the UCAs off. Garage floor jack to prop up the axle to stick it back in. Yeah 4 jack stands, 2 for the XJ 2 for the axle. I used Barnes 4WD drive parts when I R&Red my front axle check them out. They are stronger than stock but not as heavy as Rusty's (but Rusty's are overkill).

https://www.barnes4wd.com/Jeep-TJ-LJ...ets_p_711.html

In re: location, call up the vendor and ask that. They should have the specs (like x inches from the diff at x angle)(or at least, that's what I got when I did my spring perches. Don't rely on marking where the old ones were).

 

Start soaking everything in PB, like the sway bar links. May need some new nuts & bolts, especially those flange things.

 

And somewhat of a trick to put it back. The axle, when connected to the LCAs, looks like it should be rear-heavy, but it's not, it's front-heavy, so use the garage jack on the front of the diff to pivot it into the UCAs.

 

https://www.barnes4wd.com/assets/ima...%20arms%20.pdf

 

Seems like you're asking for a lot of PITA just to save a couple bucks. A competent automotive/4x4 welder is going to charge at least $100 to weld the new brackets, they'll be happy to cut the old ones off for you and then that's what, $200?
I'd much rather pay $100 than remove my front axle, transport it and put it back on myself.

The best thing I'd say is just make sure that the bolts come apart out of the bracket (one at a time, remove the bolt, make sure the control arm comes out, put it back in) since if you have to cut them out, you can do that yourself and put new bolts in before driving to the welder.

 

[QUOTE=Jeff Hofmann;3567756]I have a 2000 Cherokee XJ Classic with a Dana 30 front axle. A local collision shop explained to me that I have a dangerous control arm bracket DIY welding job on the passenger side front axle and the shop would not touch it. I plan on purchasing some replacement Lower Control Arm Brackets TJ/LJ/XJ/MJ from either ironrockoffroad or rustysoffroad and now I'm wondering what type of welding shop would be willing to do this work if I purchased the new control arm brackets? I'm in the Metro Detroit area so some local expertise would be fantastic

I'm in Grand Rapids, formerly in Metro Detroit, and I would probably say the best place I can think of in your area is Harold's Frame Shop. I know they used to do repairs like that, not sure they do any longer. Out in my area there is a place called Jeep Armory that is reasonably priced, and they do great work. If you're willing to drive to the GR area, I know they do things like what you are looking for and they do excellent work. I had them replace all of my leaf spring shackles, replace a few soft spots on the unibody, install frame stiffeners, rock slider rockers, and a custom bumper all for under $1200 (I supplied all materials with the exception of the steel used for patches and the bumper)

 

What PITA, Labor of Love!!

I imagine it depends on what price the OP can find, but it isn't a bad job.

 

we have "mobile welding" services...they drive a van to you..never had to use one, as I do my own, but worth a phone call

 

OK there you go!! If you really want to "DIY", for 200 bucks you can pick up a good used welder (and have enough left over to get an HFT helmet) and do exactly that!

 

I meant to say the welds that are currently on the bracket are of DIY quality, due to the way the person that previously did the work. The whole bracket should have been replaced instead of just welding it back after it was broken. Also, the bead of the repair job didn't look clean the way a professional job would look.

 

I also have another choice, I got a price of $400 for someone to swap axle housings with a used front axle with good brackets. They will do all the wrenching. Maybe later I can have a welder maybe weld on some of these cam plates (in the link below) to the stock brackets if they can get to them while its on the vehicle. I don't do much offroading other than some forest trails in Northern Michigan during deer hunting season.




https://www.barnes4wd.com/assets/ima...%20arms%20.pdf

 

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh...........
That's what right angle grinders are for!
That's the real issue. The "support" of the support bracket no longer exists because there are 2 different planes with heat-compromised metal.