2000 XJ Classic Lower Control Arm Bracket replacement, looking for a welding shop

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Aug 8, 2019 | 06:51 AM

#16

Dave51

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 3,462

Likes: 433

From: Connecticut

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Hofmann

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.

Make sure the axle you're getting has the same gear ratio; has good U-joints; has good wheel bearings; pinion seal doesn't leak; has intact spring perches; and the case isn't bent from a front end collision. Taking a gamble that the diff is OK (or at least as good as yours).

Quote:

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.

IMO those plates alone don't offer much. The aftermarket brackets are at least 50% thicker, which is where you really gain support strength.

Aug 8, 2019 | 07:11 AM

#17

Dave51

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 3,462

Likes: 433

From: Connecticut

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Hofmann

...the bead of the repair job didn't look clean the way a professional job would look.

Two parting comments:

Changing out the LCA brackets requires "Overhead Welding Skills". and some of that mess was probably due to that. Pulling the axle takes that issue off the table, and someone with entry level welding skills can do an effective job; and

When welding a vehicle, disconnect the battery (and perhaps the PCM and TCM). It is at least theoretically possible to fry electronic components if you don't.