New to me 1998 Sport, automatic 2 WD. This Jeep was in a front end collision at some point in its life and among the things tweaked is the right side lower control arm bracket. I am installing new adjustable control arms and have been attempting to get the bracket back into shape, but this is as good as I can make it and still have the bolt go through. I'm assuming the previous owner had it aligned since the incident that caused this because there is a fatter shim on that side. This is a street use only vehicle. I'm lifting it 2 inches just for looks. I'm wanting opinions on whether or not I can leave this as is or whether I need to cut the bracket off and weld on a replacement. Thanks for looking!

 

You could probably sledge it into shape but I'd change it out. Check Rusty's, Barnes or Artec for replacements. They're usually ~2X the thickness.

 

Yeah, I've been reading about doing that. My concern is being able to get the new bracket exactly where it needs to be.

 

Nah, just slap it in and spark up:



I used Artec to redo my spring perches and was able to get a detailed cut sheet from their tech support. Give them (or whoever you pick) and ask about a spec sheet.

BTW is that an adjustable control arm? You're gonna need that. NM, saw that.

 

Thank you!! I ordered the Artec. That's exactly what I need; something with foolproof placement. Some of the brackets I was looking at online were not side specific and needed to be angled manually.

 

Mine was damaged like that, and while it was ok, I cut it off, and cut one off a spare D30 I had

As I live in Australia, I hesitated to import the brackets, but if I had my time again, I would definitely order them

imo, you dont have to fit them both

The short side one is very hard to access, so I would also recommend dropping the axle housing either out, or right down if just doing one side.

I have a 3" lift, previously 2", and it is a very good compromise, looks good, handles well, is better off road with bigger tyres

 

Thank you. Yeah, I might just do the one side and save the other if I need it. This is a 2WD street driven only vehicle.

 

That's what I did for the perches, makes for a much easier and enjoyable job.

@q2quest you got some basic woodworking tools? You could also make a jig with a couple wood blocks and a dowel to insure proper location.

And as long as you got it out do both, it'll go quick. I mean after the first one you'll have all that experience!

 

Thanks for the encouragement. I have the axle out and successfully removed the old bracket and welded in the new one. Easier than I thought it would be. My welding leaves a little to be desired, but it doesn't look too bad. I'm really debating doing the other side. I know it's completely unnecessary, but it bugs me that both sides wouldn't be the same.