oblong holes in control arm bracket

[Herman8r]

I am experiancing a "clunking" in the front end. I looked at the control arms (Carli after market) & noticed the control arm bolts were moving back & forth---oblong bolt hole in the bracket. I also have the same situation in the with the track bar (Carli after market) where it connects to the frame on the drivers side.



I am not sure of the cause---the bolt was a bit loose on the track bar & the installer tightened up when I took the truck back for inspection. I personally check the torque on the control arm bolts & they were tight.



Any suggestions for the repair or maybe a kit??



Thanks for the help.



HJR

 

[RDeFayette]

This'll take care of the track bar.

http://sourceautomotive.biz/trackbarmountbuildupplatesfor03andnewer.aspx

The control arms, don't know.

 

[sag2]

Depending on what bolt you are referring to, the torque specs are 120, 140, and 170 ft/lb. The 170 is very difficult to get without a very long lever. Most likely the installer did not torque them properly.

 

[Herman8r]

the area of concern is the lower rear mount. I am guessing the welded washer approach.

Thanks, HJR

 

[Herman8r]

thanks RD for the link.
HJR

 

[RDeFayette]

No problem.

If you have the same problem with the control arm mounts no reason you couldn't do the same thing.

Go to Fastenal and get metric hardened washers and longer bolts.

Sorry don't know the sizes.

You will NOT be able to do this to the front bolts on the lower control arms though. Caster adjusters!

 

[Herman8r]

Great idea about Fastenal. They are just a few blocks from my office. My next venture is to replace my pitman arm to a dropped replacement---due to the raised suspension. I overlooked that in the past & now the linkage is showing wear. I have the aftermarket Borgenson steering box. I heard the pitman arm is the GM part. More research.

Thanks again, HJR

 

[RDeFayette]

Fastenal will probably NOT have them at the store. I had to order mine for the track bar mount.

2 days big deal.

If you look online they will probably show "bulk" numbers for availability but you can get whatever number you want.

 

[cerberusiam]

I have the aftermarket Borgenson steering box. I heard the pitman arm is the GM part. More research.
Thanks again, HJR

Might work or you will have to go back to Borgeson for the drop arm.

 

[Herman8r]

I haven't had time to call Borgenson yet. Work has been crazy. I didn't even think they would have a droped pitman arm. I was just thinking of getting the specs. Them having the arm would be a big plus.
Looking at the front end linkage---it is kind of a no brainer----I should have noticed before. I guess I need to step out of the box more .

Thanks for the insight.

 

[Herman8r]

Just went on the Borgeson web site & found the info about the pitman arm. The info is in in the "trouble shooting" section.

HJR

 

[cerberusiam]

Supposedly the steering shaft they use in the box is from a 94-2000 Grand Cherokee. That might also be a source if the taper in the connector is correct. Some have commented using it worked.