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It wasn't my accident, it was a slow moving accident though. There is ZERO damage to body.I guess I'll be the one to ask for more details and pics on what you hit, how it happened, how fast it happened, and what the damage up top looks like.
Looks like you got some work ahead of ya with parts replacement and I wish ya the best of luck on it man! Fingers crossed for no more surprises for ya.
If it was me & my 80, I'd either DIY (or pay a pro - I'm a cert'ed welder for work) or recruit a buddy who really burns rod for a living.
I'd landmark with a Sharpie your old bracket "ears" & then either plasma & dress out with a 4.5" grinder - or do it all with that 4.5" & a cutter disc & flapwheel to dress out.
Then get that section of a frame someone is willing to sell the whole framerail chunk & remove the bracket sacrificing the scrap box frame you're pulling it off of.
Then if you are really a good welder, just get at it. Or continue to pay either a well qualified buddy or a body shop.
I'm sure someone will chime in about heat treating, but frankly I'll sooner drive on my welds than a fatigued bracket that was re-bent to spec.
If you made a face of any sort reading the post, let a pro welder tackle it, you're dealing with argueably one of the most critical brackets.
Also, check your tube that ties the framerails together - I don't know how I did it but I cracked my LX450 loose on one side. I couldn't even guese when I did that, it was a surprise to find that.
Penetrant overspray like crazy. Trying to clean years of PO grime.Also, is that just penetrant overspray, or did you roach a section of brake hardline?
I can't wiggle the axle at all. But before disassembly it drove without too many issues and the wheel turned freely.Bet your axle housing is fine. Those control arms are strong but not designed to take a hit sideways. Can you wiggle the axle? You said it was a slow moving accident. The Mercedes that hit my truck was going at 35 MPH before slowed a bit and hit the truck.
The tube is fine, double checked. You're right, don't straighten it, cut out carefully and replace. Need to find a donor...
I'm not a welder, I'll have someone else do that. It'll be done in my driveway though and that will likely have limitations as to who will do the welding.
I'm hoping I can straighten this bracket that is welded on and holds the control arm.
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Have also straightened them, not that elaborate, just I-beam, 20t jack and chain. Have done them on the truck, didn't even take it apart.
Have also straightened them, not that elaborate, just I-beam, 20t jack and chain. Have done them on the truck, didn't even take it apart.