• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

PST's Stiffening Plates Install

PST

FBBO Vendor
FBBO Sponsor
Local time
4:49 AM
Joined
Sep 27, 2010
Messages
748
Reaction score
768
Location
NJ
Over the weekend Guys I decided to clean up a lower control arm that we had, so our sales staff had an example to refer too. I hope this helps you guys out as well. Please practice all safety precautions when performing this installation

Thanks
James

So what do these parts have in common? Why go with a Mopar tubular lower control? When with these cost effective parts from PST you can achieve the same performance. This weekend one of our employees will do step by step posts on how easy it is to do. So stay tune
moparlowercontrolarm-somethingsomething_zps3cb255d6.jpg


With the pivot shaft removed, now you will have to remove the lower control arm bushing and inner sleeve( on this build we will be installing a PolyGraphite bushing so we will be re-using the outer shell) Many people burn the rubber out, but a cleaner and easier way is with a heat gun. Direct the majority of the heat into the center in sleeve for a few minutes.
IMG_20130223_085719_zpsc2c7beec.jpg


Now that the inner steal sleeve is nice and hot, take a vise grip and grab the inner sleeve and twist. The inner sleeve will easily come free. Once that is free use a pic or thin bladed screw driver and go between the outer shell of the bushing and the rubber center. Then remove the rubber with vise grips.
IMG_20130223_085922_zps60a62fce.jpg


With the control arm clean and free of rubber, take PST's stiffening plate and center it over the back of the control arm. Make sure to have adequate room to allow access to the torsion bar adjuster and control arm bumper. Use multiple vise grips or clamps to hold the stiffening plate flush to the control arm
IMG_20130224_093201_zps274b1967.jpg


After double checking the placement of the stiffening plate make your initial spot welds to hold the plate in place.
IMG_20130224_093617_zpsc8a797e2.jpg


Now with the stiffening plate secured, start welding either side of the plate till completely welded.(Click on the picture to view video)
th_VID_20130224_122357_zpsa265f5bc.jpg


Make sure that you have proper weld penetration of the plate to the lower control arm.
IMG_20130224_122713_zps2038347d.jpg


With welding completed it's now a matter of appearance, in this case I used a grinder with a sander paper flap disc and smoothed out the welds to give a seamless appearance.
If you have any question please feel free to contact us at 1-800-247-2288 or www.p-s-t.com
IMG_20130224_135234_zps426806f2.jpg


Finished cleaning the welds up and gave the control arm a fresh coat of chassis black paint. Stay tune tomorrow I will be installing the PolyGraphite lower control bushing, pivot shaft and torsion bar adjuster. Just a few simple upgrades and you have a control arm that ready to perform in any situation.
James
PST
1-800-247-2288
[email protected]

IMG_20130224_215234_zps2d567d63.jpg
 
How much reduction in flexing will this stiffening plate provide? For $12.50, it looks interesting...
 
To measure the amount of reduction is rather difficult, but if you look at a typical Mopar arm they are held together by two rivets on one end and the embossed section where the torsion bar goes on the other. Each control arm is different because if you think about it all depends how much abuse they received over the 40 plus years. This plate now ties both sides together and makes an overall stronger unit with reduced forward and aft movement

Thanks
James .
 
Well I had some time to make out to the shop today and finished up the lower control arm build. So here it is new pivot shaft, bushing, torsion bar adjuster and stiffening plate. It is a simple and great improvement to any mopar
www.p-s-t.com
IMG_20130225_151953_zps58205dd0.jpg

Thanks
James
 
Very nice, James. You're always a great help around here. Plus, showing how a stock part can be brought up to par with a modern replacement for less money proves beyond a doubt that you have the customer's best interest at heart. Great job. Nice weldin too.
 
James that is looking really good! Thanks for posting
 
Great info! :eusa_clap:
I'd add in that if the adjuster is really loose then NOW is the time to fix them. Here is a good video on how to do that. I'd add in to get it a little tighter tack weld the stiffening plate while pinching the end shut while in a vise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwes-SP8u4w
 
Great info! :eusa_clap:
I'd add in that if the adjuster is really loose then NOW is the time to fix them. Here is a good video on how to do that. I'd add in to get it a little tighter tack weld the stiffening plate while pinching the end shut while in a vise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwes-SP8u4w

Great video to add. I have had to do that before on other arms but this one was tight. I just enjoy getting back in the shop.

Thanks James
 
Thanks James. I wish i had taken welding instead of Auto Mechanics in shop class!
 
I have been thinking of getting those and I think you helped me make my decision, I'll give them a try on the "DOG".
 
Just ordered a set for the Charger resurrection.
 
Hey James, what gauge are those plates? They look like 20 gauge. Just curious.
 
Yup....cheap enough but I made my own many moons ago. They don't look like those but they'll work.
 
16 Gauge would be my guess....Ordering a set as well. Can't beat the price.

Propwash knows his metal it's 16 guage.

Thanks
James

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks James. I wish i had taken welding instead of Auto Mechanics in shop class!

It's never to late to try Tallhair. Miller makes welder called a millermatic. There is a dial that requires the guage/thickness of the metal. Then the welder adjusts automatically the wire speed and voltage. I have used one and they are great, but I am old skool and set the welder manually my self. It's just practice-practice- practice. Give it a try

Thanks
James
 
Great video to add. I have had to do that before on other arms but this one was tight. I just enjoy getting back in the shop.

Thanks James

Cool video thanks for posting this Brads70. I was looking for the sway bar tabs for these control arms. I couldn't find anything like this at the link found here below, but would like your opinion on installing these as well. :http://www.hotchkis.net/early_mopar_control_arm_bracket.html

early-mopar-control-arm-bracketproducts495promo_pic.jpg
 
Would there be any problem with welding these on the car? Obviously get the weight off the suspension,
 
thanks Green72Runner. Would certainly do as you suggested, was wondering if these tabs were of standard. Looks like they are. Would have thought P-S-T would have offered these as well? :)
 
Same here they are cheap to make, just make sure there is enough slot to adjust your torsion bars.
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top