LCA bent?

Danimal · Mar 22, 2020

I installed a new set of torsion bars on my 69 Bee. Left side went fine, on the right side the bar did not slide in all the way to it's normal resting point. Upon further inspection I found a gap between the LCA bushing and the K frame. I tried loosening the strut bar, jacking it up, tapping on it etc. Ultimately, I used a C-clamp and pulled it together and was able to install the t-bar just fine. It has left me concerned about the health of that LCA however.
At some point in time the car had some body damage on that corner. When I rebuilt the front end 15+ years ago I replaced the t-bar adjuster bolt on that side, for some reason. When I went to remove it yesterday it was seized and the threads were trashed, I was able to imp act it out without breaking it. I also replaced the pivot shafts at that time with new greasable shafts.
Has anyone ever experienced this condition? Am I over analyzing this or do I have a valid concern?!

Fran Blacker · Mar 22, 2020

For piece of mind replace it. Not a big dollar item.

CHARGERSTEVEN · Mar 22, 2020

There should be a gap between the LCA n K frame as the bushing on pivot shaft only goes on so far.When you used c clamp did you clamp LCA at adjuster end to release preasure,if you havent allready done it i would invest in a set of stiffing plates n weld them on the LCA.

moparwacko · Mar 22, 2020

For what it's worth......
Take a look at your K frame, specifically the welded in bushing.

This side is actually OK, but the weld does have a crack line to be fixed. The drivers side was actually able to rock a bit. Caught this in the suspension I'm currently doing. Neither one gouged out the bushings but have seen it.

66Satellite47 · Mar 22, 2020

If it's been hit, you may want to take it to a frame shop to see if the frames are in alignment. Things may look OK but be off enough to give what you see.

Danimal · Mar 22, 2020

When I c-clamped it I went from the rear of lca to the k-frame. It didn't take a lot of force to pull it forward, just didn't make sense that it was back that far. The old T-bar came out pretty easy.
I wish I would have reinforced the lca's when I it down years ago!
I checked today and there is a gap between the bushing and the sleeve on the pin, less than 1/8". It seems to move freely now so once I get the new adjuster bolt and block I will put it back together as is for the moment and see how it acts. Definitely agree that I should have frame alignment checked, should have done that years ago!

Danimal · Mar 22, 2020

I forgot to ask,, who makes the best adjuster bolts? Anyone have experience with QA1's?

hunt2elk · Mar 23, 2020

Danimal said:
I forgot to ask,, who makes the best adjuster bolts? Anyone have experience with QA1's?

I used the QA1 adjusters on my last 2 cars. Nice quality pieces.

funnykarman · Mar 23, 2020

I read on FBBO that it was a good idea to weld a stiffing plate to the bottom of the lower control arms . There are several companys that offer them . I made my own up from 1/8 plate . Looks as if this is done it will stiffen them up and will have less flex . I clamped them up and welded on the plates . Food for thought . John

Danimal · Mar 23, 2020

I Definitely wish I would have reinforced them when I had them off, my overhead welding skills, or lack there of will force their removal! It on my future rainy day list though.

LCA bent?

Danimal

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Fran Blacker

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CHARGERSTEVEN

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moparwacko

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66Satellite47

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Danimal

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Danimal

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hunt2elk

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funnykarman

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Danimal

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