LCA mounting point too narrow

[JohnK]

I'm test-fitting the LCA bearings in their mounting points tonight. Three of the four bearings fit with extra room to spare (as expected) but the driver's side front mounting point is narrower than the other three by a full 0.2" according to my calipers, and the bearing will not fit in the mount at all. Now, I've read that it's not uncommon for the mounts to sometimes be too narrow and require spreading, but this seems like a pretty big discrepancy on this one mount. So if I try to spread it, I'm assuming I don't need to spread it as far as the others... just enough to get the bearing in, correct? Would it OK to install three of the four with washers to take up the extra space, and this one without?

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=102384&d=1550542532

[Mark Reynolds]

No washers - there should be sleeves that take the clamp load from the tabs to the spherical bearing.
The tight one is a no-go. Probably just stay with the poly bushing at that location if you can get it to fit. Otherwise you would need to shorten the control arm tube, the bearing tube and the sleeves and re-machine a circlip groove in the bearing shell. Sounds like a lot but may be easier than relocating a chassis tab.

[JohnK]

Thanks for the reply Mark. By 'sleeves' are you referring to the copper-colored tapered inserts that go in either end of the bearing? If so, it's hard to tell from the photos but they're in there on both sides in all photos. The one on the circlip side barely sticks out of the outer bearing tube, while the one on the other side sticks out quite a bit. Would it be feasible to try to spread the mount a bit and also make up some space by grinding down the tapered insert on the non-circlip side (the one that sticks out a ways)?



https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=102385&d=1550547294

[CraigS]

I would massage the rear mount ear on the tight one. I'd leave the front ear alone. I like to use that front one as a reference point for the overall position of the LCA. It being a big flat plate that also covers the front of the 4 inch tube makes it easy to visually assure that it isn't bent.

[edwardb]

I'd share those pictures and explanation with Factory Five. That looks like an assembly/welding error to me. More than just the typical metal moving when welded. Don't know how it could happen since that stuff is all fixtured. But somehow looks like it did. Since you don't have a powder coated frame, it could be moved to the proper location and re-welded IMO before whatever finish you plan for the chassis. They should work with you in getting that resolved. Again my opinion. You're early in the build. Do it right.

[JohnK]

OK, I sent over some photos and talked to the guys over at FFR. I actually called twice, as the first person I spoke with was pretty nonchalant about the issue and I wasn't fully confident that I got the answer I wanted. After continuing to mull it around in my head for a while (yes, I tend to overthink things sometimes) I called back a second time and got the same answer again. Their advice is to just spread out the tabs until the spherical bearing fits in there. They claim that this is normal so I guess if they're not concerned I won't concern myself either. Time for a quick run to the hardware store for some allthread and a few nuts and washers. Fingers crossed.