Lower control arm problem - chases bracket not wide enough.

[kmseddon]

Hi everyone - out of the gate and we hit a snag. The lower control arm on the passenger side fits in fine and would take one of the spacers on each side. But on the driver's side we can't get the control arm to fit between the brackets mounted to the chassis? We tried both control arms on both sides and the problem is in the spacing between the brackets welded to the chassis. This a common problem? We obviously wouldn't need a spacer on the driver side even if we could get the control arm in there. Do we just bang out the brackets to make room for the control arm? We just need like an 1/18" to have it slide in smoothly but didn't want to force anything. Should we be worried about problems to come? Would we have to bang it out so there is room for one of the washers/spacers or is it ok to forgo the use of the washer/spacer on the drivers side?

Thanks!

[JohnK]

Very common issue. Some folks just bang them into place or put a large crescent wrench on there and give them a tug. I borrowed someone else's suggestion here and made a "spreader" of sorts using threaded rod, washers and nuts. This method is a little more involved but will keep the tabs straighter.

Edited to add: Not sure who originated the idea, but a quick search of the forum turned up this post as an example of what I'm referring to: #7 (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29536-Front-upper-control-arm-fit-issue&p=340335&viewfull=1#post340335)

[kmseddon]

Thanks John - smart solution. I appreciate you spreading the wisdom and spreading my control arm plates. Good to know this is a common issue. Stay safe!