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View Full Version : IRS Lower control arm bolts to large?



jemorgan3
12-15-2025, 10:19 AM
So I just started hanging suspension components on the coupe last night and pretty quickly ran into a problem that i wanted to run by the pros before I started drilling out mounting holes on the chassis!!

The problem is specifically with the lower IRS control arm bolts being too large in diameter to fit into the mounting points. Following the instruction manual to the T, using M16x110mm bolts. The rear bolt I was able to drive in with a 10 lbs rubber mallet, but the bolt for the front mounting point is also going through the sway bar bracket that has the same (smaller) diameter bolt hole as the frame does. As much as i tried, I was unable to drive the bolt through both the sway bar bracket and the frame tab. The threaded portion of the bolt goes in fine, when it gets as deep as the unthreaded portion of the bolt, all progress stops!

It feels like its too tight to say its the powder coating causing the interference, but im hoping thats what it is. Thinking of using a dremel with a stone bit to open the holes on both the bracket and frame tab. Is this something I can expect going forward in this build? I dont want to cause issues!

edwardb
12-15-2025, 11:17 AM
Powder coat in the holes can make it seem like the holes are too small. Clear out the powder coat in the frame tabs until you see bare metal all around in the holes and the right bolts will go in. I use a rat tail file. Nothing fancy. Highly recommend to put away the heavy hammer. Shouldn't be necessary and often is masking other issues.