Hey everyone. I'm in a bad situation. Both my rear upper control arm brackets are rotted out, driver's side is a lot worse than the passenger side. Anyway, the shop I took it to wanted 1,035 to replace them. I already bought the brackets. Anyway, I can't afford that right now so, is there ANY way to temporarily strengthen them up before they snap off that does not involve welding? Was thinking of drilling the top bolt hole through to the other side of the frame, and replace the bolt with the same size just longer to come through the other side and put on a thick fender washer and nut or, will that not work? Or maybe some kind of U bolt or brace to put around it? Idk, getting desperate and starting a new job soon that's gonna be about 50 miles a day to and from.
Strange question
- Thread starter Stuntmanmike1977
- Start date
Mooseman
Moderator
$1000 just to weld a couple of brackets? It can't be that complicated. I'd try to find another shop or someone with a welder. Other than that, I don't know what else you could do.
I would have to agree with @budwich . If the frame is that ate up, I would have to seriously start considering the shape of the rest of the frame.
Especially the front frame connections where the control arms come in, or the upper strut mounts, or???
Lots of safety stuff to consider here.
I dont want to put down a good GMT either, but theres comes a time...
@Mooseman can tell you all about what these trucks look like when the "cancer" takes over.
Especially the front frame connections where the control arms come in, or the upper strut mounts, or???
Lots of safety stuff to consider here.
I dont want to put down a good GMT either, but theres comes a time...
@Mooseman can tell you all about what these trucks look like when the "cancer" takes over.
Mooseman
Moderator
Yeah, there might be more than just the brackets that is gone. I've seen it before and have repaired some (on a Silverado twice, not a TB). Not an easy job. If it's just the brackets, it ain't too bad (been there) but the frame itself would be a lot of work.
As for a temporary fix, maybe a long through bolt might work if the frame isn't rusted out. I don't know what else to suggest.
As for a temporary fix, maybe a long through bolt might work if the frame isn't rusted out. I don't know what else to suggest.
Ok. They said after they take the gas tank out they would have to replace the steel behind the brackets and then weld them on to that. The frame from the front of the tank still has paint on it just the rear that looks a little crusty. They said it was repairable and sounds solid when hit with a hammer so, we shall see. Thank you.
