Boat_Guy

Well, in the process of moving the engine from my '93 to my '92 I noticed an issue with the driver's side front upper a-arm bracket. Unfortunately I didn't notice this when I bought the '92. Looks like at some point the a-arm had been wearing on the bracket/frame and it's now looking like it's almost all the way through the frame and half the rivet is gone.

Not sure what to do. Any suggestions. I'm assuming someone who knows what they're doing could probably safely weld it up? Does anyone know someone in Washington state? I'm about 50 miles north of Seattle. I don't really know anyone.

I'm pretty sure the guy who sold me the truck had been driving it this way for a while so I guess it's holding up okay but it kind of worries me so I don't think I should just leave it. What do you, the pros, think? I was (am?) hoping to keep this truck for a while so I just want to know it'll be safe while I'm driving it.

Anyway, I've attached some pictures.

Thanks,
Darin

TIMMY22

Yes,

Get it fixed, they can crack and break right off. I bought a parts truck where that a-arm broke right off passangers side.

Lucas1

a good off road shop could handle that or fabrication shop

Boat_Guy

Any idea how much I should expect to pay for something like this? Right now the truck isn't running so I'd have to have someone come to me. Probably add to the expense. I have all the body panels off so I figure it will be easier to weld now rather then later.

Also, wondering if anyone can give me an idea what to look for when it's done? I guess I'm worried about getting taken advantage of since I'm not sure what to look for. Not sure what a pro would recommend. Fill the gouges and run a bead around where the rivet is worn away?

I guess I'm still hoping some Washington member might chime in with someone they know and trust.

Wish I knew how to weld.

TrkEnvy

If you were closer to NV, I would do it for ya. Sorry man, but if you pay someone to do it look for them to have cleaned the area well with a blaster and grinder, and a clean bead wherever they laid weld. They shouldnt need much to replace a rivet. Not saying they will use 7016, but a 1 inch weld with that rod will hold 5000 LBS..

Boat_Guy

Well, I just had a guy come out and look at it and he seemed to think I didn't really need to do anything to it.

He seemed to think that unless I was bombing down a logging road at 50mph then it probably would be fine. And though it's just a 2wd truck and I'm not planning on doing any intentional off-roading this wasn't exactly the response I thought I'd get.

So now I'm really not sure what to do.

911stgen

where are you in washington?

Boat_Guy

@911stgen: I'm about 50 miles north of Seattle right off I-5.

Boat_Guy

Well, I think I'm just going to put everything back together, get it running and then at least I'll be able to take it to a few different places to see what others think. Just hope it holds out long enough to do that.

Richie O

50 bucks and 10 minutes of your time should do it. Just go to a shop and TELL them you want it seam welded all the way around. Job done. If it were mine I would weld it in a second and not ever worry about it again.

deanhinsley1963

what im wondering is why it wore in the first place? Is the A-arm bushings wore out letting the arm hit the bracket.