OEM boxed lower control arms

[Bradley G]

I fabricated one Boxed lower control arm out of two new OEM arms.
Popped the bushings out of one, and welded it, (not me) to the other.
I was happy with, the way they turned out.
I spent some time cleaning/polishing it up after. They look stealth.:D
I will work on another one soon.
Thanks for the Idea!

[Rider90]

We need pics Beeeerraaaadd, and how about those Trilogy videos still on your camera? Man, those were sweet, good times :beer:

[jimlam56]

Pics please!

[MM03MOK]

Hey, you logged in!

[Bradley G]

I got Vid!
After I watched them, (One in Particular), felt a bit silly , acting 16 again.
I will try and post up a pic of the control arm, after the finished copy.
We need pics Beeeerraaaadd, and how about those Trilogy videos still on your camera? Man, those were sweet, good times :beer:

[Rider90]

I got Vid!
After I watched them, (One in Particular), felt a bit silly , acting 16 again.
I will try and post up a pic of the control arm, after the finished copy.
I'll be sure to edit any and all silliness out of the video, that is uncalled for and we certainly cannot release release footage of [mostly] grown men giggling like kids :D

[Bradley G]

If you edit out the giggling, that will be a very short clip.:D
I'll be sure to edit any and all silliness out of the video, that is uncalled for and we certainly cannot release release footage of [mostly] grown men giggling like kids :D

[Rider90]

If you edit out the giggling, that will be a very short clip.:D
How can you get it to me? is it on your hard drive? disc? I'm working on a project, the videos we had of your car strapped down as well as the test drive would be very useful.

[Bradley G]

Still on 8mm tapes.
I will try and get them to you.
Thank you for your efforts!:bows:
How can you get it to me? is it on your hard drive? disc? I'm working on a project, the videos we had of your car strapped down as well as the test drive would be very useful.

[Rider90]

Still on 8mm tapes.
I will try and get them to you.
Thank you for your efforts!:bows:
You can D/L them from the camera to the computer right?

[Bradley G]

I can, most vid files I have tried to mail have been to large to complete.

[Bradley G]

I got the second pair of lowers last week.
The second Boxed lower arm will be completed this week.
I also recieved the Limo style(Lincoln)uppers, yesterday.
Thanks for the Ideas!:coolman:

[jimlam56]

Hows about some pics?:confused:

[Rider90]

Hows about some pics?:confused:
Yeah Brad, you know better, stop this teasing :D

[Bradley G]

I did take a couple of pics.(parts lying on the floor)
No MBA in photography/journalism here.

[Warpath]

Mind posting them?

[rayjay]

Quit teasing Brad, post some pics. Is what you are doing as simple as welding two OEMs together, or is there more to it?

[Bradley G]

I don't intend to tease anyone.
Almost that simple rayjay;
Take one stock arm, press both


bushings to the end.
Take another arm and remove the bushings.
Now they can be welded together.
Update;
I should have the second one finished today, hopefully.
I wanted to coat them too, so they won't degrade (appearance)as fast
When I try to upload pics, I get a "file too big" message.
I need to learn how to reduce pic quality?

Quit teasing Brad, post some pics. Is what you are doing as simple as welding two OEMs together, or is there more to it?

[Warpath]

try http://tinypic.com . It will resize really large files for you.

[SergntMac]

What are your cost per kit projections, Bradley?

I complete set of OEM control arms =

Remove second set from vehicle =

weld together and press bushing =

restore to car* =

(*cost may be included in removal estimate)

[Bradley G]

I had not planned on marketing/selling the boxed arms.
I saw that Chris@ ATDR sells them.
He is a sponser at Crown Vic .net

Update;
The second one is welded together.
One of my Pals at work, is going to apply a special zinc primer and top coat them inside and out.
I am thinking flat black for the color.
What are your cost per kit projections, Bradley?

I complete set of OEM control arms =

Remove second set from vehicle =

weld together and press bushing =

restore to car* =

(*cost may be included in removal estimate)

[rayjay]

I had not planned on marketing/selling the boxed arms.
I saw that Chris@ ATDR sells them.
He is a sponser at Crown Vic .net

Update;
The second one is welded together.
One of my Pals at work, is going to apply a special zinc primer and top coat them inside and out.
I am thinking flat black for the color.

Mine came undercoated from the dealer :rolleyes: I take it they are steel?

[SergntMac]

I had not planned on marketing/selling the boxed arms. Didn't think you were, but I was curious on what this mod would cost for others wanting to follow your example.

[Bradley G]

Yes, they are stamped steel.
Undercoater got a little trigger happy, eh?
Mine came undercoated from the dealer :rolleyes: I take it they are steel?

[Bradley G]

Oh, the OEM arms were less than a half a chop ($50 ea.)
I got four, so I did not have to have the car down while I completed the mod.
This mod does require a press to relocate the bushing(s) on one arm and remove the bushings on the other.
I do not have welding experience, so I had the arms welded.
I did not have to pay for welding. I will make lunch for those who helped.It only took a few minutes.
The arms will be primed & painted today or tomorrow.
The cool thing, they are being painted inside and out after the welding.
There is a wand tool that can spray inside the arms, as a welded unit.

So, If you keep it on the cheap, One could purchace two arms and use the ones already on the car.
I would give up my extras as doners, except I want to do the same to the '02 LSE.
If it is a worth while mod.

This mod Could have great potential, for those on a tight budget.
If you can weld steel yourself or know a local shop that will.
Not including welding/paint refinishing this mod could be done for less than a C note.
If you got used ones (control arms) you could do it for even less.
ATDR sells them for near the same as Metco.
I don't think these boxed CA's are anywhere near as pretty as your Z&M or Metco arms.
At least , until they are painted.:D
How can we do a comparo between the choices offered?
I will have extra bushings left over.




Didn't think you were, but I was curious on what this mod would cost for others wanting to follow your example.

[fastblackmerc]

I have my originals for sale if anyone wants them.....

[Bradley G]

Yeah, If you got a couple used sets from guys that upgraded to Z&M or Metco, Then sell/trade the ones you take off.
This mod could be very reasonable, cost wise.
I have my originals for sale if anyone wants them.....

[Bradley G]

I loaded a couple pics in the gallery
search OEM boxed control arms.
They will get a top coat of black tomorrow.

[Zack]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/7/9/3/controlarms002.jpg

[Bradley G]

Hey,
:thanks: thanks Zack!
They got painted today.
Gonna try to install them tomorrow.

[RoyLPita]

Should the uppers be done, too?

[Bradley G]

If you are asking if the uppers can be boxed Too.
I am not sure, the bushings appear to have a locking device on the uppers.
It may be difficult to press the bushings over and out.
The Limo uppers look better anyway.
I do have extra stock uppers, these were the first set I ordered.
Same part # as the limo style.
Should the uppers be done, too?

[Bradley G]

If you are asking if the uppers can be boxed Too.
I am not sure, the newer style bushings appear to have a locking device on the uppers.
It may be difficult to press the bushings over and out.
The Limo uppers look better anyway.
I do have extra stock uppers, these were the first set I ordered.
Same part # as the limo style.
sorry duplicate post

[Bradley G]

Only drove home from the shop last night, so I have not leaned on the Marauder yet.
Just from how the car drives regularly, I can say it is well worth doing a control arm mod.
Makes the rear end feel solid.
If the other control arm choices are as good as these, I copied.
I can see why they are popular.
And the best part; I remembered to snap some pics!:bunny2:
check the gallery or if someone can link them again to this thead.
Thanks for the Idea!
These are the next mod going on on lil sis.

[Bradley G]

Well, the Control arms are a big hit with me.
My impression after a month;
Hardly any body lean on cornering.
The tail is more predictable as it wales around corners.
The car has a very solid feel.

[Bradley G]

Now a complete set of boxed lowers and boxed uppers are being refinished(painted) for the GMQ
A big thanks to Shakes26 for the box of Goddies(take-offs).
The next project is the Watts link boxed, it's going, on the Marauder first.
I got the bushings pressed out of both halfs.
Drilling an acess slot for ride height adjuster bolt.
Just a note on the Upper control arms,
I had a hard time pressing the bushings that had a different retainer on them.
They were so tight, the steel got a little distorted.
I'm sure they would work, but I did not use them.
I'll take a couple pics on the install.

[Bradley G]

A second set of boxed lower control arms is waiting for a top coat of paint.
I also did a set of boxed uppers, with the set of take-offs from the Marauder, along with Marcs' (Shakes 26) donated set.
I have not seen anybody box a set of steel uppers.
Probably, cause they can purchace the Limo billet aluminum ones for the same cost.
On the Watts link; Slots cut in one arm needed, to gain acess to ride height adjust hardware.
Ready to be welded!,.. then primed and painted!
I took a few shots, couldn't get them attached to this thread.

[Bradley G]

Watts link arms are welded, and ready for refinishing!

[emott]

i know this thred has been dead for quite a while...
i actually just read it and wow, what a great idea on how to stiffen up those crappy stamped control arms!
so it came to my mind that after installing Metco control arms some 9 years ago (btw, best mod i did -- rear end is stiff and solid with no fishtail), i kept OEMs.

with all that said and adding my great appreciation to the MM community and all the info i mined from this website -- they are up for grabs (your shipping).

P.S. currently preparing for second suspention overhaul (150K mi and NYC roads if you know i mean). overall, this will be my fourth set of front lower control arms :mad2:
also, Z-bar may be avail soon as i am thinking about one from Metco.
Cheers!

[eric jones]

i know this thred has been dead for quite a while...
i actually just read it and wow, what a great idea on how to stiffen up those crappy stamped control arms!
so it came to my mind that after installing Metco control arms some 9 years ago (btw, best mod i did -- rear end is stiff and solid with no fishtail), i kept OEMs.

with all that said and adding my great appreciation to the MM community and all the info i mined from this website -- they are up for grabs (your shipping).

P.S. currently preparing for second suspention overhaul (150K mi and NYC roads if you know i mean). overall, this will be my fourth set of front lower control arms :mad2:
also, Z-bar may be avail soon as i am thinking about one from Metco.
Cheers!
I'll take them if you still have them?

[emott]

I'll take them if you still have them?

Sure. they are yours.

[Bradley G]

Nice!!! good to see the goodwill still being passed around
no problems to report with any control arms
except they look like crapola after all the years in service!