Bent Socket for Front Shock on Lower Control Arm

Hey everyone. I was replacing my front struts when I ran into a seized bolt on the driver's side. So I beat on it, cut it, heated it up and finally got it out. It was insanely stuck.

Bad news is I bent the metal on the lower control arm where the shock fits in.

Is it safe to drive like this or should I replace the lower control arm? I might try putting washers in there to fill the space, but I'm putting in Bilstein 6112s and don't want to damage them.

I'm trying to think of a way to bend it back, but when I tried a c-clamp it just started bending the non-bent side...

Thanks!

 

This actually happens often. My suggestion is to install your suspension as you normally would. When you tighten down the lower shock retailing bolt, it will close the gap. Don’t overthink it. If anything, a few taps with a hammer on the bent ear will straighten it out.

 

Get a hammer and bend it back.

 

Thanks guys. My CV axle is right to the right of the bent ear, so it's hard to get a hammer in there.

Probably am overthinking this.

 

You will probably need to replace you windshield to be safe.

 

^----------Listen to this man....he knows what he is talking about.

 

Remember to do the final tightening with the weight of the truck on the suspension, at ride height. Otherwise, you'll have the strut lower bushing in a bind during normal operation.

 

It definitely helped to torque it to spec - the gap closed considerably.

Didn't do it while the truck was on the ground, though... might redo it.

Or I might just replace the entire truck to be safe.

In any case, it seems to ride good!

 

We know what's there. Most of us anyways.

But anyways... Put the bolt back in, then use the socket and extension to hammer on. Here; judicious application of a bfh and excellent hand eye coordination, will make this a quick pain free fix.

Edit: next time. Lol

 

I've done worse lol.

It will be fine 100% don't worry.

 

Thread a bolt from right to left, then use a big slide hammer.

 

You could take the gas tank down and get a long extension to reach it and then hammer it back to where it needs to be
Sorry couldn’t resist