Welding Lower Control Arm, Did I Mess Up?

I'm replacing the ball joints and bushings on my lower control arms and while I had them out figured I'd weld some 3/16 steel plate to the bottom for rock protection. I welded all around the stamped steel body and to a short section on the bottom of the cast steel insert that the ball joint goes in, so the only part of the cast steel I welded to is the bottom side of the thickest part right where it's welded to the control arm (about 1.5" thick).

When I was pressing out the old rusty ball joints, the ball joint adapter sheared apart. The control arm didn't have a scratch. So I'm sitting here thinking, these things have got to be heat treated. I tap one with a center punch a ways away from my welds, and again right next to a weld. I didn't notice much of a difference (pretty soft), but still, I'm guessing they're heat treated. I just assumed it would be fine to weld since people weld to cast steel steering knuckles on solid axles all the time...so...did I screw up? Are my control arms going to snap on the freeway? Should I finish up welding them or just order used ones on eBay to press my new ball joints and bushings into?

 

@EatSleepTacos

 

Pics?

 

I plated the entire bottom of my lca with 1/4” and I also wrapped the bushing eye with 1/8” tube. I’ve had them on for quite awhile and beat on my truck with no issues. Don’t stress it.


https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzn7j5ZACCO/?igshid=172s7sq0ozt3z

 

@EatSleepTacos, I think you welded in a better spot than me. I welded mine in a hurry and never expected anyone to see them so they’re not pretty I welded about a half inch closer to the ball joints than you did. It’s the cast steel part that worries me, not the stamped steel body.

 

Looks great to me. I don't think they are heat treated but those ball joints are a bitch to remove. My press was not happy.