Rear Control Arm Replacement

[Remo]

As many other first gen owners have experienced, my rear control arms are rotting.

I ordered replacements off eBay from an aftermarket manufacturer. They are a better design, fully-powdercoated and were a good price. Unfortunately they did not come with installation hardware and I will probably be unable to use the originals (since I think I'll have to cut them off).

I'm trying to fit the proper hardware now, but I'm having trouble. From what I saw, I need 16 mm bolts with a 10.9 rating. In standard, thats close to 5/8 grade 8.

So far I've only been able to locate 5/8 grade 5. Do you guys think these would be strong enough? Any input would be great, especially if you've gone through this process. Thanks!

 

[jacks3am]

Dont go weak on those bolts they are important and need to be strong, I would check the dealership for stock replacements

 

[sgtowing]

I agree either stock replacement or grade 8 only. If one happens to break at highway speeds, that could disaterous.

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[Remo]

Anyone know the part #'s for the OEM bolts? I can't find them listed on Tasca.

Also, I looked up the specs for grade 5 vs 8. Grade 5 is about 70-80% as strong as grade 8. From what I've read, the frame is more likely to break than a bolt of either rating. Just some food for thought.

 

[sgtowing]

705000-S436, 803990-S101 I think it is one of those two part #'s

 

[masterhacker]

Go to fastenal, or order online. they can get you just about any screw, nut bolt, or any other fastening device imaginable

 

[Remo]

So my first attempt to take the old arms off was unsuccessful.

I soaked the bolts/nuts with PB Blaster and went at it with an air impact wrench w/400 ft lbs of torque...it wouldn't budge!

Any advice?

I'm looking at buying a more powerful impact wrench (1000 ft lbs), using a torch, or taking it a mechanic (got an estimate for about $200 to replace all four rear control arms).

 

[will_higgins]

I just got done replacing my lowers last night. As far as getting those nuts off, I soaked mine in PB for about 24 hrs. It still took a lot of torque to get it off but it came off. My problem was the whole bolt was spinning when i was trying to get the nut off. So i got a 21mm wrench and put it on the other end and let it apply pressure on the frame or something sronge. I dont know if you are having that problem or not.

 

[Remo]

Ended up taking it to a mechanic.

2.5 hrs of labor and replaced all 4 rear arms (upper & lower) for $200. He was able to use all of the factory bolts/nuts, which eases my mind.

Lowers were completely rotted through in some parts; uppers weren't nearly as bad, but were quickly flaking/scaling away.

These aftermarket parts I got off ebay were so much beefier than the oem parts and seem to be much better quality (and so much cheaper). I recommend them.

Anyway, thanks for all the input, guys.

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

Mcmaster carr has the proper bolts (10.9) for $3.50 each and 10 pack of nuts (grade 10) for $10.