Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension toe control arms upgrade

Ok I am probably going to get flamed for this but here goes nothing.

I have a bent toe control arm (number 4 in diagram below), I have searched and I know they are weak stamped steel. I also know there are tubular replacements ranging from $125 to $200 depending on what type of bushings you get. But being a college student and not really having $125-$200 to spend right now I was wondering if a steel plate could be welded on one or both sides to stiffen up the toe control arms. It will cost very little as I have all the tools to do this. This way they will be stronger and hopefully not bend until i get out of school and can afford to get the nice tubular toe control arms.

Ideas and suggestions?

Thanks Tim

Yeah, reinforcement should be easy. If you have some clean arms, just weld plate (or better yet, angle) to the member. You're probably talking $20 in steel and welding wire/gas. I did something very similar to my rear control arms when I drilled big old holes in them for custom endlinks, and I feel I made the part much stronger with minimal weight addition/cost.

What you have in mind should be OK, probably even an upgrade. However, if all you are after is to get the alignment correct again, you may be able to pound the kink out on the car so you may not to replace anything.

Well, the main reason is to fix the one that�s bent. But I would rather up grade so I only have to fix it once, so adding the plate or angle iron to them will keep them from getting bent (hopefully) before I can get the tubular ones.