Last year I replace both rear lower control arms because they were both broke at the rear bushing (polygraphite). I put in a set of boxed arms, with polygraphite bushings. I installed a rear sway bar at the time.

A couple weeks ago I noticed the left rear was squeaking. Today I took a look and found the arm broken at the front bushing. When I installed the sway bar it fit perfectly so I don't think it was putting pressure on the arm. These bushings were pressed in by a suspension shop so that shouldn't be an issue.

What would cause this failure. I tow my trailered bracket car and wonder if this could be putting an excessive load on the control arms.

I'm think of using aftermarket arms. Any recommendations. I want to reuse the sway bar. The car is not hot rodded and is a true daily driver (66 El Camino).

What I suspect is that the poly bushings are so stiff that they are putting more flex into the control arm. Probably most users of poly bushings are not daily drivers, and have not accumulated the miles the way you have. I have a 72 El Camino (with rubber bushings) and it has been my daily driver for 7 years and no problems so far.

That certainly could be. I ran them since 91 until Feb of 2003 without problems. In Aug of 2001 I started towing. About a year and a half of towing before they failed.

When those arms broke I put on arms that already had bushing in them. This time I again got about 1.5 years. The similarity of the time frame is what make me think towing might have something to do with it.

Last Oct was the only long tow (about 650 miles each way, to Tucson in fact for the Div 7 finals). The rest are about 25 miles each way. I use the air shocks to set the tongue weight but I doubt that would have any effect. Maybe rubber would be the better way to go.

Pat,
I use these rear arms in my '70 and am very satisfied with the fit and finish. The price isn't too bad either...
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/A-Body.htm
If you're towing, you may want to consider upgrading to a stronger lower such as these.

Thanks, Bill. Those look like the answer. Plus, unlike some other round tube arms, it looks like a sway bar can be used with them.

Originally posted by Pat Kelley:
Thanks, Bill. Those look like the answer. Plus, unlike some other round tube arms, it looks like a sway bar can be used with them. Definitely, Pat. I've got a 1" GM rear sway bar on the car now.
But, not for long...HRpartsNstuff roll bar standing by and ready to install this week.

I like the looks of the HR Parts bar. Might be a good upgrade for my bracket car.

It's one of a couple of changes I'm making to hopefully reduce my lousy 60' times.
Best to date is 7.03 @100.96, 11.03 @124.32 with 1.7x 60'. :(

I hope it helps. With 60's in the 1.6's you've got 10's. smile.gif

Pat you might want to check your frame too. I had a problem with uppers braking and found a crack in the factory weld on the drivers side in the wheel well area.

Good point. I'll check them out.

Bill, I have a question about the BMR stuff. I see that there is a note regarding some "clearancing" that may be required with OEM 12-bolt housings. Did you have to do that and if so....where and how much? I don't really like the idea of grinding part of my vintage '69 Olds 442 12-bolt rear end.

BTW, are the uppers easy to adjust and did it make much difference in your ride? Thanks for letting me hijack your thread a bit, Pat.

BTW, I agree that the towing duties, combined with polygraphite bushings, may be causing your problems. I wonder if bad body bushings could be putting stress in that area as well? Just something else to look at. smile.gif

Justin,
I did not have to to do any grinding to get the bars to fit. You might want to call BMR directly and ask them in what application that note refers to. Adjustment of the uppers is easy and can be done installed on the car.

Thanks Bill. I'll check with them, but that makes me feel better about their setup.

I ended up ordering Jegster control arms. They are 1-3/4" diameter rather then the 1-5/8" of the BMR's and when shipping is added, less money. Plus the BMR's would take a couple days longer to get. Hopefully, I'll have them by Friday and put them in Saturday.

Hey Pat did your control arms show up? If so any comment on the quality? Also do these have a zerk fitting and sway bar attachment points in them?

thanks
JJ

I curious about the Jeg's arms as well, Pat. I'm still leaning toward the BMR setup.