A-Arm Fix, Landcruiser 100 IFS

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 15:12

ThreadID: 35331 Views:2134 Replies:4 FollowUps:5

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Dirk 32

Hello to everybody out there,

I just had my suspension upgraded last week, including stonger torsion bars. in oder to do this we also added the brackets to the lower control arm to ensure it wouldn't crack. All this is well known by all the Landcruiser 100 Owners, so I don't want to go into any further details...

Here is my question:
The brackets were not fully stitch welded all around, which I find rather unusual. They were in most parts tack welded only. Asking, why it was mainly tack welded, the guy told me, that they would always do it this way. I heard a lot of good feedback about that workshop but would like to know, how your A-Arm Fix was done and what you think about it.

As usual I would appreciate all your feedback.

Best regards,
Dirk

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Reply By: Tabz72 - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 15:34

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 15:34

Dirk,
As an old welder from way back (32 years as a wheat cockie) I think they have done the correct thing. As the part is relatively thin steel to weld, if welded all the way it could would warp and crystalize.
I reckon you will find it will be a lot sronger and last longer with the short stitch welds that they have done.
I'm no trade proffessional guru, but I do have my QBE (Qualified By Expierience)!
Tabz

AnswerID: 180627

Follow Up By: strzelecki - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 16:26

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 16:26

Yep, I agree a "stitch weld" puts a lot less heat into the metal greatly reducing the chance of warping.

FollowupID: 436896

Follow Up By: kev.h - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 16:58

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 16:58

Yep,i agree also it also allows some minor flexing which helps avoid cracks. I assume the arms are of a higher tensile steel and fully welding would make them brittle and more prone to failure
Regards Kev

FollowupID: 436907

Reply By: strzelecki - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 17:39

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 17:39

Regarding the lower suspension arm, my 2002 lc100 was checked by the dealer only a few weeks ago and was ok.I was told they have checked around 90 with only one needing attention.

But if the arm developes a crack at a later date who pays the repair bill?

AnswerID: 180652

Reply By: Dirk 32 - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 20:26

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 20:26

Thank you to all of you for sharing your opinions on that. What a pity that you have to that kind of modification in the first place.

I really appreciated it,
Dirk

AnswerID: 180702

Reply By: Member - Ivan (ACT) - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 23:47

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 23:47

Mine's fully stitched - see Site Link

Cheers,

Ivan
2008 D4D Prado

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AnswerID: 180752

Follow Up By: Dirk 32 - Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 14:56

Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 14:56

Hi Ivan,

I actually saw it on the website you mentioned before and that only increased my doubts about it not being fully stitch welded.

You had the whole lot done by ATS from Geelong, right?

Talking about differences, I also couldn't find the spacers which were shown on the pictures or was that for the 90 Series? Where exactly did the spacers go?

It would be great if you could provide me with those answers because i am still not quite sure if I am 100 percent happy with the job.

Thanks again,
Dirk

FollowupID: 437118

Follow Up By: Hero - Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 16:22

Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 16:22

I thought those brackets are only supposed to be bolted in. If any welding was required / safe to do so, wouldnt it have been easier to reweld the problem joint in the first place. Re-welding that arm could have stress and hardness issues now with that much heat put through it. Id be interested to see how it goes after a few big hits.

FollowupID: 437138