Rear control arm mount damage

[dvs6]

I picked up my 2002 4Runner SR5 about two months ago. When I was inspecting it before I bought it I did notice that the rear control arm mounts had some damage but it didn't seem that bad at the time (so much to look at).

Now, I want to buy the Lotus Development RCAMS to protect any further damage.

Before I do so, I would like some opinions from my pictures if I can try and bang them back into shape, cut off the bent section, do I need to replace them before trying to install the RCAMS, or I am up for suggestions?

I have limited funds, so if I need to replace them, I would have to do that first.

The passenger side is the one that I am most concerned about.

Also, would damage to these have any effect on alignment or tire wear issues?

I did do a search, but everyone's damage is so unique, it is difficult to find an answer to my specific damage.

Thank you!

dvs6

Passenger side:







Driver side:

 

[GVL]

Sorry to see that but it looks fixable. I'm sure someone will give you better advice than I can provide. Thanks for posting though, I just ordered some of the Lotus skids after seeing what can happen ($95 amazon).

Hey wait a minute.... Are you working for Lotus? That's a great sales pitch :lmao:

 

[AZ_Trails]

Doesn't look too terrible from the pictures. Once you get the RCAMS, try and bend back what you can to get them to fit on there. They are a tight fit, so it might take you some trial and error, and you might even have to get out the grinder for some small stuff. It doesn't look like the area near the control arm bolt is bent, so I wouldn't think that it would have an impact on alignment or tire wear.

 

[dvs6]

Thank you for the replies.

That is what I figured that they would be fixable, but always looking for more information from those that are more experienced than me.
[MENTION=106327]GVL[/MENTION] LOL, no I do not work for Lotus. Your welcome for bringing it up now, but I got the idea of them from this forum, so whoever it was that originally posted about them, that is who you should thank.
[MENTION=96377]AZ_Trails[/MENTION] Good to know information about the tight fit of the RCAMS. This is exactly the information that is very helpful. Thank you also for the alignment info. I just got some cheap used tires with even wear and an alignment so I will be able to see how they wear in the future.

Off to order some parts.

dvs6

 

[dvs6]

Well, I got the Lotus RCAMS yesterday.

I am updating this for the people that are like me, that have some damage at this spot and wanting to fix it and to install RCAMS to prevent this from happening again.

The driver side when on with no problems, a 2 minute job.

Installed:


And then on to the passenger side, well about a 60 minute job with banging, unbolting, bending, dremeling, spray painting, and rebolting!

The cut out that I had to do:


Banged back into shape:


Installed (SUCCESS!!!):




dvs6

 

[BlackCat914]

It'll probably be fine, but if it were mine I'd fill in the cut in it with a nice weld.

 

[Cree]

It'll probably be fine, but if it were mine I'd fill in the cut in it with a nice weld.

As would I. Took what looks like a fair amount of meat off pretty close to the mounting bolt.

 

[dvs6]

Thank you for the suggestion on welding it. I thought about that too. Unfortunately, I cannot weld....My neighbor might, as I see him all the time working on cars in his garage.....What would be a fair price to weld this, besides beer?

Not much was really cut out and nothing around the bolt hole, that was the part that got bent/banged back into shape. The part that was cut out was the front part "bash" area. Also, wouldn't the RCAMS keep that area strong?

Here is a better picture:


Here is the piece that got cut out:



dvs6

 

[JBurt]

I'd still weld it. I don't think the skids will help that much. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Cree]

Size not withstanding, you cut a portion of the corner out, which will decrease lateral strength in the mount. I don't see the skid doing anything other than covering it up since it's not mounted to the frame in any way. Might keep it from spreading open further.

If there's one thing I don't chance not being right, it's suspension and where it mounts. Bout as critical as it gets. That's just me though.