Ive got a 89' full size Bronco,I was looking under it yesterday and noticed that the radius arm bracket is broke. It tore from the bottom of the hole where the bushing is all the way out Its still a stock truck with 31" tires and I dont take it off road just trying to figure out if this has happpend to any one else? I was also wondering if it could be welded or would a new one be a better choice?

1st post Just like to say that this is a excellent web site!!!!!

Timmy301

 

Wow.

Can it be welded? Certainly. But the quality of the fix is directly related to the skills and equipment of the person welding it.

Any pics? How bad is the damage? Is the radius arm damaged?

I can't really tell you the best way to proceed, but those who can will probably want the answers to those questions.

Driving over concrete baracades may not technically be 'off-roading', but you still need to be carefull

 

The bracket is not too difficult to replace. Cut the rivets with a chisel or grinder. A torch can damage the frame. Replace the bracket with grade 8 bolts with flat washers and self-locking nuts. No lockwashers.

 

Well, thanks for the reply. You hit the nail on the head,a weld is only as good as the welder! I did have it welded today, kinda like a temp. fix till I can get some new ones. I also found out that the other side is starting to do the same thing. I cannot figure out why. I guess its just getting old.I know I didnt hit anything Ive owned this truck for over 10 years now and I realize that she is getting tired. Well, I dont want to start to ramble on but thanks for the info

Timmy301......

 

If the bushings have been replaced with aftermarket hard plastic bushings I have seen the brackets broken by the hard bushings.

 

mine were rusted and cracked when i did my lift, they weren't all that expensive when i got them. 17 bucks for one, 34 for the other....figure that one out.

 

The brackets only cost about $30 and when I do bushings I always remove the rivets (drill out ) and replace with grade 5 or grade 8 bolts so the bushings are easy to replace next time.

In a salt/snow area the stamped steel radius arm brackets tend to rust out and break on any of the Ford TTB trucks. It is usually worse on the pass. sie because it sees the heat from the exhaust, splash from the curb, and impact from potholes.

The older trucks with cast iron (vs. stamped steel) seem to hold up better.