LCA smiley face

[flyinlow]

The lower control arms om my '73 have a slot that looks like a smile just below where the shock bolt goes thru.

Anyone know why it is there?

I was considering welding a stiffener plate over it along with some gussets on the bottom of the LCA.

[Bob]

Are your torsion bars installed?

[flyinlow]

Yes , t bars installed .Don't  think it there for the tbars.  The slot is  about 2 inches long , 3/8 wide, in a half circle around the shock absorber mounting bolt. Looks like it was made that way.

Looks like it might be for stress relief? Only on the rear side of the LCA.

[b5blue]

My 70 has the hole for the strut rod under the shock mount, nothing like you say. Must be a 3rd gen. thing. Photos?

[HPP]

My '74 does not have this slot.

BTW, I have some gussets for sale When your ready to pick some up,send me a PM.

[FLG]

My '74 does not have this slot.

BTW, I have some gussets for sale When your ready to pick some up,send me a PM.

Price?? 

[HPP]

$25, I'll pay postage in the US.

[FLG]

25$ for each or the pair? I assume you installed them on your 74? 

[HPP]

Yes, that is for a pair and yes, I've got them on my 74. They aren't something that you will notice a huge difference with once you put the in, but if you're stepping up to a sway bar bigger than 1" in diameter, they will have transfer force more effectively.

[flyinlow]

here is a picture of the Smile.

[Bob]

here is a picture of the Smile.

I think the "smiley" would allow shock replacement to be a bit easier. Can you imagine if that was not there and the LCA was tweaked a bit. You would never get the shock off. 
I believe it allows a little play when replacing.

[Nacho-RT74]

Anyone know why it is there?

I think Bob got it... kinda off

[FLG]

I think its so when you tighten the shock bolt it somewhat compresses together on the shock 

HPP you will be getting a PM a bit later when i have some time. If you can just show me some pics of it installed. Id like to have a pair.

[Nacho-RT74]

I think its so when you tighten the shock bolt it somewhat compresses together on the shock 

yeap

[HPP]

best place to see the install...http://www.arengineering.com/suspension/lca/lca.html

[flyinlow]

Modified the  LCA's for chevy shocks . Welded the smiley face shut with a plate.

[FLG]

Pics Flyin??

[flyinlow]

Pics Flyin??

Sorry ,tried to post pictures. I can rebuild the front end faster then you can post pictures on this.


Welded a 12 ga. plate about 3 1/2 x 4 inches with a 1 3/4 hole in it across the bottom of the LCA. welded two bolts 5/16 x1 for mounting the dogbone style shock. Ground off about 1/3 of head  after welding ,to clear the side of the LCA.


Used a KYB Gas adjust shock for a 73 Monty carlo (standard GM shock, fits Impalas, Chevelle,etc.)

[flyinlow]

pic a

[flyinlow]

pic b

[FLG]

Looks good flyin. Think that would work well if you did the full plate modification on the LCA then just did the same thing to it you did to the plate.

[HPP]

Good job. That is what I've done with all my post 73 mopars. Really opens up the shock selections.

[Nacho-RT74]

Wow!!! nice and easy mod... and reversible... well I mean if you want to fit shocks on stock location, you still can do it!

[flyinlow]

Thanks,

I had the LCA off the car when I did the mod.

I think 2002-2005 Ram 1500 2wd front shocks with fit also. My son has a 2003 . I will buy a set for his truck and try them on the Charger first. My Chevy buddy are giving me hell over this. 

[Nacho-RT74]

My Chevy buddy are giving me hell over this. 

well, this is nota brand deal, like an availability ( sp ? ) of the shocks on market