Smashed LCA mount

[Slacker]

So I guess I hit a rock with the front of the passenger side LCA mount. The boxed in portion of the frame is pushed back against the bushing and it squeals like a baby in scalding water. Any advice on opening the box back up?

Driver side:


Passenger side:


Passenger side from underneath:

 

[Taxman]

Have you considered BFH?

 

[Hockster]

The correct way is to remove the LCA and reform using some heat, blocks, hammer and whatever it takes to get it back in line.
The other way is to use BFH, hit it back to where it looks straight, drive it to see if its still making noise, repeat if still noisy!!! ha ha ha

 

[Slacker]

Yep. That's pretty serious metal there though, and I don't have a lift. Its difficult to get a good swing at the right angle, but if BFH is the answer I guess its time to get busy.

---------- Post added at 09:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 AM ----------

Hockster, any idea what it might cost to do it the "right" way?

 

[HAYNES OFFROAD]

Have you considered BFH?

Hahahaha this....

But seriously, the best way would be disconnecting the LCA and then using a hammer to beat it back into place.

Or can spread it open using a long bolt and a couple washers and nuts to spread it back into place. Like this.....

I just happened to have that photo on hand hahaha

 

[Hockster]

Yep. That's pretty serious metal there though, and I don't have a lift. Its difficult to get a good swing at the right angle, but if BFH is the answer I guess its time to get busy.

---------- Post added at 09:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 AM ----------

Hockster, any idea what it might cost to do it the "right" way?

I would guess about 50.00 to 100.00 at most shops, not counting the realignment. Its not that bad all depends on the shop. If it were me I would straighten it meself and then get it realigned.

 

[Taxman]

Or can spread it open using a long bolt and a couple washers and nuts to spread it back into place. Like this.....

I just happened to have that photo on hand hahaha

I like this idea, but that's some seriously thick metal. You'll need a grade 8 bolt or you'll just strip the threads and end up cutting the bolt to get it out of there. Just to be clear, the piece will always remain smashed (more battle scars). You don't have to get it to look pretty, but I think you should be able to get the squeak to go away by just straightening out the bent lip and get the lip from rubbing.

If you want it to be like new, you'll can have a shop cut and weld a new piece in place. Then grind and paint it, and then go smash it again on another rock.

---------- Post added at 10:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 AM ----------

This leads me to another question. Does someone make a skid plate for the LCA bracket? Several folks make them for Jeeps, but haven't come across one for the Raptor. Seems like a pretty easy piece to weld on and protect the LCA joint.

 

[farman]

Something we would do on the farm is just to heat it and take a big ass pipe wrench or a big ass crescent wrench and pull it back into place.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

ICON is the only one that I've seen for a LCA skid but it doesn't protect the mount.

 

[bigred1097]

Hey slacker I had the same damage just on the left side I straightened it out the best I could with a hammer the ply bar when I first did it I do run the Icon LCA skid plates that protect the LCA nicely not so much on the mounts. If you live any where near Krazy House Customs they made up a kit to fit it. I just had it done they straighten everything out and weld in reinforcement plates on all four mounts Looks great it also prevents the LCA from moving the coming out of alignment