Replaced the lower control arms/ball joints the other night. Finally finished the job and was tightening down the 2 lower shock nuts when one of the two lower studs snapped. So, now on that side theres only 1 stud/bolt holding the lower end of the shock in place. How urgent is this to get fixed? Also, since the studs are welded onto the control arm I'm wondering what the cheaper fix would be to do....get another lower arm on that side for approx $60 or stop by a shop and get a quote to weld another stud on there. I have no clue how much rates are to have someone weld for me. Any suggestions??

Edit: Wasn't getting any response in the Suspension thread so I came here to try and get some feedback before I leave work in an hour.

 

I would have a shop 'carefully' blow out the hole with a torch to clear the original bolt out, then use a grade 8 bolt in the hole.
Another way but your call is to have that side mig weld spotted and let it go at that.
Otherwise it's a bigger job to replace the arm as well as the cost.
You may get away with using it if the road is not to rough, until it's fixed.
Good luck

 

That's what I did, just used grade #8's from a tractor supply. Didn't need a torch with my 98. They are bolts, nothing welded. Yours must be different.

 

Ahh, hard to see, but I just ran a new bolt with lock washers. 1/2" I believe. I did have to drill it out , just a taste larger to receive.

 

You're right about it being a bolt but it is welded around the base of the bolt so that its attached to the underside of the control arm. Almost like there were holes in the arm for the bolts to go through but they got welded for added support or something. The arms I took off (original) were the same way. I appreciate the feedback and I believe I'm just going to go get the #8s and just drill the old ones out to replace. Thanks again!!

 

Jbrew the 4x4 and 4x2 lower mounts are different. id just try and get the old one out and use a new bolt as suggested.

 

Yea, -I mentioned that earlier. I just can't recall how different. So I posted pics anyway, not sure if they would help or not. My factory bolts bent.

 

its all good. the 2wd mount like this