Aluminum lower control arm, should we be concerned?

[SliderJack]

doesn't the aluminum lower control arm look vulnerable? Wouldn't steel be better here?

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[SkullsWalk]

How about the low shock mount on the rear as well haha. I have a feeling there's going to be a flurry of aftermarket replacements quickly.

 

[Straight 6]

I don't think you are supposed to hit that part on things

 

[Broncocito]

I will get rid of it and replace it with an aluminum baja race long travel kit riding on some Kings. You will be fine.

 

[AZHUND]

I have learned to trust aluminum and the weight savings are great. However I do not like seeing another bolt sticking out that far (not as bad as the rear though) as that is just asking to get caught on a rock and cause damage... but again, pre-production, shouldn't worry... right?

 

[SliderJack]

Not at all, do the aluminum flaps on an airplane bother you? These are not recycled coke cans, and they have ample strength to support this rig.

I'm not talking about regular road usage. Im talking about using this as an off-road rig, hitting rocks. Thats why I said vulnerable.

I'm sure it will be more than fine for 99.9% of the mall crawlers.

I dont land, flaps down, in dry river beds covered in rocks. Do you?

 

[KCBRUIN]

You can get skid plates for the LCAs on other ifs off road vehicles. I’m sure they’ll be made for the Bronco as well.

 

[PromoFLB]

I upgraded my VW LCA to aluminum and they have not disappointed. They are just as durable as the steel.

 

[ekim]

I don't think you are supposed to hit that part on things

Ha, tell that to the tie rod on my Jeep. "Drive by feel" is something that happens, especially without a spotter.

 

[Pork-n-Bean]

I work in the aerospace industry and assess a LOT of structural aluminum components. Aluminum can be extremely strong. I wouldn't be concerned about it.

 

[WuNgUn]

Aluminum alloy and forged, most likely.

 

[rjkmoto]

I'm not talking about regular road usage. Im talking about using this as an off-road rig, hitting rocks. Thats why I said vulnerable.

I'm sure it will be more than fine for 99.9% of the mall crawlers.

I dont land, flaps down, in dry river beds covered in rocks. Do you?

In Alaska they do. All day. Every day. And they aren’t always completely dry either.

Not to mention the only reason flaps exist in an airplane is to aid in landing (for small aircraft and also in takeoff on large aircraft -oversimplification but this is an internet post n a bronco forum) - it is their only function - so regardless of what you are landing on you use them if you have them. ?‍

JK

 

[Lcubed]

Ha, tell that to the tie rod on my Jeep. "Drive by feel" is something that happens, especially without a spotter.

driving without a spotter using 'steer by feel' is a guaranteed way to damage any vehicle.

 

[kodiakisland]

You can break anything if you try hard enough. I remember when no one wanted those weak aluminum wheels too. Maybe they turned out OK.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

That's aluminum. And materials technology has come a long way in the intervening 50 years.

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