Currie Front UCA Install ?s

[Schmo]

Hit a snag tonight when I went to replace the stock Front UCA's with the Currie's with the Johnny Joint on the Frame side. The Currie UCAs use 7/16 bolts which are a tiny bit bigger than the stock bolts . . . So will it be okay to just drill out the metal center of the axle bushings to accomidate the new size bolts? I worry that there'd be a tiny bit of play in the arms if I don't use the proper sized bolt.

[aw12345]

I just used the stock 10 mm bolts has been that way for close to 2 years without any problems

[Schmo]

I just used the stock 10 mm bolts has been that way for close to 2 years without any problems

Do you have the older version like Josh where the U shaped end is gold w/ just two ears in the shape of a U or the newer version where that end is black and is kinda boxed in? The Stock bolt wont fit as the tab welded to the nut hits against the new arm. Seems like there would also be play between the arm and bracket if I use the stock bolts as there was some room between the bolt and the holes on the arms.

[Dukes69]

Yes you can try to drill. However, you might just end up tearing the sleeve from the rubber. The *best* way to do it would be to get the JJ conversion for the axle UCA bushings. That will take care or your problem.

[dadasjp]

I'd call Currie and see what they say....just my 2 cents.

[4xfiend]

Do you have the older version like Josh where the U shaped end is gold w/ just two ears in the shape of a U or the newer version where that end is black and is kinda boxed in? The Stock bolt wont fit as the tab welded to the nut hits against the new arm. Seems like there would also be play between the arm and bracket if I use the stock bolts as there was some room between the bolt and the holes on the arms.

I have the newer style boxed in arms and re-used the stock bolts. That tab will bend back out of the way fairly easily as you tighten the bolt down.

[aw12345]

If you are talking about the sheet metal tabs on the bolt or nut you can knock those of. My control arms are older I bought them used 2years ago. If all else fails go to a bolt place and buy a pair of bolts.
Or Lowes they carry metric bolts in their hardware section

[Schmo]

If I do use the smaller stock bolts and the holes in the arms are meant for 7/16 bolts, won't there be a bit of play in the arm? Is that bad?

[Max7]

If I do use the smaller stock bolts and the holes in the arms are meant for 7/16 bolts, won't there be a bit of play in the arm? Is that bad?

Play is bad and it will only get worse. Get the size bolt you need.

[Schmo]

Play is bad and it will only get worse. Get the size bolt you need.

That's why I figured it'd be better to drill out the sleeve in the bushing, but based on some of the feedback I've received, I'm not looking forward to it!!!

[RAT]

That's why I figured it'd be better to drill out the sleeve in the bushing, but based on some of the feedback I've received, I'm not looking forward to it!!!

I wouldn't drill the sleeve. Not a good idea. Find the right grade 8 bolt to fit. Like Chris said, you compromise the strength of the bushing when you modify it, and isn't that what you have been having the most problems with?

[4xfiend]

Joe- do some research on this. When I was installing mine I looked around a lot to see what people were doing for these bolts, and I found that most were re-using the stock bolts. I haven't heard of one problem from people doing this.

I've had mine on for about 6 months and in that time have run John Bull, Bullfrog, and Doran and Odessa without the slightest bit of play in those arms. Art said above he's had his for close to two years without a problem.

Just re-install the stock bolts, tighten to the correct torque and go have some fun. I know you're hesitant because of the experiences that you've had with other control arms, but this is something I wouldn't worry about.

Good luck.:thumbs_up

[fun4wheelerguy]

I have done it both ways in my shop.
1-Reuse the stock bolts with new lock nuts.
2-Drilled out the steel bushing to meet the control arm hole and installed Grade 8 bolts.

Never had a problem with either result.

Brett

[brokenujoint]

i drilled mine out and that was several yrs ago.. works fine.

[mrblaine]

I wouldn't drill the sleeve. Not a good idea. Find the right grade 8 bolt to fit. Like Chris said, you compromise the strength of the bushing when you modify it, and isn't that what you have been having the most problems with?

Other than it being a hardened bolt sleeve that typically has a couple of dimpled in areas to center the 10mm bolt, why is it bad to drill?

The difference in diameters between the two holes is exactly .045 or about the thickness of 2 nice business cards. So, he'd be removing the thickness of 1 nice business card per side.

Not even an issue structurally, and the only other problem is the hardened part.

I've been able to drill some, and others rip the flutes off of cobalt bits like they were made of tin foil.