Finally got around to installing the lower control arm relocation brackets (bolt-in version) that I've had forever and ran into a snag. No matter how I have them positioned I can't get all of the holes to line up. It's like the mounting point for the shock is bent improperly on the bracket. Has anybody else run into an issue with these?
i did have issues. I could not get all the holes to line up correctly and swore that the brackets were wrong. i went out on the net and found a few pictures of correct installations on A bodies. I went back and installed exactly as in the pics. I wish I could remember what i did to eventually get them to install....but sorry, i don't. I do remember it took a little persuasion to get all the bolts in and tightened.
Thanks for the response. I may go take another crack at it this weekend and see. I'll try to get some pictures of it if they can't be persuaded in. I know they had a bad run of these a few years back, and mine have been sitting in the shop for about two years....
Also, pay attention to the new location of the rear end. My UMI brackets moved the rear end housing back around 1". Then my tires (29" tall) rubbed on the inner wheel housing at the rear. I ended up drilling new holes in the brackets to move the housing forward as close to the original location as possible. I called UMI on this and they were clueless. They said no one had ever reported that before. I don't plan on ever buying anything from them again. If they can't get something that simple right, I would not trust them on any other parts being right.
Jeff, I actually read a few posts over on teamchevelle (or was it pro touring...) where UMI put out a bad batch of these brackets with the support bar welded in the wrong spot. They all had problems with their rear ends shifting one way or another. I wonder if yours was one of the first of those brackets to get installed. This happened a couple of years ago, so your brackets may be part of that problem batch. If I can't get these to fit properly this weekend I'll probably just run without them for a while. As much as the car gets driven, I don't think they'll be a deal breaker.
[HR][/HR]Just got back from the shop after trying these again. It's a no-go, the brackets don't fit any way you put them. I don't think any amount of hammering would make them work. I'm going to contact UMI on Monday and see what they say.
I bought my brackets maybe 3 or 4 years ago, so you may be right. My brackets did bolt up, my only problem was the one I described above. I hope they will take care of you, and send you new ones or refund your money. Let us know.
