Boxing control arms

I know what it means to box control arms but I have some questions you guys may be able to help me with.

Do you need to use a specific metal to box the arms? Does anybody know what grade of steel the factory arms are?

Instead of just boxing the arm with a plate, should I also have the u-channel reinforced before boxing?

The bushings should be replaced after boxing and not before, correct?

Boxing lower ones is the minimum needed but boxing the upper ones also is not a waste of time, correct?

 

You want to use a kit. Makes life so much easier. Here is one example, shop around, they do go on sale sometimes:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...uj4LlV5Ja_3YoYbtiKVrfGyK4dcgob7YaAr6KEALw_wcB

What are you doing with the car? Usually there is no need to box the uppers. Replace all bushings upper and lower, if needed. Clean and paint the arms before they get welded.

 

I am not a great welder but bought a kit like this and was easy to do...just make sure to line it up correctly so sway arm bolts go through if you have a rear sway arm.

 

The kit is interesting. There is one problem. I'm sure it's meant for Skylark arms. I'm looking at doing this for my Lesabre. I'm sure they dont both use the same lower control arms.

 

make your own plates out of sheet metal and weld them on

you could also order this kit for your b-body ls if you dont care about the price:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-1977-...E-DELTA-88-CONTROL-TRAILING-ARMS/283460022951




1971-1977 IMPALA CENTURION RIVIERA GRAND VILLE DELTA 88 CONTROL TRAILING ARMS

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You are correct - I missed that in your sig. Why do you want to box them?

 

No, as long as they’re steel. Hardware store works well enough.
I do not.
No need, unless trying to go nuts on stock arms. Maybe for sway arm, again if lotsa power.
Yes.
Upper depends on how far you are trying to get on stock arms.

If you don’t have street-strip or drag plans, no need to box. Or if you have other things to work on to wring out more MPH, concentrate on those. Boxing will help with more consistent 60fts if that’s what you’re after; Or maybe trying to slalom a sled?

 

Thanks for the input guys. I have no intention to make it a drag car. But I am having a motor built for me. I just want to maximize my ability of getting that power to the ground. Besides replacing the rear bushings is in the plan no matter what.

 

I think unless you are planning to run slicks or drag radials, boxing is a waste because your tires will be the limiting factor, not the flex of the control arms. Just an opinion.

Cool car by the way!

 

boxing the arms also helps controlling the car in sharp bends