j498

iTrader: (10)

2000 TA LS1 M6
165k, stock rear end.


I'm installing a set of founders performance Lower Control Arm relocation brackets and I ran into a snag. The drivers side went int smoothly without much issue. However the passenger side bracket does not seem to line up correctly. When bolted to the axle at the original control arm bolt holes, the shock mount hole on the LCA bracket does not line up with the shock mount hole on the axle. I've been trying to wiggle it around or use a small screwdriver for alignment, but it seems to be a precise fit. There's no room for adjustment.

When I try assembling in reverse order, bolting up the shock to the LCA and axle mount first, then the bolt holes that attach the LCA mounts to original LCA location don't line up. I can't find any signs of damage to the shock mount on the axle that would cause this.

Anyone else ever run into this? I'm going to reach out to founders tomorrow, but just wanted to check on anyone else having this issue. The car is lying in pieces and I need this fixed asap.

See attached pics.

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Don't tighten the bolts until they're all in their respective holes, this gives you some wiggle to get stuff lined up and together. Tighten them down after. Mine went right on that way. I know a lot of things will get pulled one way or another if you tighten a bolt before putting in the others.

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

^^^agree. Even though mine are BMR,nothing gets tightened(and even nuts not on) until shock stud and lca cross bolt are in.

j498

iTrader: (10)

Sorry I should have clarified. I tried with and without tightening everything up. Even with everything loose I still don't have enough wiggle room for the bracket alignment. The long crossbolt that attached to the axle has what seems like a proper and precise fit, so not much room to work with. Either side is off, regardless.

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

If you put the long bolt in and leave it loose so the bracket can wiggle, there is no way to get the shock bolt in?

It is possible the LCA relocation bracket is slightly off. Founder's should be able to fix you up though if that's the case.

zachm89

iTrader: (14)

I seem to remember mine being a bit of a bear to get all the holes lined up (also Founders), but eventually it all went together after wrestling with it for a while. Put the long bolt in and find something of similar size to the shock bolt to hammer into the hole and line it up. The bracket might just be slightly tweaked.

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

You NEED a hammer. Like he said^^^^ If it doesn't line up hammer a bolt until it does. It'll go easier than you think. Did this on both sides of my car. Stock rear, 30K miles.

zachm89

iTrader: (14)

If youre going to use a bolt to line the holes up, use an old bolt that you wont need anymore. I used a round bar just to avoid screwing up the threads on the bolts I was using because I didnt have any extra bolts that were the right size.

But yes, as with many mods, the BFH comes in very handy.

pdxmotorhead

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marlinspike

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

I had the same problem with my Founders brackets. Do NOT force the shock in there, you'll have a hell of a time getting it out later. I used a dremel to elongate the hole, and then made a mental note not to buy Founders again.

Majestic9C1

iTrader: (19)

you need a deadblow to line everything up correctly and then you can get the bolts through

j498

iTrader: (10)

Yep, bolts loose it was still off.


I got in contact with founders and they're getting me a replacement. Thanks to them for a quick reply. They said it can happen because they don't oversize their bracket holes, so pretty much the smallest mistake can throw it off. I'll see what happens when the new one arrives.

I'd BFH it, but I misplaced my BFH (need to get a new one) and wasn't sure if it would mess anything else up..

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

Def a good tool to have. I - foolishly - used the stock bolts to hammer everything into alignment. No threading issues afterwards but not a smart move. Then again, it worked so.....

No issue whatsoever with Founders BTW. I installed at the same time their adjustable LCA's that have hard ball inside the bushing which allows the arms to rotate while turning. Aside from not needing adjustable's and having to line the rear up I am very happy.

What's the best method to line the rear up?

farmington

iTrader: (14)

who's to say that your shock mount hasn't been tweaked somehow in the past.