Sub-frame damage

[Speciosusnex]

So just got back from camping the other day. Noticed some unusual front tire wear on the trip. Keep in mind the only thing I have done is some very basic fire roads. I take it to a local Les-Schwab to have the alignment checked out. I get a phone call that they wont touch it due to sub frame damage, and thats why I have unusual positive camber and toe in. Its a stock 4-door Badlands Sasquatch.

The frame bracket that connects the lower control arm to the actual frame is pretty bent. Has anyone else experienced this?

It is at a body shop to see what the heck is going on. Ill update as I know more.

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[userdude]

Should still be under warranty (2023), I would take it to a dealer service before getting any work or Ford might find that a way to deny warranty.

 

[Hemisfear]

Some have had issues with the rear upper control arm mount, some were cracking, but it appears Ford had caught this on newer builds. (see Wildhorses)

 

[Beach_Bum]

So just got back from camping the other day. Noticed some unusual front tire wear on the trip. Keep in mind the only thing I have done is some very basic fire roads. I take it to a local Les-Schwab to have the alignment checked out. I get a phone call that they wont touch it due to sub frame damage, and thats why I have unusual positive camber and toe in. Its a stock 4-door Badlands Sasquatch.

The frame bracket that connects the lower control arm to the actual frame is pretty bent. Has anyone else experienced this?

It is at a body shop to see what the heck is going on. Ill update as I know more.

Did you buy the '23 Badlands used? Something happened beyond driving fire service roads.

 

[MNBigfoot]

When you previously posted about doing Sourgrass the entire way, is this the trail you are talking about?
California Check-in | Page 18 | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

 

[Ford Motor Company]

So just got back from camping the other day. Noticed some unusual front tire wear on the trip. Keep in mind the only thing I have done is some very basic fire roads. I take it to a local Les-Schwab to have the alignment checked out. I get a phone call that they wont touch it due to sub frame damage, and thats why I have unusual positive camber and toe in. Its a stock 4-door Badlands Sasquatch.

The frame bracket that connects the lower control arm to the actual frame is pretty bent. Has anyone else experienced this?

It is at a body shop to see what the heck is going on. Ill update as I know more.

Hey there. Could you please send over a message with your VIN and estimated mileage? I would like to look into your frame damage concerns on my end.

 

[Speciosusnex]

I definetly have only done fire roads. I bought it brand new from the dealer.

 

[Speciosusnex]

When you previously posted about doing Sourgrass the entire way, is this the trail you are talking about?
California Check-in | Page 18 | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

I guess I should have been more clear. I have not done anything other than fire roads since Sourgrass. There was no damage from that trail, nor any unusual tire wear. Everything was normal up until this past Friday.

 

[BAUS67]

Pictures??????


I believe since you said unusual front tire wear you must mean the front LCAs.

 

[Speciosusnex]

Pictures??????


I believe since you said unusual front tire wear you must mean the front LCAs.

I didnt get pictures. But yes, you are correct. Where the front lower control arms bolt into the subframe

 

[BAUS67]

I didnt get pictures. But yes, you are correct. Where the front lower control arms bolt into the subframe

I'm not sure that is replaceable. Maybe @flip or @Ducati1098 might know for sure but I believe that is part of the frame. I think the only part that is replaceable if the front "horns" where the bumper bolts on.

 

[604Bronco]

The frame bracket that connects the lower control arm to the actual frame is pretty bent. Has anyone else experienced this?

I mean, this guy has a similar issue I think...

Hopefully Ford is a little more helpful though.

 

[fiibbb]

Bending the LCA mounting bracket is a pretty common issue. I have the same problem. Depending on how bad it is it may affect your alignment (mine doesn't yet...).

I've been on the lookout for LCA mounting bracket for sometime. It's surprising no after market parts are available yet -- I want to just chop it off and weld on beefier ones -- the stock one is just think sheet metal.

The Toyota guys (4runner / tocoma) have a lot of options for these things.

 

[flip]

MB3Z-5019-N is going to be about your only option as far as part is concerned, short of the full frame.

Would need to see how bad it is before suggesting just having the ears pulled on a frame rack. "Technically", you aren't supposed to do repairs, short of sections, according to the OEM. Just making some assumptions about the damage, it being my own personal vehicle, I'd likely try to have the ears pulled back into shape. That's assuming they aren't folded over and the frame lasers out good everywhere else, crossmember isn't caved in and ears don't crack or tear during the pull. Would avoid heating like we did decades ago when we straightened the "normal" steel frames.

The front clip has a list price of almost $4,400 and can easily see 30+ hours to replace correctly.
Pics would help but it's either a minor job or, awwwww f.

 

[timhood]

I guess I should have been more clear. I have not done anything other than fire roads since Sourgrass. There was no damage from that trail, nor any unusual tire wear. Everything was normal up until this past Friday.

So you crawled under and visually inspected after Sourgrass and before you noticed the tire wear? Unusual tire wear doesn't show immediately. If the tire isn't far out of alignment, it may not show for quite some time. Unless there were unusual objects on those fire roads and your speeds were Baja 1000-type speeds, the fire roads didn't cause the damage--it was something that happened earlier, and of the things you've mentioned, Sourgrass (or something similar you've trekked but not mentioned) may be the culprit.

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