[MaSnaka]

Ok, reporting back. I made time this past weekend finishing up yesterday my list of projects recently discussed here on this thread.

Lower control arms, removed, cleaned, checked bushings and bolts ok. 9/16" bolts in just a slightly larger hole dia. in the sleeve of the bushing. Rubber had some minor cracks but overall still very tight. Replaced as is. Added a little grease on the bolt section that passes through the bushing sleeve. No grease on rubber.

Lower rear coilover mount failures. I thought long and hard about this before taking any action. My solution was a simple one although labor intensive. Using the existing mount I straightened the bent metal with a hammer, purchased a 3/16" x 3" x 24" steel plate from OSH. I fabbed one flat piece 5" x 3" for the outside and one 5" x 2 1/2" for the inside. The two plates sandwich the existing 1/8" plate that was bending thereby reinforcing it. I drilled and added a 1/2" bolt at the top going through all three plates and then bolted the coilover back through the original hole location again going through all three plates. Seems very secure although time will tell. Added about 5 pounds. I was trying to avoid taking my car to a welder but that is always an option if this too fails. **note-Before I could put the new plates on I had to remove a metal bushing welded to the existing plate at the original bolt hole location.

DV, I was unable to do any mods to the upper mount, (i.e. drilling the hole 1/2" higher up) because there was not enough room. There was only 3/4" to work with there. I was unable to use the Napa shock mount bushings 650-1100, too short and not compatible with the Pro Shock fitting. I can return those to the store.

Overall I am pleased with the repair and the reassurance that the lower control arm bushings are good.

Thanks for your help guys.

John