The options were to purchase new lower A-arms (at about $130 each), or to repair. Being a good Dutchman, I chose to repair. As you know, the anti-sway bar passes through a triangular "tunnel" on the lower A-arm and is fastened with a nut and lock washer (see Figure #1 below). The "tunnels" were totally worn and in need of replacement or imagination. Imagination won out.
At the time, my son worked part-time for Marino Engineering (see link below), a machine shop in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He cut pieces out on a WATERJET MACHINE and had the 2 plates welded to the front of each A-arm (see Figures #2 & #3 below). The sway bar was then attached to the plate.
After 3 years, the plates are still rock solid! Total cost of the repair, less than $30! Makes a lot more sense than new A-arms if the rest is functional.
