Who to Trust? Upper Control Arm Issue

My upper and lower ball joints went on me about two weeks ago. My vehicle was disabled yet I drove it to the nearest mechanic, with my tire at about a 60 degree angle, barley hanging on to the axle (bad idea). This occurred in downtown Manhattan where the cost is very high; the mechanic replaced the ball joints and told me I needed my upper control arm replaced. He said it was bent and he straightened it the best he could.

I took the truck to my neighborhood mechanic and he said the control arm was fine, he replaced the tie rods, aligned it and the thing drives great! Yesterday I decided to retorque all of my lug nuts because I have 18" ASA rims and I like them properly torqued. I noticed that the control arm was indeed bent around the edge near the ball joint. I tugged on it near the bushings and near the upper ball joint, everything seemed very tight. I asked my neighborhood mechanic again and he assured me that everything is fine. My concern is that the metal could sheer, causing the control arm to actually rip apart while I'm driving. Any thoughts? Thanks!

You should be fine. I banged my control arm pretty well when removing my ball joints with a mini sledge. It still operates well.

You should be fine. I banged my control arm pretty well when removing my ball joints with a mini sledge. It still operates well.


Thanks Dude!