Bent frame, is using mismatched tires okay?

[derek2134]

I hit a curb and bent the lower control arm, and apparently part of the frame about an inch back on the front driver's side wheel. This is not a repair worth doing from what I understand.

The 225/60/16 tires are rubbing against the wheel well...would it be okay to put 225/50/16's in the front and use 225/60/16's in the back, or is it mandatory I replace all 4 tires? Two tires are good with plenty of tread, that's why I ask.

I mean I don't see any other option...and yes my alignment will surely be a bit F'ed, but I just need like another 10,000 miles out of this car...

[maxwedge]

What year is this, big issue you left out!! By the tire size I would say a late fwd?, if so you cannot drive this with a bent lower arm and subframe.

[derek2134]

It's a 95' Z34. I've already had the lower control arm replaced...the frame is also bent though so that 1 wheel sits about an inch farther back than the other wheel. the tire is just barely rubbing against the frame in the back under certain conditions like when the wheel is turned.

[maxwedge]

You can get a used subframe for 150.00 tops, 6.0 hours labor plus an alignment.

[derek2134]

Yeah, but is that 6 hours of labor someone who has a shop or someone with a few ratchets and a jack stand? My mechanic is good, but he is lacking on tools. He could replace the frame, but he made the comment "nobody wants to do that, not any mechanic". And the whole point is we are dealing with a car worth about $2,000 in perfect condition.

That is why I am wondering if, to get another 10-20k out of this car, I can just slap on some 225/50/16's. If I get 10k, I'll take it...Let me know, but I will pass along what you said about the frame.

[MagicRat]

Its not safe to drive with a bent frame. IMO don't try to squeeze a few more miles without fixing it.

If the body structure is straight, its worth fixing.
Usually, in minor impacts, the control arm bends first, them the sub frame, so the body may be okay, but someone has to get under there and measure and look to be sure.

IMO you need a better mechanic. The swap is not difficult for a shop with a hoist.

[maxwedge]

I got to tell you this whole thread is crazy, the car will be dangerous!! So your " mechanic" can't do this in his " shop", as Magicrat says find someone who can do this job, it is not rocket science!

[GVAR]

I just had the same thing happen. Someone was in my lane and to avoid him I hit the curb. I put it through my Insurance and they covered the whole thing. It was 2k for the entiere job parts and labor. Maybe you can go through your insurance company? It is not safe to drive the car like that for any amount of miles.