[wickedwitchinak]

I tried searching for an answer to my question on the archives, but a lot of it is out of my league or price range...so if you would be so kind as to put up with some bad jokes and stupid questions, I would appreciate it. So here is the situation:

The back side U- bolt of my left upper control arm apparently rattled the nuts off and the damned control arm has half fallen off. It was steering really sloppy and I was only going about 25mph when I hit a dip in the road, heard a *kthunk*, and pulled over. I looked under the truck and the left upper a-arm is supported only by the front u-bolt and the back u-bolt is, well, no longer a "u". Some of you may remember that I had to have this same side's ball joint done this summer. So my question is what other damage could have been done here? Should I just replace the control arm altogether now? On both sides? What about the lowers? Are used even remotely a good idea, and if not, where can I get new? And how much of a pain in the arse is this going to be since I don't have a garage, there is a foot of snow on the ground and the temperature is supposed have HIGH's of 20 BELOW ZERO this week?

[advanced design]

Yes, I remember your truck and the ball joint. Did the person who repaired it by chance remove the control arm and fail to reattach it properly? Usually that wouldn't be done for a ball joint replacement but you never know.

I'd look the control arm, brake components and flex hose over closely for damage. The control arm will probably be OK if it wasn't bent. Install new bolts and torque to specifications. Then get a front end alignment. Doing this in a heated shop wouldn't be a big deal. In the snow at those low temperatures it will be a pain.

Good luck and don't freeze.