A possible inexpensive fix to the weak upper A-arms on the raptor is to cut a piece of tubing slightly larger than the stock A-arm tubing (preferably chrome-molybdenum or aircraft aluminum 6061-t6) lengthwise in half. Place the halves of the tubing over the old A-arms and clamp the halves in place over the stock tubing in about 12 places with hose clamps. The stronger the tubing and clamps used, the stronger the A-arms will be. Ride hard!!!

 

If it turns out that the arms are incapable of supporting like they should, and not just a bad batch as I hope, there is an even better fix.

The ball joint area of the A-arm is solid aluminum about an inch or two into the tubes, then the tubes are hollow. The hollow part is where mine bent. It wouldn't be too difficult to cut the hollow tubing that runs down to the ball joint area out and have either a solid piece or one with a thicker wall tig welded back in place. Provided that you or a friend can weld them in place, the aluminum stock should be about your only expense and it shouldn't be over $50 or so for both A-arms.

If you are wondering how thick the upper aluminum A-arms are, look from the bottom side of them. There are 2 holes in the arms. You can possibly see the thickness of them, or take a wire and feel how thick/thin that they are.

 

Bash,
sorry for the off-topic post, but what part of Ky are you from??

Ranch0rider