Lower control arm ball joint holes question

[71convert]

I chiseled, Dremeled and finally drilled out the ball joint that needed replacing on my lower control arm. I went off a little bit on the drill bit and elongated two of the holes (circled in red below).

Not sure what the safest and best way to proceed is. I feel I have three options.

1. Can I just use the holes as is? I'm thinking no but wanted to check.
2. Should I enlarge these two holes on the lower control arm and new ball joint and use slightly larger bolts?
3. Should I toss out the lower control arm and just buy a new one?

What do you guys suggest? Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[tony-muscle]

I chiseled, Dremeled and finally drilled out the ball joint that needed replacing on my lower control arm. I went off a little bit on the drill bit and elongated two of the holes (circled in red below).

Not sure what the safest and best way to proceed is. I feel I have three options.

1. Can I just use the holes as is? I'm thinking no but wanted to check.
2. Should I enlarge these two holes on the lower control arm and new ball joint and use slightly larger bolts?
3. Should I toss out the lower control arm and just buy a new one?

Thanks for everyone's help.

I can barely see any elongation of the hole. I can't guarantee the results but I would reuse it. Make sure the thickness of that area is good and not rusted through. File a little around the hole to remove any sharp edges.

 

[TommyK]

I agree that it will probably be fine but new control arms are pretty cheap and readily available. Just for piece of mind you might want to consider replacing it.

 

[Cleveland Crush]

Go with with a new control arm.

 

[rcadd1ct]

I chiseled, Dremeled and finally drilled out the ball joint that needed replacing on my lower control arm. I went off a little bit on the drill bit and elongated two of the holes (circled in red below).

Not sure what the safest and best way to proceed is. I feel I have three options.

1. Can I just use the holes as is? I'm thinking no but wanted to check.
2. Should I enlarge these two holes on the lower control arm and new ball joint and use slightly larger bolts?
3. Should I toss out the lower control arm and just buy a new one?

What do you guys suggest? Thanks for everyone's help.

View attachment 94256

You could weld the hole up and redrill it.