Control arm questions

[gymrat]

Looking to upgrade the arms in the TJ and decided to go the RE route.
I've got a couple of questions to throw out.

1) Pros and cons of the Superflex (1 stock joint, 1 cartridge) vs. Superride (stock joints). I've heard good and bad about the RE heims.

2) Right now I was looking to take the RE 4.5 kit configuration (Adj uppers fixed lowers) but thought it might be a good idea to add in ADJ front Lowers.
-If I do that do I still need Adj. Front Uppers.
- I need the adj. Rear uppers for the SYE, is there any benefit to adding adj. lowers also.

Thanks in advance.
John

 

[JonnyK]

1) Pros and cons of the Superflex (1 stock joint, 1 cartridge) vs. Superride (stock joints). I've heard good and bad about the RE heims.

Cons would be more vibration/shock transmitted through the arms, causing a rougher ride, and some maintenance required (grease). Pros would be better flex and less stress on the control arm brackets when flexed.

2) Right now I was looking to take the RE 4.5 kit configuration (Adj uppers fixed lowers) but thought it might be a good idea to add in ADJ front Lowers.
-If I do that do I still need Adj. Front Uppers.
- I need the adj. Rear uppers for the SYE, is there any benefit to adding adj. lowers also.

The benefit of both adjustable uppers and lowers is that you can tweak the wheelbase slightly. If you go to a high clearance belly skid plate, you might need both to be able to rotate the rear pinion up enough without the axle hitting the gas tank (I did). I set the rear lowers to their shortest length and then adjusted the uppers to get the proper pinion angle.

I have the fixed length lowers and adjustable uppers in front and I'm pretty happy with that setup (for short arms, that is). I would say definitely get the Superflex. The ride isn't bad at all IMO, and the cartridge style joints (they're not heims) are rebuildable if you ever do have a problem (I haven't).