TJ Control Arms.

[RobTJ]

I'm getting a pretty decent tax return this year (it's all about the donations).
I figured I'd take some of that $$$ and replace the stock control arms on my TJ. 
Price will eventually be considered, but I would just like some advice on what I should be looking for and buying.

1. Adjustable all the way around?
2. Fixed Lowers / Adjustable Uppers? or some other combo?
3. What type of Joint/Bushing?
4. Any particular Manf.  I should be looking at or staying away from?

I know this had been discussed before.  Just looking to get a fresh perspective on it.

 

[NomadJeep]

Well, it is well known that JKS make the best short control arms...  the powder coating sucks but who cares...
however, the price also reflects this...

My next choice if money were the problem would be RE...

As for stay away froms:

Anything Poly with no slip joint in the middle...  The binding force of axle drop with no ability to turn will start to play havoc with your OEM mounts.  Also, Poly itself can be tougher at both ends, being there is now where near as much give from jarring motion as rubber...  but Rubber does wear faster... :rotflmao:

JKS and RE both use a rubber OEM bushing.  RE uses a "superflex"  :grinyes: joint at one end, that will allow the twisting most people desire...  and JKS does one better, the offer rubber at both ends, and the bar in the middle will allow for full twist.  Both these types will prevent fatigue to your mounts, and a rough ride.

 

[RobTJ]

Thank you Damon,  that's the kind of information I was hoping for.

 

[NomadJeep]

to everyone else reading this, does that mean that your control arms are bad or don't fall into this range... no...


there are thousands of people with standard tube arms with Poly at both ends, they work, and so do most brands...  However, the 2 characteristics I mentioned above will not give you problems if wheeled extremely HARD.

They are preferred if you have the money, if you don't, anything is better than stock... :rotflmao:

If you have the money, adjustable all around... but lowers are the first ones people get, then the rear upper, then the front as money allows....


Also, ask Bull to keep an eye out, I see arms for sale all the time when people upgrade to long arm kits...

I almost had the chance to buy all 4 JKS for $400....  that was a sweet deal, to bad I was 10th in line  :mad02: :rotflmao:

 

[NomadJeep]

I have never owned either, but I am going on what people post. However, everyone seems to say that JKS center sections are nothing like anyone... very strong and uses a bearing and not twisting threads...  who knows.....

The currie are nice to, but with joints at both ends, there is no give when you hit a small bump...  very hard on the mounts I would think,....  I know thier uppes use the factory rubber at one end... so who knows ???

 

[RobTJ]

Went with the RE ones.  Got a great deal through 4x4groupbuy. 

Thanks for the help with the input.

 

[RobTJ]

Is there any trick to installing control arms,  so it won't throw off the alignment?

 

[NomadJeep]

well it wont mess with your toe, so you should be all set.  And you can't adjust your camber on the Jeep so that is all set,,, that just leaves your Caster....

the control arms are a way to find the happy medium for proper caster and still have a pinion angle that works...

I think Kaki Rubi asked the same thing on how to set up and a ton of people added their control arm set up secrets...

I will look around

 

[NomadJeep]

http://forum.northeastjeep.org/index.php?topic=5643.0

 

[RobTJ]

Thanks,

Yeah,  I saw the post about the Castor.  I was more concerned keeping the axel square to vehicle.
Is there any trick to that,  like keeping the jeep on the ground or putting it in the air.

Or is it really simple and I am over thinking this.

 

[Rubi04TJ]

I think you are over thinking about the axle centered thing. Essentually you have four connection points on the jeep two pairs of two arms connecting to a constant spot on the frame and axle... neither of which move or will change. All you are doing is replacing the link inbetween.

NO worries.

 

[RobTJ]

Cool... thanks.

 

[Used-TJ]

Replace the arms one at a time with the wheels on the ground, and the dimensions will not change.