Control Arm Input: Purchase in Near Future

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed · Oct 15, 2020

Good Morning All,
FIrst, I value the wealth of knowledge that this forum has provided me prior to finally becoming a member.

I have done some searches and read many of your posts in here however Id like to get a solid input of your favorite control arms.
At the price of most with Johnny Joints are very close, it seems like its more "preferred brand" then anything.

Give me your feedback on why you chose which your control arms.

Ones I have looked at
Core 4x4 Tier 3 or Tier 4
Savvy
Curry with Double Adjustable rear upper
Clayton (Square tubing seems like an additional "Slider") - Unsure of the Giiro bushing on these and not being double johnny joints
MetalCloak

SvtLdr · Oct 15, 2020

I went with MetalCloak double adjustable aluminum arms. I did a lot of research and had it narrowed down to either Metalcloak or Savvy. I ended up pulling the trigger last minute while knee-deep into a frame repair project. It came down to lead time for me as I was able to get the MetalCloak arms right away and get my Jeep back on the road. I've been really happy with the Duroflex joints and have 3 seasons of hard wheeling on them, they're holding up well. That being said, I don't think you can go wrong with the Johnny Joints on the Savvy arms either.

cpwolf · Oct 15, 2020

I purchased Savvy Double adjustable control arms all 8.

My choice was because I wanted double adjustable to dial in if I needed.

I also liked the aluminum look, just thought they looked cool, and don’t really care if folks don’t like that I partially choose by looks. They are super solid for anything I would do.

I got Core 4x4 T4 for my son’s 08 JK, they actually manufactured Double Adjustable upper fronts, and they are super solid, I like them a lot, and they were very accommodating and responsive.

I’m not sure about the square adding slider? You can slide on a round just as easily, ha.

qslim · Oct 15, 2020

I have a set of Cores teed up. They manufactured locally here in Utah and a lot of people I know are very happy with them. They took the time to explain some stuff to me over the phone based on my particular needs & how I use the TJ, seem like a great company.

jesseshoots · Oct 15, 2020

I purchased the Savvy ones because:

They have fully serviceable Johnny Joints on both ends
They're aluminum instead of steel
They're double adjustable which makes setting lengths a walk in the park
They have a highly regarded reputation

I ordered them through @Garza (https://www.4lowparts.com) and they drop shipped from Savvy the same day. I had them in four or five days (coast to coast shipment).

SvtLdr · Oct 15, 2020

I'm not too familiar with the Core 4x4 arms but it doesn't appear that they offer a double adjustable version? Having done multiple adjustments on both my uppers and lowers, I would highly recommend getting double adjustable arms. I wouldn't go any other way personally.

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed · Oct 15, 2020

jesseshoots said:
I purchased the Savvy ones because:

They have fully serviceable Johnny Joints on both ends

They're aluminum instead of steel

They're double adjustable which makes setting lengths a walk in the park

They have a highly regarded reputation

I ordered them through @Garza (https://www.4lowparts.com) and they drop shipped from Savvy the same day. I had them in four or five days (coast to coast shipment).

what kind of wheeling do you do? I do alot of rocks at rausch and im curious to hear how the aluminum ones hold up

hosejockey61 · Oct 15, 2020

I was trying to decide between Metalcloak and Currie when I made my decision. I decided to go with MC due to the rave reviews back then. After having them for many years, I can say that I wish I would have gone with Currie. My joints eventually failed and needed to be completely replaced. I tore them apart once at about the 5 year mark and regreased them and they seemed ok at that point. Recently, I did an axle build and decided to take a look at the arms again and all 14 joints were completely shot. I just installed all new joints. Johnny Joints would need to be rebuilt eventually as well so it is what it is. There is enough information out there on JJ vs. MC so I won't go into the differences. I will say though that I wish I would have gone with Currie or Savvy from the beginning. The MC joints squeak like crazy and it drives me nuts. When I'm on the trail, the squeaking is very distracting. Here are some pics and short videos.

jesseshoots · Oct 15, 2020

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed said:
what kind of wheeling do you do? I do alot of rocks at rausch and im curious to hear how the aluminum ones hold up

I'm down south but do mostly rocks. I have a couple of trips on them and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. They're solid bar aluminum instead of tube steel.

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed · Oct 15, 2020

hosejockey61 said:
I was trying to decide between Metalcloak and Currie when I made my decision. I decided to go with MC due to the rave reviews back then. After having them for many years, I can say that I wish I would have gone with Currie. My joints eventually failed and needed to be completely replaced. I tore them apart once at about the 5 year mark and regreased them and they seemed ok at that point. Recently, I did an axle build and decided to take a look at the arms again and all 14 joints were completely shot. I just installed all new joints. Johnny Joints would need to be rebuilt eventually as well so it is what it is. There is enough information out there on JJ vs. MC so I won't go into the differences. I will say though that I wish I would have gone with Currie or Savvy from the beginning. The MC joints squeak like crazy and it drives me nuts. When I'm on the trail, the squeaking is very distracting. Here are some pics and short videos.

View attachment 196284

View attachment 196285

Thank you for the throughogh discussion on them. Metalcloak is officially out and now to decide between the various johnny joint companies and aluminum vs steel.

I do alot of rocks at Rausch and plan to start hitting the east coast wheeling spots during vacations so Im thinking steel is for me.

jesseshoots · Oct 15, 2020

Also, you could always buy your own 7075 Aluminum links from WOD and buy the Johnny Joints for them. Price wise it was only a few hundred more to do it that way than buying the Savvy set. Only problem is you have to find or custom fab the front axle upper ends.

https://www.wideopendesign.com/aluminum-links

SvtLdr · Oct 15, 2020

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed said:
what kind of wheeling do you do? I do alot of rocks at rausch and im curious to hear how the aluminum ones hold up

It's interesting that you brought this up. I made it to Rausch Creek for the first time this year. Wow, yeah - lotta rocks. Lots of fun! After the Rausch Creek trip my MC aluminum arms had been "redecorated" shall we say? They held up really well but certainly took a beating, as any control arm would at Rausch Creek. I could snap some pics for you if your interested?

cpwolf · Oct 15, 2020

SvtLdr said:
I'm not too familiar with the Core 4x4 arms but it doesn't appear that they offer a double adjustable version? Having done multiple adjustments on both my uppers and lowers, I would highly recommend getting double adjustable arms. I wouldn't go any other way personally.

Call, they can provide double adjustable, they are nice

JMT · Oct 15, 2020

I went with MC because I’m cheap (for some used and some on sale) and didn’t want to have to service them. I do like the hexagonal shape. Makes them easy to adjust. I also love that they are double adjustable! For now they are serving me well. I do love the JJ though. Savvy or Currie would be a great choice. Rokmen too, but I like Aluminum. I have a Core 4x4 trackbar and they treated me well with multiple discussions and returns. Got what I needed.

oldjeepman · Oct 15, 2020

My .02 is any arms with Johnny Joints. I wouldn't worry about the aluminum arms . I have had Rokmen arms single adjustable made of steel heavy as hell. Now I have all savvy aluminum double adjustable arms.

SvtLdr · Oct 15, 2020

hosejockey61 said:
I was trying to decide between Metalcloak and Currie when I made my decision. I decided to go with MC due to the rave reviews back then. After having them for many years, I can say that I wish I would have gone with Currie. My joints eventually failed and needed to be completely replaced. I tore them apart once at about the 5 year mark and regreased them and they seemed ok at that point. Recently, I did an axle build and decided to take a look at the arms again and all 14 joints were completely shot. I just installed all new joints. Johnny Joints would need to be rebuilt eventually as well so it is what it is. There is enough information out there on JJ vs. MC so I won't go into the differences. I will say though that I wish I would have gone with Currie or Savvy from the beginning. The MC joints squeak like crazy and it drives me nuts. When I'm on the trail, the squeaking is very distracting. Here are some pics and short videos.

View attachment 196284

View attachment 196285

My Duroflex joints have stayed quiet for 3 years now, no squeaking whatsoever. I seem to remember there being a recommended interval for re-greasing. Maybe 5 years is too much! lol.
What is the recommended interval to add grease to the Johnny Joint, does anyone know?

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed · Oct 15, 2020

SvtLdr said:
It's interesting that you brought this up. I made it to Rausch Creek for the first time this year. Wow, yeah - lotta rocks. Lots of fun! After the Rausch Creek trip my MC aluminum arms had been "redecorated" shall we say? They held up really well but certainly took a beating, as any control arm would at Rausch Creek. I could snap some pics for you if your interested?

Please do take some pictures. Id like to see how they held up.
Rausch is in my backyard pretty much as its 32 minutes from the house and Ill be upping my visits with an annual membership as I go at least once if not twice a month.

About to install some new 3" J-Spec springs in place of my beat rough countrys in 2 weeks and also add armor next spring so control arms are gonna be a must as they are also pretty beat at the bushings and I want to maximize my flex

SvtLdr · Oct 15, 2020

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed said:
Please do take some pictures. Id like to see how they held up.
Rausch is in my backyard pretty much as its 32 minutes from the house and Ill be upping my visits with an annual membership as I go at least once if not twice a month.

About to install some new 3" J-Spec springs in place of my beat rough countrys in 2 weeks and also add armor next spring so control arms are gonna be a must as they are also pretty beat at the bushings and I want to maximize my flex

Will do, I'll post some pics later this evening. I will say, the admission cost at Rausch is the most I've ever spent for a couple days of wheeling - WHEW! Good call on the annual membership. It's not enough to keep us from coming back though. lol

A_Jeepin_Chaos_Seed · Oct 15, 2020

SvtLdr said:
Will do, I'll post some pics later this evening. I will say, the admission cost at Rausch is the most I've ever spent for a couple days of wheeling - WHEW! Good call on the annual membership. It's not enough to keep us from coming back though. lol

Yea, Ive heard that from alot of people. And the fact that people keep coming is why itll never get reduced. However, Ive been to AOAA (ANthracite Outdoor Adventure Area) which is about 40 minutes deeper into the mountains from Rausch and they are bigger and also cheaper $35 a visit.

However, I dont like that atvs and utvs are all over the same trails and for some reason, it just felt like it was more green trails/ flat dirt road and then the more technical trails went from decent fun stuff to crazy stuff with very little bypasses. I also wasn't a fan of the poor mapping/marking as they had alot of main trails back to the trailhead closed off due to active mining.

Ill stick to Rausch where I know I can get ahold of Bernie G. and have his expertise if things get squirrely

SvtLdr · Oct 15, 2020

That's really good to know, thanks. We tossed around the idea of going to AOAA instead due to it's similar location, cheaper prices and larger size. I'm glad we chose Rausch Creek and will keep your sentiments in mind next time we head to Eastern PA.

Control Arm Input: Purchase in Near Future

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