Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Budget rear adjustable control arm

KingCarGuyZ

TJ Addict
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2020
Messages
1,600
Location
Dallas, TX
So it seems to be the general consensus that the "best" adjustable control arms out there are either the SAVVY's or the Rock-jocks, but I don't have $800 for a set of rear control arms, the goal is to stay under 500 and the closer to 300 the better (optimistic, I know)

Use case: Standard 2.5" lift - fronts are being replaced with OE replacements . With the rears I wan't to go adjustable - not to solve any issues now, but to allow for a Tummy Tuck when I can get the coin for an SYE (already have BL, and several other supporting mods). The jeep is a daily, who sees mild to moderate trail use about once a month, the current flex isn't holding me back - more getting hung up on bumpers and skids. I already have to grease my sway bar disconnects every 3-5,000 miles - so as long as the grease interval for the control arms is that or longer I'm fine with the maintenance requirements.

Options:
The obvious options are Core 4x4 Tier "1" Cruise or Core 4x4 Tire "3" Camp (are the 3's really worth the extra $200) I am also considering Rusty's or JKS uppers with stock lowers (or I suppose the other way round could work to) Core's new "polyurethane the world" approach has me concerned from a reliability and comfort perspective.

The interesting 3rd option is a DIY set. I have access to a machine shop and am a 1/2 decent welder. I can get Jonny Joints for about $75 a joint and tubing is about $130 for 1.5ID x 0.120 4130 (48"). So that would put me at about $450 for the DIY set. It's worth noting that the DIY set would be the only double adjustable set on the table at the moment.

Are there other obvious/better options I am missing?
 
I don’t know about other options, but if you have access to the materials, tools needed and have good enough skills, I’d say your DIY route is the best option just to get the double adjustability.
 
I put some cheap ones I found on sale on my rear uppers to fix my pinion angle until I was ready to upgrade.

They did fine. PIA to dial things in, but that's what you get.

-Mac
 
How concerned should I be about the poly joints? I hear the stock arms have flex in them that tube’s don’t, which creates the need for JJ style joints. I don’t want to be ripping CA’s off the frame but I’m not sure that’s a real concern.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts