Control Arms - OE Fixed vs Adjustable Style

[TJRD4]

Looking for recommendations on whether to go with adjustable or fixed length control arms.

Background:
Currently in the process of doing a frame swap/restoration and will be cleaning up the axles (Dana 30/35) on the 97 TJ. The jeep used to have a 2" suspension lift but the springs are wore out. Going to switch to the stock height springs since ill be sticking with ~29.5" tires and 15" OEM wheels.

The bushings on the control arms are in need of replacement and I'm going to have to replace the parking brake cables going to each drum with the little mounting brackets being rusted out. The jeep will continue mainly for road use with some light trail usage.

Many of the adjustable versions with the greaseable fittings look much more durable but also way more expensive. Looking to find a balance here. Thank you.

97 TJ Sport, AX-15/NP-231, Dana 30/35

 

[SJLJ2006]

I've had quality sets in all the other jeeps I've had; which I recommend if your going off-road. Since your only gonna stay on the street, and not see too much trail time, stock replacements or cheaper amazon adjustables would be my choice. Make sure to read up on the reviews, don't go too cheap. lol. But if you know exactly how long of an arm you need, you could get the fixed ones. For a street rig; i'd go stock replacements, or adjustables in case you ever decide to lift it. Just remember you get what you pay for; usually. I just bought a couple cheaper rear upper ones; im going to try them out, see how they wear and ride and if they dont cut it, I'll junk or resell them.

 

[BlueC]

The jeep used to have a 2" suspension lift but the springs are wore out. Going to switch to the stock height springs since ill be sticking with ~29.5" tires and 15" OEM wheels.

Stock replacements from decent brand. You have zero need for anything other than stock replacements, and the stock replacement arms will also be significantly better than any of the generic adjustable arms from some brand like Rough Country.

 

[TJRD4]

Thank you. Ill stick with the OE style. Moog and mevotech at rockauto seem to be recommended in the daily driver category; all are rubber/non-greaseable bushings.

 

[BlueC]

all are rubber/non-greaseable bushings.

Yep, and will last 100K+, unlike those generic greasable arms & bushings. I tend to use Moog or TRW. TRW is an OEM supplier for MoPar, and likely the manufacturer of MoPar branded control arms.

 

[HammeredSole]

Thank you. Ill stick with the OE style. Moog and mevotech at rockauto seem to be recommended in the daily driver category; all are rubber/non-greaseable bushings.

MOOG is the answer. When you remove the OEM parts, you'll see CLEVITE embossing on the rubber part of the bushing. MOOG uses this exact replacement. I just did all of the control arms on my 04 TJ, and used MOOG in the infamous front upper axle points, and TRQ/Detroit Axle full assembled arms on the others. I also used MOOG front and rear track bars. The MOOG bushings were very close to if not the same as OE. The other stuff looked like maybe a different blend of rubber, but still very dense. Regardless, if there is a problem with the non-MOOG bushings, the control arms themselves are relatively easy to replace. Just do them one at a time and use a quality floor jack to move the truck/axle around and the holes will find a place where they essentially line up.

I paired that all with MOOG 3226/3227 springs, which are allegedly "Rubicon" spec and a slightly longer free length than the OEM base springs, and evidenced about 3/4" taller than what came out of the jeep. I also used a RockJock CurrectLync and Bilstein 5100's. The Jeep feels tight and sporty, and honestly better than new. Very tight and controlled.

 

[HammeredSole]

MOOG is good quality, and even has the same bushing "CLEVITE" material/manufacture as OEM. I used MOOG track bars and individual bushings in the infamous front axle upper control arm points. I used TRQ/Detroit Axle assembled units elsewhere. As annoying as it is, but sure to leave all the bolts loose until the Jeep is back on the ground and settled into the springs. If you tighten them down at full sag, even resting on the ground will be giving torsion to the bushing. You want to torque the bolts down in the neutral/resting position.