Recommended Control Arm Kits

[Jeepoftheseus]

Hey everyone,

I've noticed that my TJs suspension bushings are pretty shot. It looks like it's all stock. I've read that most people recommend buying new control arms with real rubber bushings and none of that polyurethane crap. I'm shopping around and looking for recommendations.

I think there's a modest lift on the jeep, but I haven't measured it yet. It seems to ride just fine (minus the worn out bushings) so I don't think I need adjustable controls arms, but they'd be nice to have if I ever want to do a bigger lift in the future.

Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[DeltaNu1142]

It’s going to be highly budget/goal dependent… I went with a mid-tier Core 4x4 kit because I don’t expect to go higher than 4” and won’t be doing much/any serious rock crawling.

My 3” lift goes on in the next couple of weeks.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Stock arms work fine for lifts below 3". I prefer them because they cost less than $25 each to replace if you bend one. Rebuilding my old adjustable arms cost more than a whole set of stock arms.

 

[macleanflood]

Can't get old school Savvy anymore...

-Mac

 

[jjvw]

Can't get old school Savvy anymore...

-Mac

RockJock

 

[rasband]

Can't get old school Savvy anymore...

-Mac

I have a set of "old school Savvy" front uppers and lowers sitting here to sell...

 

[Jeepoftheseus]

Stock arms work fine for lifts below 3". I prefer them because they cost less than $25 each to replace if you bend one. Rebuilding my old adjustable arms cost more than a whole set of stock arms.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/jeep...hK3eNaAaljWCNzjiZVEaAr7MEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Do these look right?

 

[basedbb69]

+1 for Core 4x4 arms. Imo they're the best steel short arms out there. Built out of 5/16 tubing. Plus they'll powder coat them several colors for you.

Only other one is like to try is the aluminum metal cloak ones. But I'm wary of using aluminum on suspension.

 

[Weasellee]

Can't get old school Savvy anymore...

-Mac

Not sure this is true. Website still shows them available for $1499/set

 

[Jeepoftheseus]

+1 for Core 4x4 arms. Imo they're the best steel short arms out there. Built out of 5/16 tubing. Plus they'll powder coat them several colors for you.

Only other one is like to try is the aluminum metal cloak ones. But I'm wary of using aluminum on suspension.

The only thing I'm worried about with the core is the bushings. I've read a lot of stories across the web that say poly bushings really mess up the ride quality on and off road.

 

[Weasellee]

The only thing I'm worried about with the core is the bushings. I've read a lot of stories across the web that say poly bushings really mess up the ride quality on and off road.

I have and will recommend their track bars. Mine have JJ one end and “poly bushing” on axle end.
No relocation bracket required on Dana 44 rear with raised steel fuel tank skid, 4” springs and adjustable CA’s.
That said I have no experience with their CA’s.

B

 

[basedbb69]

The only thing I'm worried about with the core is the bushings. I've read a lot of stories across the web that say poly bushings really mess up the ride quality on and off road.

I got the full kit of Johnny joints and bushing on other side and it rides about the same as any other jeep. Most of that comes down to your shocks anyways.

 

[Jeepoftheseus]

Alright, yall have talked me into it. I'm just going to go with core 4x4. The lifetime warranty kicks ass and johnny joints look like they work great. I think i'm going to install another 2 or maybe even a 3 inch old man emu lift kit. My current lift seems to be sagging a full inch and there's no telling how old it is. My best guess however is that it's old enough to need to be refreshed.

My question: can someone point me to resources that will teach me how to optimally adjust the CAs and steering components? I'm tryin to determine whether or not his project is doable at home in my garage or if i should pay an expert. I don't want to end up with any death wobble.

https://core4x4.com/product/cmp-j-tjlj-k12/

https://mudify.com/products/ome-2-i...PSyJxm4MaGTc7RuAs1mRnnkvyyeCN1rcaAjejEALw_wcB

 

[basedbb69]

@Jeepoftheseus this thread goes over the control arms pretty good. Big thing is that the control arms won't necessarily be the exact same length. Also give yourself as much caster as you can while still have your front driveshaft angle good.

Thread 'How-to install adjustable control arms on a Jeep Wrangler TJ / LJ'

Jan 3, 2018

I've noticed lately on a few of the forums im on, that alot of guys don't know how to properly set up fully adjustable arms. Everyone asks "how long...", or "they didn't give a measurement." That's because the measurement is Jeep specific. Every one is different. Also don't focus on how long the arms are. I see Imped always saying, "arm length is a byproduct", and guys get mad at his vague answer, because he never told them the magic measurement. Well, there isn't one. Any of you more experienced guys (Imped, Jerry, Unlimited04), feel free to add anything that I missed. Im not covering...

• TJDave
• Replies: 22
• Forum: TJ How-to Guides

• 
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Also control arms have to be torqued with the tires on the ground. If you torqued them in the air your suspension will be in a bind

For steering, there's only two adjustments on the stock steering, drag link which center your steering wheel and tie rod which sets your toe. The track bar centers the axle.

Death wobble is caused by the axle moving side to side (lots of people call unbalanced tires death wobble on the Internet though making it more confusing) the cause of it is usually a loose track bar because the track bar is there to keep the axle centered. It can also be cause by loose bushings in the control arms allowing it to do the same thing.

 

[jjvw]

...
Also control arms have to be torqued with the tires on the ground. If you torqued them in the air your suspension will be in a bind

...

This is only true if the bushings are a bonded rubber bushing. Spherical joints, like Johnny Joints, do not need to be in a neutral position when tightened, as long as they are parallel to each other on the arm they are attached to.