Looking into buying some front control arms. Quick question, is it needed to buy the upper and lowers or can just the lowers be bought? What brand does everyone recomend?

 

Lowers are better for adjusting castor, alot of people run the Tera flex lowers on here, but I'm sure others will chime in.

 

Either uppers or lowers will let you adjust the caster. Uppers are less expensive, but may not adjust short enough to give the caster you want. Lowers are a bit more expensive, but are more adjustable. Currie and TeraFlex seem to be the more popular arms.

I have Currie front uppers, and no problems with them at all.

 

I've been researching the LCAs too. As mkjeep said the Teraflexes are very a popular choice and I have not seen any significant complaints, so they probably are a good choice.

Some of the things to consider are:

- bushings materials which can dictate the need for Zerk fitting or not
- arm x-section (rectangular resists bending more than round for equal size; although this can be a controversial topic)
- profile (bending for clearance)
- joint construction (welding)

As usual prices vary, but unless you are on the rocks a lot, don't lube the Zerks or really thrash the suspension, IMO most should hold up well.

Personally, I like the Clayton control arms, but realistically they are overkill for my wheelin' needs.

 

I got the new JKS front LCA's and man there nice... Pricey, but nice... They really did add some nice flex to my Rubicon... I plan to put some rears on eventually.

 

As I understand it, if you want to limit your monetary outflow, get the adjustable front lowers and, if you want more, the adjustable rear uppers. Don't worry about the others until you've taken care of those. Personally, I have the TF front adjustable LCAs and am delighted with them. Got rid of the flightiness of my steering after 2.5" BB. And, they are built very stout when compared to stock.

 

As Mark said, the TF lowers are stout, twice the weight of the stockers.

 

You don't need to get both. If you are going to save a bit of money and only buy one, in front the lower usually gives you more adjustability than just the upper. In the rear, same deal as the front, but the upper provides more adjustability. I run all four adjustable, and have Clayton arms. They are really stout and I like square tubing better than round. I know, it's open to debate which is better, but that is my personal preference.

 

Judging by the fact that the OEM lower front and upper rear control arms are rectangular, they might carry a higher load, so stronger aftermarket arms could improve handling. Although the reason could be to use a smaller x-section at equal strength for clearance purposes.

 

HUH???? Maybe OEM is just trying to get by as cheap as they can given the thickness of the metal.