So I've just pulled the trigger on a basic lift + shock kit. I ordered the Teraflex 2.5" kit (4 door, for my 2 door) with the Bilsten 5100 shocks. I ordered the 4 door kit sot hat I can plan for future bumper mods (not soon, but sometime down the road). Now I realize that the 2.5" will actually give me more since I put the 4 door kit on. I'm guessing something like 3" or so.

With that said, I'm realizing I should probably also invest in some control arms before I put the lift on, the question I have are which and which brands. I honestly don't need the best out there, but I don't want something junky that's going to fail either. I'd shoot for middle of the road when it comes to brands and quality. I'm not going to be a hardcore wheeler so I doubt I'd kill something mid-range.

So that's the first question, which brands will give me the best bang for the buck?

The second question is which arms do I need to start?

I've been told that at a minimum I should probably get adjustable front lower control arms and adjustable rear upper control arms. Does that make sense? What, if anything would I get if I just go with the full set by adding adj front uppers and adj rear lowers?

Lastly, I realize that sometime soon I will be replacing one (or both) of my drive shafts. I'm hoping to wait a few months to do this as I don't want to drop another grand on those right out of the gate. Will any of the control arms come into play in regards to the drive shafts (either by helping preserve the usage of my stock one or by being required with the after market ones?)

Thanks in advance. I'm sure these things have been covered in bits and pieces in various different posts, I just didn't see a ton in regards to rating and comparing the different manufactures, etc.

This site is great and I'm looking forward to diving into all of this. So far my mods have been easy bolt-on things and performance mods (nothing suspension related yet). Those were all things that I knew about and was comfortable with. The suspension components are definitely all new to me and I'm still trying to learn the ins and outs of how everything works together, etc.

 

I'd check Rustys off road. They've got radius arms for the front (basically upper and lower arms together) and certainly sell the rears. At least check their website. I'd put them above "middle of the line" but their prices are reasonable.

 

At least get rear uppers, especially on a 2door, as for fronts, I have front uppers and it worked fine for everything I needed... Front lowers are the standard tho. If you can afford it, get all 8, adjustable, it will be best when you get new shafts. Basically any of the major manufactures you see onthis forum would be best, especially RK, FT, and Teraflex. I'm sure they will chime in.

My vote is with FT just because it is zero maintenance, and their quality is on par with all the others.

 

I was just reading a thread about that here and it seemed like there were pretty mixed reviews. I definitely don't want to have to weld on new mounts as I am planning on doing the install on my own, and can't do any welding. Or, were the mounts something that really only come into play for somebody doing hard core wheeling (which again, isn't me)?

 

Hmm, does Full Traction sell a kit for all 8 in the zero maintenance? I'm not finding it on any of the reseller sites or FT's website.

 

http://full-traction.com/brand.php?M...EID=1&TYPEID=2

Looks like they come individually, but you might be able to make a package deal from FT or Northridge... Be worth checking out

 

Ok....the OP is looking to get enough in the way of adjustable control arms to run about 3" inches of lift, and will not be wheeling hard. Why would you start suggesting a long arm kit? I get that Radius arms might be a reasonable suspension suggestion for the OP's use...but in order to get radius arms you essentially need to completely remove the existing 4 link system and switch to long arm radius arms. That's an expensive and difficult way to address minor geometry issues.

OP, simply go out and buy a QUALITY set of adjustable control arms. Front lowers should be all you truly need for 3" of lift...but rear uppers are not a bad idea to keep your pinion angle dialed in. For my money, I'd spend the couple extra dollars to go with a brand like Currie, Clayton, or ORE. The all use Currie Johnny joints - and quality, greaseable, rebuildable joints are the key to a suspension system that will last.

 

for as little lift as you will have, you really don't need any adjustable control arms. but, IF you feel like you have flighty handling at highway speeds, a set of adjustable lowers IS really all that you need. with them, you will be able to lengthen them just a bit and enough so that they add more positive caster - this will help restore your handling at highway speeds. as far as brands go, why not just get the same brand as the kit you're getting? nothing wrong with them and, they are reasonably priced.

only in the rear. when you get your new u-joint style drive shaft, you will need to set your pinion angle so that the shaft sits in line with it and, the only way you can do that is with a set of adjustable rear upper arms.

 

Thanks all for the helpful replies and information. It sounds like my original advice of getting front lower and rear upper was good overall. I'll probably just get the Teraflex arms as he's offering a decent deal on both. I figure the rear will be for future needs when I get the drive shaft (as Wayoflife mentioned).

Teraflex adjustable front lower control arms - $306.00
Teraflex adjustable rear upper control arms - $263.00

As far as maintenance goes, what's involved? I realize the Full Traction kit is a zero maintenance kit, but how much of a convenience is that really giving you?

 

well, the TF front control arms use spherical joints at the axle end and, getting to the zerk nipples to grease them is kind of a pain. you pretty much have to unbolt the control arm at the axle and lower it a bit to get to the nipple. the FT control arms use a big FK rod end and they do not need greasing. both have bonded rubber bushings at the frame so, there is no need to maintain them. in the rear, greasing the TF arms isn't as bad as they are upper arms and easier to access.