control arms
???
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 731
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
What type of driveshaft are you buying? Most likely you will need nothing.... I have a 4"-6" lift and did not end up needed adjustable arms. Runs smooth as can be in 2WD and 4WD. If you want to spend the money either way, all you need is front lowers.
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: FL
I'm glad I'm not the only one... I've been contemplating all the options... lower this, upper that... front or rear... drive shaft now... drive shaft later???
My front drive shaft has started spitting grease.. so I need a new drive shaft but not sure which control arms to buy...
I have a 2dr manual with 3 inches of lift... Whats everyones 2 cents on this? uppers, lowers or none?
thanks, the above info was very helpful.
My front drive shaft has started spitting grease.. so I need a new drive shaft but not sure which control arms to buy...
I have a 2dr manual with 3 inches of lift... Whats everyones 2 cents on this? uppers, lowers or none?
thanks, the above info was very helpful.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
The upper rear arms are used to adjust the pinion angle of the rear axle when you add an aftermarket driveshaft:
The lower rear arms are used to lengthen your wheel base that is lost when you lift your rig. See how the rear wheels on this rig are more forward than stock because it was lifted 4" without rear lower control arms:
The front lower arms are used to either regain lost wheel base from a lift or to adjust the angle of the front axle for correct caster alignment, or both.
The front upper arms are used to adjust the angle of the front axle for correct caster alignment specs if the front lower arms were used to regain wheel base.
In some circumstances--like with the Currie adjustable front upper arms--front arms can be adjusted much shorter than stock for correct caster alignment specs if the stock arms are still used.
Caster shown in lower left corner:
So:
At 2.5" to 3", you can go with either adjustable front uppers or lowers to inprove your caster specs.
At 3" on a 2 door, you may eventually need to run an aftermarket driveshaft along with adjustable rear uppers.
In either case, at 2.5"-3" there is no need for all 8 adjustable arms, and the money could be better spent on other upgrades.
The lower rear arms are used to lengthen your wheel base that is lost when you lift your rig. See how the rear wheels on this rig are more forward than stock because it was lifted 4" without rear lower control arms:
The front lower arms are used to either regain lost wheel base from a lift or to adjust the angle of the front axle for correct caster alignment, or both.
The front upper arms are used to adjust the angle of the front axle for correct caster alignment specs if the front lower arms were used to regain wheel base.
In some circumstances--like with the Currie adjustable front upper arms--front arms can be adjusted much shorter than stock for correct caster alignment specs if the stock arms are still used.
Caster shown in lower left corner:
So:
- There is no need for rear upper adjustables unless you run an aftermarket driveshaft.
- There is no need for rear lower adjustables unless you feel a need to lengthen/regain your lost wheelbase caused by your lift.
- If you run Currie adjustable front uppers to adjust your caster specs, there is no need for adjustable lowers unless you want to fine tune your alignment or lengthen your wheelbase.
- There is no need for adjustable front uppers if you can properly correct your caster alignment specs with adjustable lowers.
At 2.5" to 3", you can go with either adjustable front uppers or lowers to inprove your caster specs.
At 3" on a 2 door, you may eventually need to run an aftermarket driveshaft along with adjustable rear uppers.
In either case, at 2.5"-3" there is no need for all 8 adjustable arms, and the money could be better spent on other upgrades.