Am I crazy for thinking I can make my own control arms? Do you know anyone who has made their own?

 

yes, you are crazy.

 

Ok...I thought so too, but then again $1000+ for what no more than 12 feet of pipe seems crazy as well

 

It's not just pipe.

 

I'm an avid DIYer, but no way would I even consider making control arms myself. Seems very dangerous. I'ld buy lower cost RC control arms way before considering making my own.

 

Do people build their own? Sure... they make them out of DOM (usually 2 x 0.25 D.O.M.)... but they also have the tube bending equipment that you'll need to clearance things on your jeep. Then you'll need the ends for the tubing (Ruff Stuff sells that kind of stuff). Then you'll need to be a damned good welder to be sure you've welded the ends on properly.

I certainly won't build my own, but I did run custom made ones for several years that were build by a friend who has all the proper equipment and builds custom parts on a regular basis. He was able to build them for me for about 1/2 the price I would have paid for off-the-shelf parts.

 

this place will supply everything you need. personally I think if you want to do it go for it. control arms are not rocket science. It probably won't save you a ton of money tho.
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com...USPENSION.html

 

If you can weld control arms are not a big deal. Choosing the joints you want is the biggest part of it. Finding affordable tube may be an issue as you get better prices buying in quantity. Lots of people build their own arms and I agree you are paying a bi premium from most companies over what they actually cost to build.

 

I am an avid DIYer too and was hoping to save a bunch on a lift by buying one that lacks some of the major components like control arms so that I lock, regear, and lift at the same time. I'm also a pretty good welder (I'm a high school shop teacher and teach welding, so I don't have any certifications but I am pretty good). For another project I just bought 20ft of 2" OD .25" walled piping for $235 which is actually what gave me the idea to start with. I do still need to price out the joints.

Thanks for all the input, I going to continue researching and debating with myself.

 

I’m looking at it more from a big picture….thinking even if you have the machinery and skillze, put in the time and effort, and come up with something functional, are you going to be able to come up with something that is as well designed as a Metalcloak arm? In the big picture of what you spent on a new jeep, and what you’re going to do to it, $1200 is not that much money for a top quality set of arms that is going to be a very important component in the overall build. If you had a salvaged vehicle and were building a trail rig, I’d think playing around and making your own arms makes a bit more sense, especially if you have the skillz. Look at all the various arms out there on the market. They are all different, all bent differently, use various joints. I’m sure Metalcloak didn’t come up with their arm on the first try. A lot of trial and error to getting it perfected. IDK, just doesn’t seem worth it in the big picture to me, that’s all.