what are the benefits of having flex control arms with a 2.5 in lift? how much more flex do you typically get? how much more would one gain with additional upper flex arms? would upper flex arms be at all necessary with a 2.5 inch lift?.

 

Adjustable Control Arms are used to set the caster after a lift, to set driveshaft angles, and for axle positioning if you get both sets. 'Flex Arm' is just the name of TeraFlex's adjustable arms...


Read this one in the Suspension FAQ's:
"Q: What is Caster? How much do I need?"

 

So, adjustable control arms dont necessarily give more flex or articulation?

 

No, it's just easier to adjust your caster, and axle angles.

 

The joints may be more flexable than the stock ones.
And if you get both sets of arms, they will be set longer than the stock arms to account for the added height of the lift, so I imagine you could get a bit more travel that the stocks?

But, you get them for the caster adjustment and driveshaft angles, any increased flex/travel (if there is any) is a bonus...

 

Ahh i see. nicely put. so would upper arms be necessary or beneficial to attain a proper caster angle for a 2.5 in lift? i read that they would be for a 3 inch lift.

 

The higher you lift, the lower the caster gets. (causing flightyness/bumpsteer/etc) Do you 'need' to fix it? Up to you, it's a personal preference - everyone has their own tolerance for non-stock handling, and will have their own opinion on the need.

I haven't had a 2.5" lift, so can't comment on your setup. However, at 3.25", I hated the flightyness. Caster correction was not an option for me, it was needed. (If you browse around some more, you'll find people with higher lifts that say the handling is fine, and adjustables are a waste of money. I think they are clueless, but they are entitled to their opinions... )

 

The flex joints on the aftermarket control arms reduce the amount of binding while flexing, putting less stress on the control arm brackets.