I am getting ready to install an AEV 4.5" kit, and the only change I am making is the front lower control arms. I like the bushings in the JKS lower control arms, but am concerned that because these are "rotating" arms, they might add additional torque to the upper front arms which will be stock. Clayton appears to have very high quality arms as well, and I have read great reviews on them, although I am not a fan of the johnny joints as I have had some that have loosened (not Clayton's brand).

I have narrowed it down to these two. Input????

 

We just had a customers JK in here with the 3 inch AEV lift and JKS front lower control arms. He removed them and replaced them with ours. He had the same comment as you mention, not really liking the twisting arm setup.

Ours come with a lifetime warantee against bending or breaking. The joints we use are Curries Johnny Joint. We have great results with them, and can be easily rebuilt down the road.

On a bigger note, its probably more important to get a set of the upper adjustable arms to set a proper caster angle. From what I saw on his JK the AEV kits do NOT come with any adjustable arms. And the most important setting on the JK is setting the front caster angle. While the lowers will slightly affect the caster angle it is not as effective as using uppers. The upper axle mounts are much taller, therefore you have a better leverage point.

So basically if you want to set a better caster angle/pinion angle buy the upper adjustable arms. To compensate for lift height and get a stronger better flexing arm then get the lower arms.

If you decide to go with the JKS arms, send me a PM. Our customer may still be selling those JKS arms, and they were basically brand new.

Adam
Clayton Off Road Mfg.

 

You cant beat the lifetime guarantee on the arms.

Bruised on here ran Claytons on his TJ and beat the hell out of them with no issues. The joints held up fine too..
42's!

 

And just when I thought I had this all figured out. The reason I was going to go with the lower arms is because AEV accomplishes their minor castor adjustment with just the cam bolt, which essentially lengthens the lower arms by less than an inch. They do nothing to the upper arms. I rode in one of their 4.5" lifts, and the steering and tracking were perfect. I just figured I would replicate the cam bolts by installing slightly longer lower arms, and not worry about the uppers. The only reason that I am not sticking with the cam bolts is there is too much controversy over the durability of this item, and I figured I would error on the safe side.

I do appreciate your input, and am trying to figure out what I am going to do at this point?

 

This is the exact same setup I want to do. AEV 4.5 coupled with Clayton Arms. Where are you getting your AEAV? On Northridge's website, they do not list the 4.5.

 

David does not list it, but as you know, he carries AEV products and can sell it. I just don't think he has updated his site yet. Send him an e-mail or call....he'll get you taken care of.

 

[QUOTE=Piginajeep;1173750]You cant beat the lifetime guarantee on the arms.

Bruised on here ran Claytons on his TJ and beat the hell out of them with no issues. The joints held up fine too..
42's!


Good to know...thanks for the endorsement.

 

How do Clayton joints hold up in winters where there is lots of salt? I ask because I have Currie swaybars in the rear and this past winter has corroded the heim joints to the point that no matter how much grease I can get on them they are froze into one position.....needless to say I am looking for a better solution on these too.

 

I have clayton lowers and so far the johnny joints are holding up fine. I think this was the 2nd winter... I cant remember when I added them

To the OP, if you are even thinking about Clayton's, get them. They are very nice arms and are built like tanks. Ive beat on the lowers a few times without any issues.

 

I'm pretty set on the Clayton's with all of the ringing endorsements, and I like the fact that Clayton has replied to my post....shows they are interested in their customers. I am waiting to hear back from them as to wether the uppers or lowers make more sense. I may talk to AEV as well and see with Jim (the Nth degree engineer) thinks.