I will be installing a 4" RC lift without the control arms as soon as it comes in with 325/70-17 Terra Grapplers. My question is do I really need to replace the front lower control arms with the x-flex arms or will the stock arms be fine? I have read several threads stating both ways. Just looking for a definitive answer...if one exists.

TIA for the help!

 

Welcome to the forum.

From the FAQ:

Q: What are all the components that I will need with a 4" lift?
A: For a 4" lift, you should have a set of 4" coils, bump stop extensions, longer shocks, extended brake lines, longer sway bar links, adjustable front track bar, adjustable rear track bar, front and rear track bar relocation brackets, dropped pitman arm, adjustable upper and lower control arms front and rear and new double cardin u-joint style drive shafts.

Based on my experience with a smaller lift you're going to want/need them.

Good luck

 

OK, so I will get the front LCA's. Do I REALLY need the other LCA's and drive shafts? I bought a 4dr and I thought you didn't need to modify the drive shafts? I don't plan to do very much off roading and what I will do won't be serious. This is a DD that will see pavement 95% of the time.

 

naw, you only need the fronts but if you have an auto, you'll want to replace your front drive shaft with a u-joint style one.

 

You will need to either get a set of front lower control arms or use the cam bolts. Most people don't like cam bolts because they become loose and effect you’re handling. If you don’t take you’re Jeep off road or just do moderate tails the cam bolts will probably be fine. I had cam bolts for a year and went off road several times – mostly moderate trails and didn’t have any problems. I recently welded washers over the cam slots and installed a set of x-flex front lowers. I did this because I want to do more off road and I didn’t want to have any problems with the cam bolts. Since you have a 4 door you’re drive shafts are fine, if you have an auto you might eventually need a front. My opinion would be to get the 4” basic kit and the x-flex front lowers – that should be all you need. Not sure about the front drive shaft though, mine’s a manual so it’s not a problem.

 

I rode for 2 months on my lift with stock control arms. Steering wheel don't go to center nearly as quick. I haven't ruined my stock front drive shaft yet. I don't disconnect my swaybar, though.

 

So disconnecting the sway bar is what could cause wear on the front drive shaft? I don't plan to do that much off roading. If this is the case, before I do anything that would require disconnecting the sway bar, I will look into the drive shaft.

While I'm on that subject, what does a front drive shaft cost?

 

The front will run about $500

 

Thanks!

 

It not really wear on the front drive shaft. The boot on the drive shaft will rip if it hits from flexing. I think the drive shaft will hit skid plate. I have 16,000 miles on mine and haven't had any problems. I also never added the spacers to the skid plate that they send with the lift. I do have the disconnects if I ever need to. I just never have got into the situation, yet. I don't really plan on disconnecting mine. The lower control arms did help alot, but I did a 600 mile trip without them. It wasn't really that big a deal.