why only front lower control arms?!
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Newington, CT
why only front lower control arms?!
Why does it seem that the only control arms people replace as a start to a suspension lift are the front lower ones? do these serve more purpose than say the rear lowers or even the front uppers? still kinda learning about how lifted suspensions function
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Start with this one in the Suspension FAQ's:
Q: What is Caster? How much do I need?
When lifted, the caster is no longer 'correct', and at some point you'll want to fix it. This can be done with cam bolts, new longer/shorter fixed arms, or adjustable arms.
Upper front adj arms are cheaper, but do not have the range of adjustability that lowers do. So if you only get one, lowers are the better choice. Then you add the uppers for more fine tuning and moving the axle front to back in the wheel well.
The rear uppers are needed when you replace the rear driveshaft to get the proper angles. Lowers would be for fine tuning and moving the axle.
Q: What is Caster? How much do I need?
When lifted, the caster is no longer 'correct', and at some point you'll want to fix it. This can be done with cam bolts, new longer/shorter fixed arms, or adjustable arms.
Upper front adj arms are cheaper, but do not have the range of adjustability that lowers do. So if you only get one, lowers are the better choice. Then you add the uppers for more fine tuning and moving the axle front to back in the wheel well.
The rear uppers are needed when you replace the rear driveshaft to get the proper angles. Lowers would be for fine tuning and moving the axle.