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Front Control Arms

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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 05:59 AM
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Default Front Control Arms

So I have a 4" lift and I'm sick of getting dragged all over the road. Looking into a set of front lower control arms. My question is whether or not I'll need a new driveshaft right away. I have a 2013 with the 6 speed on 35s. Would it be best for me to just wait and build up some money and get all 8 control arms? I eventually want to make the jump to 37s. Also this is my DD.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 06:16 AM
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To start, just go with the front lowers. That will help your steering immediately, then you can work on getting the other arms as funds allow.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 06:25 AM
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2.5"-3.5" Lowers are ok. 4"+ do Front Upper and Lower. Rear doesn't make much difference...

If you do plan on all eight, you'll get a better deal on the whole package.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 10:40 AM
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Adding a full set will allow you regain your full wheel base as well. You may have some coil/track bar issues on the rear by moving the rear axle back to the factory location due to the rotated axle though.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 06:37 PM
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Thanks for the replies everyone. So I'm getting the consensus that I won't have any driveshaft issues?
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 09:27 PM
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If you have a good fabricator in the area you might want to consider going custom. Explain to him what your long term goals are and have him start with the fronts,,,, when ready, have him build the rears. that way they will all match, and you have the distinct joy of telling people they are custom one-off links. They will most likely be cheaper and stronger as well.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by toxicity_27
So I'm getting the consensus that I won't have any driveshaft issues?
That would be an incorrect assumption. Make a habit of crawling underneath and checking both, regardless of whether or not you get new arms. The stock driveshafts may last the lifetime of your Jeep, or you may find that one is already slinging grease and/or has a ripped boot.
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 09:52 PM
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You didn't mention which shaft, so....AT 4" lift with the already aggravated angle on the '12 and ups, you WILL eventually need a front shaft. If you're going to 37s on a JKU, especially wheeling, I would just suck it up and replace the rear as well. I'm not a fan of waiting for stuff to break when it's inevitable.

Why not just get front LCAs and get your caster angle correct (which will further aggravate your front shaft situation) and then add the other arms when finances permit. My personal favs are RKs.
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Old Mar 28, 2013 | 05:19 AM
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Originally Posted by nthinuf
That would be an incorrect assumption. Make a habit of crawling underneath and checking both, regardless of whether or not you get new arms. The stock driveshafts may last the lifetime of your Jeep, or you may find that one is already slinging grease and/or has a ripped boot.
So far I believe they are okay, though the rear one may have a ripped boot. I'll have to double check.

Originally Posted by fredrok
You didn't mention which shaft, so....AT 4" lift with the already aggravated angle on the '12 and ups, you WILL eventually need a front shaft. If you're going to 37s on a JKU, especially wheeling, I would just suck it up and replace the rear as well. I'm not a fan of waiting for stuff to break when it's inevitable.

Why not just get front LCAs and get your caster angle correct (which will further aggravate your front shaft situation) and then add the other arms when finances permit. My personal favs are RKs.
I have the stock driveshafts front and rear.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 07:11 PM
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Well in the next week or two it looks like I'll be buying some front lower control arms for now.
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