Fixed control arms>Stock control arms

$lick · 03-16-2009, 10:00 AM

Im currently running stock control arms, want to upgrade but dont have the $$ for the adjustables.

For those who went from stock CA's to Fixed control arms such as RE or whatever, did you notice a difference? I want to correct angles that were altered with the lift, that stock control arms cannot counter, and i want the jeep to ride a little bit better before i hand it off to my 16 year old brother.

So my question> Replace the mangled old stock control arms with fixed control arms or no?

BlackBellamy · 03-16-2009, 10:42 AM

Your 16 year old brother will crash that jeep. Save your money. The stock arms will do just fine. Replacing your stock arms won't affect ride quality much and if you don't have driveline vibes you don't need to fool around with replacing the arms for that reason.

03rubiconMG · 03-16-2009, 11:18 AM

How bad are they? maybe a picture? if they are just dented then dont worry about it but if they are severly bent then that is an issue and you can just replace them with stock.

there is no point in just buying fixed aftermarket control arms for that reason. If you have driveline vibrations due to bad rear pinion angle then the only way to fix that is with adjustables.

Make sure your brother knows how to drive a jeep like that also. Some jeeps can take some skill to not crash. and most jeeps have some little ticks that the driver should be aware of. Like how to deal with death wobble if it ever occurs.

**Apex** · 03-16-2009, 11:49 AM

I have a full set of stock control arms for next to nothing if you need them

$lick · 03-18-2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03rubiconMG

How bad are they? maybe a picture? if they are just dented then dont worry about it but if they are severly bent then that is an issue and you can just replace them with stock.

there is no point in just buying fixed aftermarket control arms for that reason. If you have driveline vibrations due to bad rear pinion angle then the only way to fix that is with adjustables.

Make sure your brother knows how to drive a jeep like that also. Some jeeps can take some skill to not crash. and most jeeps have some little ticks that the driver should be aware of. Like how to deal with death wobble if it ever occurs.

My concern is not about my brother crashing it. For the last 2 years he's been driving it under my supervision, and sometimes not. How do they look? Not normal, been through Rausch Creek 2 times on them, and its seen alot, im sure the bushings are well worn out from the beach/road salt/mud/sand/rocks/you name it.

Bob97TJ · 03-18-2009, 11:16 PM

get a set of new used arms,or replace the bushings.the stock arms flex better than after market fixed arms.

$lick · 03-20-2009, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob97TJ

get a set of new used arms,or replace the bushings.the stock arms flex better than after market fixed arms.

what kind of evidence do you have to support that?

geepguy99 · 03-20-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob97TJ

get a set of new used arms,or replace the bushings.the stock arms flex better than after market fixed arms.

That all depends on what ends are used etc...

The stockers can bend...

not mine..

It really all depends on what he will be using it for. Everyday on road driving stock should be fine... Rocks, etc you might as well upgrade them.

matinau · 03-20-2009, 11:58 AM

Yes, that looks like the stock arms DO flex more...

Quote:

Originally Posted by geepguy99

That all depends on what ends are used etc...

The stockers can bend...

not mine..

It really all depends on what he will be using it for. Everyday on road driving stock should be fine... Rocks, etc you might as well upgrade them.

BlackBellamy · 03-20-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by $lick

what kind of evidence do you have to support that?

He's talking about ones with poly bushings, ones like these:

You can plainly see here there is no room for flex because the poly bushings just don't flex very well. All the force is transferred to your mounts. The stock ones are rubber and they are U-shaped, so they will flex way more than these above.

IMHO, if you're not going to get ones with a flex or johnny-joint (on one end at least), you should stick with the stockers. I run Curries (below) and can't be happier. Spensive though!

Patton · 03-20-2009, 02:00 PM

IMHO, if you're not going to get ones with a flex or johnny-joint (on one end at least), you should stick with the stockers. I run Curries (below) and can't be happier. Spensive though!

I agree.

mrbillbrown · 03-21-2009, 02:26 PM

I also have a set of stock arms if you need em.

UnlimitedNJ · 03-21-2009, 05:08 PM

The only drawback to the stockers besides lack of adjustment is how weak they are. I wouldn't bother replacing them with fixed aftermarket arms. I still have stock lowers on the rear of my LJ, I just carry spares.