Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: parabs on July 23, 2010, 11:19:51 AM

Title: Control Arm Question
Post by: parabs on July 23, 2010, 11:19:51 AM
I am looking at a small lift from Old Man Emu (http://www.quadratec.com/products/16090_00X_A_PG.htm) and I am wondering what I should be looking at for control arms?  Factory stamped steel is junk, but can be helped out a lot with aftermarket bushings.  I know using the stock control arms will mess with the geometry a bit, so I may as well change those out for something a bit better anyways.  

2" will be my max lift, ever, so can you recommend a quality control arm for that particular lift?

thanks in advance. ;D
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: parabs on July 23, 2010, 11:42:19 AM
and now I just saw this from Rough Country (http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_tj_2x.html#) which has control arms included in the kit...but I really want to stay away from having to use a SYE and a new driveshaft..(thats why I dont want to exceed 2" of lift)

Comparing Rough Country to OME, what are the differences as far as ride and build quality and longevity of these kits?
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: BlackYJ on July 23, 2010, 12:00:45 PM
Comparing Rough Country to OME, what are the differences as far as ride and build quality and longevity of these kits?

The ride quality from OME is the best your can get from an aftermarket kit.  They are worth money
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: w squared on July 23, 2010, 01:42:09 PM
A set of Currie or Clayton control arms with OME coils and shocks is going to give you some pretty skookum resutls. I'm running (some) Currie arms with OME shocks and springs on my JK, and I'm very happy so far.
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: ornamental on July 23, 2010, 03:03:08 PM
you dont NEED aftermarket arms with that particular lift
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: 01sahara on July 23, 2010, 08:38:13 PM
you dont NEED aftermarket arms with that particular lift

I want to upgrade my arms but have been running the stock ones. You don't have to do it all at once
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: Rubi03 jef on July 24, 2010, 02:58:42 AM
dont touch rough country lifts .. unless its just the springs and shocks 2.5   

i have there arms and the bushings ware out fast

if u want realy good arms go currie u pay for what you get
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: parabs on July 24, 2010, 10:04:11 PM
dont touch rough country lifts .. unless its just the springs and shocks 2.5   

i have there arms and the bushings ware out fast

if u want realy good arms go currie u pay for what you get

I was looking at the 2.5" progressive springs accompanied by the 2.2 RC shocks as seen here (http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_tj_2x.html), as well as the "x-flex" control arms. 

Just to be 100% sure, is this the kit you think is decent?  Also, they claim these control arms are new, is this what you are running and they are junk?  From what I can tell on quadratec, the currie arms are just a bit more cash.
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: morerpmfred on July 24, 2010, 10:25:40 PM
rc changed all of their control arms about a year or so ago so he maybe referring to the old  jks style arms . Rc arms are now using the jonny joint style joint at one end and on theur website they say they are rebuildable .
Ome are very good in quility but rc coil springs are now all progressive.
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: parabs on July 24, 2010, 11:08:42 PM
rc changed all of their control arms about a year or so ago so he maybe referring to the old  jks style arms . Rc arms are now using the jonny joint style joint at one end and on theur website they say they are rebuildable .
Ome are very good in quility but rc coil springs are now all progressive.

ya, I saw they are rebuildable.  What kinda life expectancy (in kms) should one expect to get out of a jonny joint?  It is very nice it is rebuildable.

From what I have read, RC have really increased the quality of the products in the last couple years.  I understand OME is the benchmark, but from what I have read, the kit I linked above has received excellent reviews and the ride is decent.  The 2.5" lift seems to lose 0.5" as the springs settle/sag and the kit flexes a ton from what I would expect from 2.5" lift.

When going with the adjustable control arms, will that help mitigate vibes from your driveline angles?  I would think it would, as you can "correct" the pinion angles a lot with the adjustable uppers.  It would be exceptional if it would eliminate the potential need to use an MML or a xfer case drop and SYE, however it seems "every jeep is different" and there is not a set in stone rule..

Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: w squared on July 24, 2010, 11:21:32 PM
Adjustable control arms will also allow you to set your caster, which will determine your Jeep's steering's tendency to return to center on it's own.
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: Rubi03 jef on July 25, 2010, 06:13:04 PM
I was looking at the 2.5" progressive springs accompanied by the 2.2 RC shocks as seen here (http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_tj_2x.html), as well as the "x-flex" control arms. 

Just to be 100% sure, is this the kit you think is decent?  Also, they claim these control arms are new, is this what you are running and they are junk?  From what I can tell on quadratec, the currie arms are just a bit more cash.

yes those arms ... the johny joint look alike end is pretty good no issues there but the other end is the weak point
i have the 4 inch lift from RC so springs shocks and arms and springs and shocks have been great . .the arms are still holding together but if your ganna do it do it right ..

pay the bit extra and make sure both ends are true johnny joints
its worth the money
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: hps4evr on July 25, 2010, 07:42:47 PM
Paul, i know how you want to kep your jeep low and closer to stock then most. you use your jeep for work which involves a lot of highway and severe off-road driving. i think you will be money and headaches ahead if you spend a bit more for the OME coils/shocks and currie arms.
it may seem cheaper to use the RC stuff now but down the road you may regret it.
Title: Re: Control Arm Question
Post by: parabs on July 25, 2010, 11:20:32 PM
Paul, i know how you want to kep your jeep low and closer to stock then most. you use your jeep for work which involves a lot of highway and severe off-road driving. i think you will be money and headaches ahead if you spend a bit more for the OME coils/shocks and currie arms.
it may seem cheaper to use the RC stuff now but down the road you may regret it.


Thanks Eric, thats true...I was just thinking that as well.  OME and Currie seem to be the top stuff, so for the extra bit I would spend on them, it may pay for itself quickly if I am experiencing downtime due to junk.

I am leaning towards OME and Currie, unless someone else can point me in the direction of a product that is of ultra high quality as well.

Thanks for everyones help!  (I am willing to listen to more opinions as well)