Add Adjustable Control Arms When Lifting Your Jeep
Lifting your Jeep is an exciting modification that can dramatically improve its off-road capabilities and give it a more aggressive stance. However, springs and shocks alone is not enough to ensure optimal performance. One crucial component you should consider adding to your lifted Jeep is a set of adjustable control arms and adjustable trackbars. Another term is suspension links as they link the axles to the frame.
Maintaining Proper Alignment
When you lift your Jeep, the geometry of your suspension changes. As does your alignment and driving characteristics. Stock control arms are designed for factory ride height adding a lift to your vehicle will change your wheelbase, caster angle, pinion angle, axle location and steering wheel center location.
Track bars and adjustable control arms allow you to fine-tune your suspension geometry, ensuring your axles remain properly aligned with the frame. The suspension link adjustability helps maintain correct caster and pinion angles, which are crucial for proper steering, handling, and driveline performance.
Off-Road Performance
Most adjustable control arms often come with high-quality joints but not always. When looking at purchasing new links take into consideration the joints in the arms.
Here at TNT Customs we use Summit Machine Flex Joints and Gyro poly joints in our sets. These joints provide superior articulation compared to stock bushings, allowing for greater wheel travel and improved off-road performance while still providing a comfortable ride on the road.
Durability and Strength
Aftermarket adjustable control arms are usually constructed from stronger materials than stock arms. This however is not always the case. Check with the manufacturer before purchasing, not all suspension links are made equally.
Our control arms at TNT Custom are all made using 1.375” threaded assembly on the lower arms and one inch on the upper arms. TNT’s threaded assemblies are some of the largest threaded assemblies available on the market and we do not stop there. Our long arm lower links are two” diameter 3/8” wall DOM tubing. We also offer 2.25” diameter 7075 aluminum links. We use 1.75” diameter 3/16 wall DOM tubing for our short arm lower control arms.
Making Adjustments
Adjustable Links are just that ADJUSTABLE, but that does not mean they are all equal. Lower quality companies use a coarse thread. This limits your adjustability and is weaker as well. A finer thread on the adjustable assembly will give the control arms more adjustment. This finer thread makes them stronger due to more thread engagement.
Compatibility with Various Lift Heights
Adjustable control arm sets are designed to work with a range of lift heights, typically from 2 to 6 inches. This versatility means you can upgrade your suspension incrementally or change your lift height without needing to replace your control arms each time. Always make sure when adjusting your control arms that there is enough thread engagement. Per the machinist handbook 1.5 X the diameter is the minimum thread engagement requirements.
1.5 X Diameter= minimum thread engagement requirements
1.5 X 1.375 = 2.0625 inches of thread engagement needed.
Improved Handling and Ride Quality
By allowing you to precisely set your suspension geometry, adjustable control arms can significantly improve your Jeep’s handling characteristics. Proper alignment reduces tire wear and improves steering response. It can even help reduce vibrations that are common with lifted vehicles.
While adjustable control arms may seem like an additional expense when lifting your Jeep, they are a crucial component for optimizing your vehicle’s performance, handling, and longevity. The ability to fine-tune your suspension geometry, coupled with increased strength and articulation, makes adjustable control arms a wise investment for any serious Jeep enthusiast looking to get the most out of their lifted rig.
Check out our line of adjustable control arms for your specific Jeep on our website.