Adjustable vs. Fixed Lower Control Arms

[Tim00XJ]

My lift came with adjustable rough country control arms -- the old style before the x-flex joints. The threads on the passenger side arm have finally wallowed out causing a clunking noise in the front end. So, I'm looking at purchasing new lower control arms, but am having trouble deciding between fixed or adjustable.

I'm currently at 4.5" of lift and the uppers are fixed. Would I be able to get by with fixed lowers, or should I go with adjustable?

 

[Jlanesey]

Go with the clayton adjustable long arms, do it once and do it right (this time)

 

[Tim00XJ]

I'm not looking to spend nearly that much money at this time, haha. Just looking to fix the clunking noise.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Especially since you have fixed uppers. adj. lowers are the way to go.

 

[Tim00XJ]

That's what I figured, just though I'd check to see if I could save $50 by ordering fixed lol. Thanks for the help.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

You COULD, but adj. make it THAT much easier to align, etc.

 

[Hillenbrand]

You could adjust your control arms to the proper length and weld the tube to the threads.

 

[yossarian19]

You can adjust caster with fixed lower control arms. Any competent alignment shop can do it as well with fixed lower arms as with adjustable arms. I'd get fixed length arms with rubber bushings in them (poly if you must) and if you need more adjustment, get adjustable uppers - because they'll last longer.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

You can adjust caster with fixed lower control arms. Any competent alignment shop can do it as well with fixed lower arms as with adjustable arms. I'd get fixed length arms with rubber bushings in them (poly if you must) and if you need more adjustment, get adjustable uppers - because they'll last longer.

Honestly, for 50$, adjustable arms save the headache of having to use the shoe/shims to adjust the arms.

 

[yossarian19]

$50 is cheap, but he's already buying his 2nd set. How much for the ones that won't wallow out and clunk? Gotta think about the value of spare time spent under the Jeep.
Then again, most of us are hobbyists who *enjoy* replacing stuff under the Jeep. Shrug.

 

[Tim00XJ]

I don't really plan on going any bigger (lift-wise) in the near future, I'm tossing around the idea of selling it towards the end of the year and going over to the dark side (getting a Wrangler). If not, I'd end up getting long arms when going to a bigger lift.

Do all adjustable arms end up wallowing out at the adjustable part of the control arm? If that's the case, it seems ideal to go with fixed since I do not plan on putting on a bigger lift. I will just have to make sure to get the correct length.

If the more expensive control arms do not wallow out, it just makes more sense to go the long-arm route. I've seen some of the prices of more expensive arms (such as Currie, JKS, etc.) and they are nearly $400.

 

[yossarian19]

I don't know how much the thread sizes vary between various adjustable arms. Bigger is obviously better, smaller threads being more likely to gall / sheer etc. If the jam nut is kept tight, though, they shouldn't wallow or clunk or anything.
Don't remember who, but I did find fixed lower arms made of DOM tube with factory control arm bushings. Looked like a winner to me.