Homemade lower control arms

V

vortex

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Chehalis, Wa

• Mar 12, 2009

• #1

Thinking of taking (2) sets of stock control arms and chopping, welding ,reinforcing, and strengthening said proposition. I will also be boxing them in. This is just temporary for driving to and from school and light wheeling.This will consist of ZERO DOLLARS and i have no job right not....but once i have the 200 dollars for the kit it will come.

I just want opinions on this...Not just "its unsafe, don't do it"

I know what i will be doing and this will be a VERY rigid set of control arms.

thanks'

-PJ-

 

1990JEEPXJ

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

San Diego

• Mar 12, 2009

• #2

i wouldnt recommend it. just wait to save up for new ones.

 

F

fubar XJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Bothell, WA

• Mar 12, 2009

• #3

The stock arms are designed to flex. If you stiffen them, they will break.

 

V

vortex

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Chehalis, Wa

• Mar 12, 2009

• #4

fubar XJ said:

The stock arms are designed to flex. If you stiffen them, they will break.

Click to expand...

So would 'Semi" stiffening them work? Also could i use the stock ends (bushing receptacle thing) and use 2' tubing and bend then and make control arms that way?

-PJ-

 

goodburbon

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Westcliffe Colorado.

• Mar 12, 2009

• #5

Please stop

 

XJEEPER

NAXJA Member # 13

NAXJA Member

Location

Wasatch Range

• Mar 12, 2009

• #6

Can work and will work. I've extended a few sets of "budget" arms for folks that were saving for the real deal. I wouldn't use these for wheeling longterm and you do this at your own risk, and the risk of others.

 

aparke4

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Atlanta, Ga

• Mar 12, 2009

• #7

the only thing i have seen people do is box them in - they are thin material and not the best starting point for control arms... get some tube and make em your self - it is actually easier and will result in a stronger product - maybe a bit more $ - or look into RC's new arms - great for someone on a budget and they come with flex joints! the stock arms are just flemsy

 

goodburbon

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Westcliffe Colorado.

• Mar 12, 2009

• #8

flimsy ends + ridgid middle extension = cracked welds, overstressed materials...a bad idea. Sure you could do it. Is it wise? Not at all.

 

FlexdXJ

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Memorial Lifetime Member

Location

Columbus, In

• Mar 12, 2009

• #9

My buddy bought an 86 with a lift on it a few year back and the lower had been lengthened and they looked janky as hell! I would just save yourself the time and possible bodily harm and buy some. No Jeep needs to be lifted that bad!

 

V

vortex

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Chehalis, Wa

• Mar 12, 2009

• #10

Im leaning towards building them my self.

-PJ-

 

cal

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Hammertown, USA

• Mar 12, 2009

• #11

The stock control arms are designed to twist.

When you box them in, they can't twist, neither can the hard rubber bushings at both ends - there is no give. When you flex out, it overstresses the control arm mounts.

Eventually, and sooner than you think, it will rip them off of the axle.

..The same thing will happen with any aftermarket control arm you buy or build, with no flex in it and harder rubber joints.. for example, Pro-Comp control arms (or many others, but that comes to mind).