Lower control arm replacement with lift?

[VTWolverine]

I'm starting to gather parts for a 2" Dobinson's lift and talked to a local indy mechanic about installing it. He sounded familiar with the platform and has done a few airbag swaps. He asked if I was planning on replacing the lower control arms in the process and I hadn't considered it. He said he really recommends it as the old arms really restrict travel and are a pain to work with. I rarely see LCAs mentioned on lift threads; mostly just UCAs with regards to rubbing on 2.5" plus lifts and 285s or larger tires. Should I be thinking about swapping the LCAs or will it be fine to proceed with the originals?

 

[danthemanx07]

You need a new mechanic. New LCAs are helpful for a number of reasons but not because they "really restrict travel." I also had no "pain" with mine when I installed my Icons at ~180,000 miles.

 

[IanB]

They should be replaced if the bushings and ball joint are toast, but I'd replace them with new OEM as there are zero issues with them at 2" lift. UCA's can restrict alignment specs at 2.5"+ lifts, but again they are just fine with a 2" lift. You'll love the Dobinsons stuff, rides so nice!

 

[SIMKGX]

I'm pretty sure he is talking about the rear LCA in which case, yes they do restrict travel quite a bit.

 

[VTWolverine]

I'm pretty sure he is talking about the rear LCA in which case, yes they do restrict travel quite a bit.

That must be the case, should have asked him to specify. Replacements are much cheaper than fronts but I'm still skeptical about how necessary it is.

 

[SIMKGX]

Unless you are looking at LT springs and shocks out back, probably not "necessary". However, if you plan to play in rocks, I would recommend something more stout. The lower rear links (LCA) are exposed and fragile.
I plan to replace rear LCA when I install my lift in July. I do not need every last inch of travel so will opt for something stout, not necessarily the most adjustable/offset links which tend to be a tad (~$100) pricier.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

@SIMKGX did you get one of these lower control arms? Which one?

1. Dobinsons WA59-520K Adjustable Rear Lower Links GX470 $295
2. MT-120-44125 Gx470 Offset Rear Lower Links $400
3. 43017-PRO - Rokmen Pro Series Adjustable Lower Links (07-14 FJ/03+4Runner/03+GX) $365 @ Toytec

 

[SIMKGX]

Rokmen Trail Series RM43017 from Wheelers Offroad

 

[Jstawgn]

Another very good option for rear lower control arm is Rez Fab

Toyota FJ Cruiser & 4Runner offroad parts | RESZ Fabrication

Resz Fab specializes in high quality offroad parts for the FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, and Lexus GX. Such as FJ Cruiser bumpers, skid plates, T4R rear links, sliders, and more

reszfab.com

 

[GXDude]

TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION. Tried and true. Been through RIGOROUS testing. My personal opinion, there are none better.

just an opinion of course.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

TC for rear lower control arms? I’m still trying to figure out what makes one rear control arm better than the other. They all look similar

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

I helped a buddy install the MT offset version with his Icon lift. They were very nice.

I've never handled the other mentioned brands but like was said above, I can't see what makes one vastly better than another.

If they have one articulating joint and one poly or OEM joint, they should be tolerable on the road, Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) wise.

I would never run Heims again on a street driven vehicle. I've heard all the arguments about 'quality heims are different' etc., but that hasn't been my experience. Heims are very noisy and clunk and rattle constantly, which drives me crazy on a street driven vehicle. I built arms for my old Jeep project and used high end Heims. They clunked and rattled like the imported garbage.

Johnny Joints are pretty sweet if you are OK with adding a joint to your service routine. They require grease about as often as you should be changing your oil. The poly in the joint body is serviceable too which is nice.

I would glady run a beffier arm that was adjustable with two factory joints. I haven't seen anyone offer one yet though so I'm making my own. I'm going to make new uppers and a new panhard bar too.

After pricing DOM and bushings, I cant justify the cost the vendors are asking.

In the end, if you get a goid adjustable arm, you will gain about an inch or so of travel with the right suspension.

Sometimes an inch is the difference between getting the winch out and driving away. I like to use my winch for others more than myself so an inch is worth it.

 

[wrmathis]

I helped a buddy install the MT offset version with his Icon lift. They were very nice.

I've never handled the other mentioned brands but like was said above, I can't see what makes one vastly better than another.

If they have one articulating joint and one poly or OEM joint, they should be tolerable on the road, Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) wise.

I would never run Heims again on a street driven vehicle. I've heard all the arguments about 'quality heims are different' etc., but that hasn't been my experience. Heims are very noisy and clunk and rattle constantly, which drives me crazy on a street driven vehicle. I built arms for my old Jeep project and used high end Heims. They clunked and rattled like the imported garbage.

Johnny Joints are pretty sweet if you are OK with adding a joint to your service routine. They require grease about as often as you should be changing your oil. The poly in the joint body is serviceable too which is nice.

I would glady run a beffier arm that was adjustable with two factory joints. I haven't seen anyone offer one yet though so I'm making my own. I'm going to make new uppers and a new panhard bar too.

After pricing DOM and bushings, I cant justify the cost the vendors are asking.

In the end, if you get a goid adjustable arm, you will gain about an inch or so of travel with the right suspension.

Sometimes an inch is the difference between getting the winch out and driving away. I like to use my winch for others more than myself so an inch is worth it.

think this is what you are talking about?

Rear Trailing Arms, Dual Adjustable, 03+ 4Runner, 07+ FJ Cruiser, Lexus GX470

<p>Improve your on road ride, and off-road performance and durability. The Rokmen <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dual Adjustable</span></em> lower trailing arms are an adjustable and extremely heavy duty upgrade over th

www.rokmen.com