Lower Control Arm Swap

[KennethS]

I'm considering replacing my factory lower control arms with some beefier arms, such as the Rubicon Express tubular ones. From what I have found so far, the factory arms are 15 3/4" from bolt center to bolt center and the RE arms are 16 1/8" center to center. The extra 3/8" of length will cause the axle to rotate slightly, but will this cause any issues? Apparently the pinion angle will change by some amount that I am too lazy to calculate, but will there be any other issues with things such as alignment or suspension geometry that I need to worry about?

The Jeep has an Old Man Emu lift kit (which I have read is either 2" or 2.5" lift, depending upon the source), Rancho 9000s, and 11.5 x 32 BFG ATs, if that matters any. The rest of the suspension is factory stuff.

[AZXJ]

you'll be fine.. just make sure to check your toe once the new arms are in.

[thedon]

Are the rubicon express arm adjustable or fixed ?
I would get some that you can adjust.
I have daystar adjustable ones and they are set about 3/4 over stock length, but not every jeep is the same. I have a 3" lift and with a 2 to 2.5 lift you should be about stock length.

[xjstocker]

yes it will change the pinion angle closer to stock it will also add caster so you will need to realign. if you are set on RE equipment go with the superflex with the cool JJs

[SavageSun4x4]

RE is a good LC, but what ever you go with just insure it is ADJUSTABLE or you will regret.

Install and then set your caster and toe. You can do this yourself with some simple tools and a flat surface.

here are some tips/pics on setting caster: http://web.mac.com/donpryor/iWeb/SavageSun%204x4/TJ%20Caster%20Adjustment,.html

[lancetkenyon]

I would agree on adjustable arms, they will give you more options for lift adjustments in the future too. With more lift, you need a little longer arms to help get some of your wheelbase back. Adj. uppers would be a good invesment in the future too. Then you can adjust pinion angle and wheelbase length, no matter what height you go with in the future. This will also help keep your lower arms from bottoming out on the axle bracket, and causing it to be ripped off by functioning as a pivot point/leverage point. Hope this helps.

[dirtgrip]

Currie makes some nice adj arms with Johnny Joints.Mine have held up well.