Replacing Lower Control Arm Mounts (axle side - D30)

[NW99XJ]

I've been toying around with this idea for a while now....
My lower CA mounts are beat to hell. Not broken, but still, I should prob do something about them before it's too late.
The stock ones are still straight, meaning they're not bent over and/or ready to be sheared off.
....HOWEVER, the ends that protrude past the diameter of the Control Arm End ARE basically completely folded over and curved/flared out, from being drug over rocks and what-not.
So at this point, whenever I hit rocks/obstacles, they drag over the control arm ends themselves. Not the most ideal situation I know, hence why I need to do something about this.
I PERSONALLY much rather stick with the thicker (1/4" material) variety, I know 3/16" is still a far cry better than the sheet metal stock of whats on there now.... but 1/4" would give me that confidence that I'm not going to have to worry about them for a while (if ever.)

(i'll try to get a pic or two up soon of what the current condition of these things are.)

Here's the options I'm looking at.... Feel Free to post up any experience, or preferences on any of these or what has worked well for YOU in the past.

NOTE: I know some of you have "Brand Preferences" - I'm not looking for that.
Nor am I looking for the typical "why don't you cut them out yourself"
(That kind of response should only be posted up if you have a CAD template, 3D solid model, or something similar to share)
I'm mainly looking for this thread to be used as a reference for actual testimonials....and as a place for others to turn to for options

CLAYTON OFFROAD (http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php?cPath=18_71&products_id=90) $69
MADE FROM 1/4"
http://claytonoffroad.com/images/AB-HDFL.jpg

TNT CUSTOMS (http://www.tntcustoms.com/jeep/hd_lower_control_arm_mounts.aspx) $25
MADE FROM 3/16"
http://www.tntcustoms.com/images/products/detail/lowercontrolarmmountsSTD.jpg

BALLISTIC FABRICATION (http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Lower-Axle-Link-Brackets_p_1397.html) $35
MADE FROM 1/4"
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/BalisticCAMounts.png (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/BalisticCAMounts.png.html)

CURRIE ENT. (http://www.currieenterprises.com/CEStore/Product569.aspx?id=1275) $35.00
MADE FROM 3/16"
http://www.currieenterprises.com/CEStore/images/product//Currie/CE-7111.jpg

RUFFSTUFF (http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/30ALB0.html) $30.00
MADE FROM 1/4" (note: these are for a 3" axle tube - they do not offer ones for 2.5")
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/graphics/00000001/IMG_0507.jpg

LIQUID IRON IDUSTRIES (http://liquidironindustries.com/Axle-Side-Lower-Control-Arm-Mount-Brackets.html) $24.50
MADE FROM 1/4"
http://liquidironindustries.com/image.php?type=D&id=457

ARTEC IND. (http://www.artecindustries.com/Dana-30-HD-Lower-Control-Arm-Brackets-pair_p_372.html) $55
MADE FROM 1/4" (note: these have the "Cam-Bolt" option - if you want to run these on an XJ, you'll need to use the Cam Bolts from a TJ)
http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/imagemagic.php?img=images/Artec_Dana_30_HD_Lower_Arm_Brackets_pair.jpg&w=400&h=&page=popup

RUSTY'S (http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-heavy-duty-lower-axle-mounts.html) $59
MADE FROM 1/4" (note: these have the "Cam-Bolt" option - if you want to run these on an XJ, you'll need to use the Cam Bolts from a TJ)
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/R/C/RC-LCM1_3.jpg

ROCK KRAWLER SUSPENSION (http://www.rockkrawler.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RK00396TJ) $79
MADE FROM 1/4" (note: these are sold as "TJ" brackets, but should work for an XJ - I would call to verify)
http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/rmgoc.unprv/v/vspfiles/photos/RK00396TJ-2.jpg

I will also be posting up a full "step-by-step / how-to" with a ton of pics once I get the replacements in.

[XJ Wheeler]

Man, you're good at researching.

First off, i have no prior experience with any of the products listed and i don't subscribe to specific brands, just certain products that have proven themselves. So this is just from looking at the provided pictures.

IN MY OPINION, the Ballistic Fabrication mounts look to have the best design (unless you want the cam-bolt option. They are 1/4" and have the bottom brace the others don't provide.

Also, for others, a set of weld-on lower control arm skids may help prevent at least some of these problems.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[NW99XJ]

Also, for others, a set of weld-on lower control arm skids may help prevent at least some of these problems.
Thanks for the kind words, and you're absolutely right.
Thanks for bringing that up.
If you have stumbled across this thread, then there's a chance it's already too late.
But if your control arm mounts are still "like new" (meaning they haven't been folded, curled, bent or otherwise beat to all hell yet)......then doing what XJWheeler mentioned above will save you a TON of headache later.
Seriously, all it takes is some 3/16" or 1/4" scrap steel....just a couple little rectangles would be all that's essential..... and you weld them to the front of the CA Mounts to box them in.
There are a TON of these available thru the aftermarket, seriously, just about every major manufacturer sells something....

Some are simple like these from Currie.... (http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/product.aspx?id=2374).
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/images/product//currie/CE-9085MS.jpg

Others are a bit more fancy like these from Skid Row: (http://www.quadratec.com/products/12529_200.htm)
http://www.skidplates.com/Images/Products/Jeep/Various-Models/JP-0101_Install1_Wi-PassSide1.jpg

But if you have access to some scrap steel, all you need is THIS:
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/susp/tjxj_lca_skid/Dcp_0697.jpg
Personally I would have carried that one down just a tad further, but even that is 100 times better than nothing at all.

[NW99XJ]

Figured I would share with you guys the reason I have started in on the research and subsequent buying of some new lower control arm mounts.......

Mine are TRAAAAAASHED!
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_3142.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG_3142.jpg.html)

At this point I will have to get in there with the grand daddy of all channel locks and try to bend this stuff back down JUST to get to the nut.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_3143.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG_3143.jpg.html)

Seriously, that is gonna be a chore, sheet metal or not, these are still pretty stout.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_3144.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG_3144.jpg.html)

They have served me well, but they are just not meant for, or designed to handle the rigors of more serious offroad adventures, and moderate rock crawling.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_3145.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG_3145.jpg.html)

Luckily for me, my control arms ARE....had these been stock arms, or some no-name fly by night BS....I prob wouldn't be here to type this.

[Rustbucket]

I can't speak to the control arm mounts specifically but I can't say enough good things about Clayton and currie products in general. Always very well built.

[denverd1]

I like that lower plate on the ballistics as well. DAMN! I thought mine looked bad!

[Mudderoy]

I just priced the bolt on Skid Row LCA protection, figured it might be good to have until I can replace with weld ons.... $144!!!!!! Holy shit!

[XJ Wheeler]

I just priced the bolt on Skid Row LCA protection, figured it might be good to have until I can replace with weld ons.... $144!!!!!! Holy shit!

Yeah, when you can get ready to weld on ones for $20 (if you can't fab some yourself) i don't see any reason to get those. :rolleyes:

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Mudderoy]

Matt shared this with me the other day, might be a better alternative...

3306

[JeepFreak]

I'm sorry but what are these for??? I've seen them under my XJ but I just thought they helped when the car bounced on the suspension. Lucky for me, my CA's look nothing like your guys' CA's so I think I'm ok lol

[4.3LXJ]

Matt shared this with me the other day, might be a better alternative...

3306

Just my opinion for what it is worth, that this is the best option. The lower control arm mounts are also tied into the spring buckets as a stamped package. Just cutting it all off and then welding this in would be a lot better.

[NW99XJ]

Most coil springs do not have a flat bottom. This is why the OEM coil buckets have an indent for the last portion of the bottom coil. This also helps keep them clocked in one position, making the job of the spring retainer that much easier.
My current coil buckets are fine....yea, they're a little cut up from being modified for the OTK set-up, but, they're structurally sound. It would be a fair amount of work to replace something that's not technically broke.
That....and I've already ordered the ballistic CA mounts.

See even some of the "flat style" replacement spring mounts have a step in them to help keep the coil from bowing.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/graphics/00000001/coil%20bucket%20centered.jpg

Artec makes some great looking ones that take this to the next level.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/COILCORRECTIONPLATE.png (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/COILCORRECTIONPLATE.png.html)

If i were building a front axle from scratch, or shaving one down to build up, I would consider something along the lines of a hybrid between the Ruff Stuff, Ballistic, and the Artec parts.

[Carves]

Figured I would share with you guys the reason I have started in on the research and subsequent buying of some new lower control arm mounts.......

Mine are TRAAAAAASHED!


Strewth .. :shocker:


.... and I was worried about the little dimple in my old ones - from sticking the jack under it .. :o .. :D


Some nice options available to you ... just looking at the pics .. :thumbsup:

[NW99XJ]

I'm sorry but what are these for??? I've seen them under my XJ but I just thought they helped when the car bounced on the suspension. Lucky for me, my CA's look nothing like your guys' CA's so I think I'm ok lol
The different tabs pictured at the beginning of the thread are to replace the stock lower control arm mounts on the axle. As you saw in the pictures, a few posts back, mine are toast. They've been beat up, folded over and bent. They will get cut/ground off, and these new ones (I went with the ones from Ballistic) will get welded on in their place. They will be much stronger than before, and provide some armor for the control arms.

[JeepFreak]

The different tabs pictured at the beginning of the thread are to replace the stock lower control arm mounts on the axle. As you saw in the pictures, a few posts back, mine are toast. They've been beat up, folded over and bent. They will get cut/ground off, and these new ones (I went with the ones from Ballistic) will get welded on in their place. They will be much stronger than before, and provide some armor for the control arms.

What do the control arms do exactly?

[NW99XJ]

The control arms are what connect the axle to the jeep itself..... these are what determine the arc of the suspension travel. These also are what set the "castor angle" when doing an alignment....this is basically what sets the pinion angle... the pinion is what the drive line connect to.

Here's some good info on how control arm geometry affects ride quality:
http://www.rocky-road.com/media/cad.jpg

When you hear the term "long arms" or "long arm upgrade" or "long arm lift kit"
This is referring to the LENGTH of the control arms. The more you lift the jeep the more separation you have between the body/frame (where the control arms attach) and the axle. As this separation grows (ie the more you lift) ...the more angle you introduce to the control arm geometry.
The longer arms, (being mounted farther back) reduces this angle.
Here's a crude illustration for reference:
http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=227&pictureid=3208

[JeepFreak]

Wow that really explains it a lot. Thanks for that. Now I know what those blasted things are for and I can check them for any damage.

[NW99XJ]

JUST ARRIVED:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG534.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG534.jpg.html)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG535.jpg (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/jbchill1/media/IMG535.jpg.html)

[abebehrmann]

Wow! I do not foresee those suffering the same fate as the stock ones, that's for sure!

[bigjim350]

Ill be doing this soon as well. Wanna see a real trashed LCA bracket.....
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/bigjim350/20131004_142827_zpsfe149523.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Not a problem Jim, hasn't fallen off yet :D

[bigjim350]

And I don't plan to fix it till it does.....

[4.3LXJ]

Lol :D

[denverd1]

damn!

[NW99XJ]

Forgot to post this up....
Here's the write up on the install of the Ballistic Fab LCA Mounts....
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=11347&page=14

[jimmixj]

What do the control arms do exactly?

The control arms on the front XJ axle keep the axle from "twisting" under torque while allowing a wide range of up and down movement. They also, with the added help of the Panhard bar, help control side to side motion to keep the axle under the body. Okay I should really read to the bottom of a thread before I say anything at all!

[Metlic53]

ive got ruff stuff control arm mounts on my 90. I was out at creekside romping through some water and there was a deep pothole, the passenger tire went in and the whole jeep stopped, back tires came off the ground and i bout went through the windshield lol. went out and looked and the whole mount had ripped off the axle. Had a 4x4 shop in houston install for 80 bucks.

[jimmixj]

And I don't plan to fix it till it does.....

In the immortal words of Joe Dirt....Daaaaang! That's one seriously bent LCA mount. And I concur; I don't fix nuthin that aint fell off!:bacondance:

[WhiteDevil1311]

How long can you drive with it that bashed?

I found a crack in mine today actually its completely broken off on one flange driver side http://i62.tinypic.com/1hczsy.jpg

I am assuming ordering a set talked about on this topic would be what I need? Not remotely ready to lift it yet, but I saw degree increments on the order form for the ones above. Would it harm anything to order them over 0 degree? why are there degree increments? certain lift heights?


Thanks in advance.

[4.3LXJ]

How long can you drive with it that bashed?

I found a crack in mine today actually its completely broken off on one flange driver side http://i62.tinypic.com/1hczsy.jpg

I am assuming ordering a set talked about on this topic would be what I need? Not remotely ready to lift it yet, but I saw degree increments on the order form for the ones above. Would it harm anything to order them over 0 degree? why are there degree increments? certain lift heights?


Thanks in advance.

To clear certain lower control arms. If you are ordering one, then you should put in the OEM position to match the other side. You would only want to relocate if doing both sides. And honestly, if you are not planning on some really tall lift, above 6.5", then it isn't really relevant for your purposes.

[WhiteDevil1311]

Sweet good to know, yeah if anything itll be 4" max mostly if not fully in the suspension.

Id be replacing them in pairs for the cheap insurance

Thanks for the tidbit