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Do I need new control arms or just bushings?

5K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  4X4Playpen 
#1 ·
I have 03 TJ with a 6 inch skyjacker lift on it. How can I tell if I need new control arms or just new bushings? Does anyone know where I could get rubber bushings and do they have to be skyjacker brand to work?
 
#4 ·
Yeah it's makes a loud clanking sound on bumps And rides very rough. I recently had the ball joints replaced which did help some. I have taken it to three different off road shops and can't seem to get one opinion. One shop said all I need is bushings, another said I need new rear lower control arms and bushings, and 4wheel parts recommended I just get a brand new pro comp lift (off course). I have spent a lot of time under my jeep and can't see anything visible wrong with the control arms. Just a little play where I can visibly see the bushings are busted. If I get all new bushings will energy work or does it have to be skyjacker brand only? Thanks for the help.
 
#5 ·
I'm new to Jeep upgrades, but as I understand it, with a 6 in. lift, you should have already, or get and install extended or adjustable control arms.

As to your question, If you have the proper length arms in good shape, all you need are bushings. I'm buying from Morris 4X4 (.com). They have most everything you can hope for.

I just put in a 2" Zone spacer lift w/ shocks. Also both sway bar links. Still have a bad rattle under right side. Thinking it may be upper control arm. Have to get it back on the lift to check. If it is, I'm going with the bushings from Morris. Good choices, good prices, and last order (shock boots) arrived in 3 days, Fla. to Vt.

Edit. Here's question to those with more knowledge that me. My '03 TJ droops about 1" on the right side. Could that be because of bad control arm bushings? Asking because I don't know when I can get on the lift. I work at a resort and have access to it, but have to wait for company vehicles to be repaired first.
 
#7 ·
Edit. Here's question to those with more knowledge that me. My '03 TJ droops about 1" on the right side. Could that be because of bad control arm bushings? Asking because I don't know when I can get on the lift. I work at a resort and have access to it, but have to wait for company vehicles to be repaired first.
This is normal for a TJ. The centrifugal force from the engine wears out the springs on the right prematurely compared to the left. Also check that your sway bars are attached properly.
 
#6 ·
97 wrangler with 203xxx miles and stock arms. they bushings are cracked, i still drive it daily. Probably should replace but nothing really seems to be bad. other than a hop when i turn, front u joints bad. so i say if the arms are giving you any trouble-drive on.
 
#8 ·
Thanks, can haz. As I said, I just put in the 2" spacers. Probably not a good idea to put in another 1" under just that corner to level it. Will eventually get a new spring. (arrgghh. They're a b*t*h with the new bump stop extensions. Even with compressors clamped on)

Any thoughts on the rattle? Control arm? Sounds close, like in/under the glove box. And no, nothing loose in there... :) Happens at 5mph over bumping gravel parking lot, and 50+mph over road bumps, with possible slight wheel hop at speed. Unsure of that, but feels like. Very slight.
 
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