Hi ya'll I was wondering if there are any differences between a full set of control arms from an '01 ext. cab swb 4x4 and my '96 ext. cab lwb? I ask because my friend has his since he upgraded and if they are the same then I could buil some new ones using his for reference, I want to put my 2.5" lift in the front but I want longer control arms to keep the tires from being sucked to the rear of the fender well. My 35's just BARELY rub as is (only when I turn and hit a bump) so I think with the 2.5" and 1" longer control arms I'll be in good shape!

Anyway if you guys have any idea to the question or suggestions I am open to hear it!

BTW I figured I would try and get ahold of some 1.5" OD pipe and 1/4"-3/8" wall thickness, what is DOM (drawn over mandrel)tubing BTW? I have heard of it being used for traction bars but the metal supply I normal go to doesn't have any...

 

I too am looking to replace my control arms and have NO idea what to expect. I know the bushings are shot. I have the 3 inch coil spacer on my truck. I got to get the rear raised up some. A friend told me that when I put the coil spacers on that I pulled my axle backwards. He said I could buy some adjustable control arms that would push the axle forward. Is this safe? How far can you push the axle forward? About 2 more inches of room would be sweet for some 35' s or 36's

I am curious like Muddin, can you simply make your own, or would some after markets be safer? How much can you move the axle forward? How does it affect the rest of the suspension components, like the trac arm, drag links, etc. Please advise, as this is my next project since the bushngs are worn out. Who has the best bushing set for these things, MOOG? Best place to purchase? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I think I would be perfectly fine making my own, I'm a pretty dang good welder (have made reciever hitches, bumpers, fixed equipment etc...) so I just want to know if I can use those for reference and if there is anything I should change...?

VWPAT, my buddy put a set of adjustable arms on his that he bought off e-bay to go with his 2" leveling kit. They actually pushed the axle a little too far IMO, but I don't think they made the set the right length for his application. There is a set of Skyjacker double-flex control arms that are brand new on e-bay for a 5" lift. If you want I'll pm the item number.

 

Come on guys! What about making one end with a chromoly heim joint and using 1 & 1/4" OD DOM tubing? What size is the bolt that goes through the arms?

 

Man, Whatever you do, don't use heims. Use an adjustable uni-ball or superpivot. Heims, are very noisey and wear out pretty quick for that type of application. Check out http://www.suicidedoors.com/4LinkParts.php

That might give you a good place to start, plus they have 1.5" OD DOM in various lengths!

Good Luck with your endeavors!

 

I don't need any for a 5 inch. That is more than I need. I would like to move my axle forward about 2 inches, if that is practical & doesn't mess up the front steering components. How do these control arms affect the steering componenets?