I've heard talk about making your own longer control arms and brackets.

Has anyone here done that or know of a link to where someone has?

 

Its certainly possible. In my opinion, its probably better to leave that sort of thing to people who have the jigs and such to insure that all parts are perfect.

If you want to do it on your own, you'll want to study the geometry of the lift you are attempting, and be very careful of ratio of length between upper and lower arms, and how the axle sits relative to the steering and the universals. Then you'll need to set up a jig to be sure everything sits still and in perfect position while you weld it up.

 

I used to work as a welder and understand the process well. Thats why I'm asking if anyone else has done it, to see if they know the ratio of length for lift. I've seen pics on the web of other long arm setups but have never seen them in real. If I could get the lengths of the long arm setups then I could figure the ratios.

 

Why not just find a lifted Ram and take the measurements?

 

I would like to copy my stock one and the sky jacker lower one and add 1" to both, it would eliminate my rubbing isues. But not sure what else it would effect until I get involved.

 

From what I have learned it is not ratios that matter, it is correct geometry of keeping the axle in the proper caster angle through its whole range of motion. it also needs to allow for full range of motion being only limited by the springs or track bar in the full drop, and limited by bump stops in compression. The different manufactures of long arm systems have all different lengths, especially with the top control arm. Everyone who has installed the long arm system has reported a better ride, especially off road.

If anyone out there has built there own long arm system I would like to hear about it.

 

I would just purchase a set from a reputable company. I have a set of skyjacker and the work great for what i need. There is a company that makes the long travel ones also.

 

^ agreed. With the time involved, cost of steel, and any other unforseen problems you'd be miles ahead by purchasing a quality lift system. the skyjacker system has worked pretty well for me also.

 

My best advice is to check out the long arm kit from extreme suspensions (dick Cepek) its on sale for 550 and it includes the arms brackets and bushings hardware etc. and it a true long arm kit there is some cutting involved but IMO its the only true long arm kit also every one loves the dt and thuren bars but when you get that far check out the "rock krawler" bar the upper mounting is the best desighn ive seen thanks