Custom rear control arms

[foosh]

hmm very interested, but wouldn't we want to upgrade the lower control arm as well?

[Trail X]

hmm very interested, but wouldn't we want to upgrade the lower control arm as well?

I'm assuming you're talking about the front... since rear lowers are already in the works.

And, there are a TON more to consider when doing lower control arms. The other control arms see no bending forces... they essentially see only compressive forces. Think of everything that connects to the lower fronts... alignment slabs, end links, strut, spindle... lots of variables there. Plus... where would the benefit be? Stronger? Do you need them to be stronger? Unless you are jumping your vehicle more than a couple feet, I don't see a need... and in that case, you'll need to reinforce other things first... like your ifs subframe.

The upper fronts provide a huge benefit for us, because the down-articulation limiter is currently the upper ball joint. Rear control arms provide the benefit of increased articulation and centering of the axle.

[The Roadie]

On the length issue, seems to be amazing engagement depth. Here's my old driveshaft installed in the tailpiece of the TC, with the rear axle drooping. I suspect there might be a bit less depth when using the SWB rear axle. But I haven't found a picture of this exact area with my previous axle. Somebody please check theirs.



Here's where the end of the splined shaft comes to in the tailpiece, at the seal.



And here's the end of the slip joint part on the driveshaft. The splines go all the way to the end. I suspect the discoloration on mine is where the old SWB (8.0") axle put it, so I'm guessing the SWB diff housing's pinion end is 1.5" shorter than the LWB (8.6")?

Anyway, seems easily safe to move the axle back 1".

[teebes]

Thanks for the confirmation and visuals!

[tasnat23]

Now I don't know if I'm going to sound retarded asking this or not ...... But I was searching on the Internet for I don't remember what, but I saw they had TBSS upper and lower adjustable control arms that were chrome moly tubing. I don't know if that would fit us non SS guys or not. And they weren't that expensive either.

[The Roadie]

Those SS components are pretty well known by members here, and they will indeed fit. My adjustable Panhard bar was meant for an SS.

But Neil can fab them for less, is the plan.

[tasnat23]

Those SS components are pretty well known by members here, and they will indeed fit. My adjustable Panhard bar was meant for an SS.

But Neil can fab them for less, is the plan.

Sounds good to me, I would rather buy from a vendor that is on this site or TrailVoy, than a company that I really dont know.

[The Roadie]

I would rather buy from a vendor that is on this site or TrailVoy, than a company that I really dont know.

...who also panders to the SS go-fast crowd.

[teebes]

I know Neil was planning to source joints from a new vendor in an attempt to keep the price from sky rocketing (heim's, that is). I'm sure he'd be happy to make them if you have other needs, or even w/ johnny joints, but the price gets up there really fast!

[Trail X]

Any worry about offsetting the panhard bar by 1"... I kinda doubt it... but is there any potential interference there?

[Zero]

well, these just made my parts to buy list.

[bgwolfpack]

Did I miss a new thread? Teebes where are we with this?

[teebes]

Neil was planning to do some R&D on a new vendor for some joints. Awaiting word on those for some prototypes.

Are folks still interested if we get the ball rolling?

[Philberto]

I'm interested esp. if this can be offered in conjunction with a panhard problem solver... sort of like a "rear suspension kit"

[MrSmithsTB]

Neil was planning to do some R&D on a new vendor for some joints. Awaiting word on those for some prototypes.

Are folks still interested if we get the ball rolling?

Absolutely. I hate the fact that the wheels are not centered in the rear wells. Call it cosmetic if you will, but I think it is important. Both to provide stability and minimize rubbing under compression.

And with Phil. These coupled with the panhard will pretty much make our lift straight up out back. Now, if we can only do something about the control arms, I think we are set.

[teebes]

Great!!! And I agree on all of the above. It becomes rather necessary with larger tires and taller lifts.

I'll chat w/ Neil to bump this back up the top of the wish list

[foosh]

As long as they are stronger than stock i'm in, and i'm sure they will be!

[teebes]

As long as they are stronger than stock i'm in, and i'm sure they will be!

Adjustable, too!

[janesy86]

Yea I'd def be in, just after the holiday's are done with and I can start spending $$ on myself again..

Too much goodies on my wish list right now that I'd like to be checking off.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I got the panhard but would like to get a set of these as well. How much are the SS ones and are you still looking to be cheaper?

I know one of the TB on 35's will rub the tires on the front of the rear wheelwell at compression, so to keep going bigger, esp sas, we need to get someting done out back.