Custom rear control arms

[teebes]

Next week I'm scheduled to head over to a new fab place for some custom rear control arms. The current plan is to use cromoly tube, typical bushings for the frame side mounts with johnny joints on the axle side.

I believe our mounting locations are all 2", but memory is a little fuzzy. Hopefully this will help center the rear wheel while offering a tad more articulation back there . w00t!

Questions, comments? Anyone else interested in some goodies? I'll have a price point after we run through a set. Obviously, the more folks interested will help the price.

[NeilageInc]

Hope your talking about coming to see me. HA HA. Also with thise build I will be producing upper control arms out of cromoly will hiemed inner mounts and a uni-ball for the outer. But enough of that. The rear arms are going to 100% bolt in and you will be able to do them in a driveway with a jack, some stands, and some simple hand tools. Thanks again Greg. If you have any questions please ask. Neil from NEILAGE INC.

[teebes]

What's up Neil!

I still need to get some measurements for the linkage mounts I think they are 2" wide, but will double check tomorrow.

Where was that place locally that we can get parts from again?

[Dizzlenator]

Naturally I am interested in everything that is offroad for our trucks. I'm interested in these, for sure. It won't be long, and we'll have Dana 44's running in the front, and nothing suspension wise will be left stock! lol. Stealership will have a cow when they get under it to service the trans, or rear end, etc...

(mines still under warranty, and I get free maintenance because I paid an extra $3000 for it...but they already said they won't touch the suspension because I lifted it!)

[teebes]

Measurements:

Upper arms: 17.5" eye to eye
Lower arms: 20" eye to eye
Joints are 2" wide.

Here's a link to the Johny Joints I believe we'll be using on the axle side: http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Johnny-Joints-p-16765.html

Bushings for the frame mount (I'm guessing here): http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Poly-Performance-Bushing-Kits-p-16605.html

[NeilageInc]

Well the great thing about these rear liks is I will be adding 1 inch in lenght to compinsate for the lift I know Greg's truck is 2 inches hicher and the axle has moved forward about an inch. So in all aspects these arms will give you a better ride, more articulation and will be 100% stronger than stock. Also they will be fully adjustable to get the right tracking on the road and adjustable for pinion angle. Thanks again guys and we should have a set in a week or so. Neil at NEILAGE INC.

[NeilageInc]

Actually Greg we will be using the Fordged Johnny Joints for the adjustability.

[MrSmithsTB]

Noice. This perks my interests.

[Zero]

Sweeeet!! i would def be interested in a set of upper arms for the rear first. those stock ones are crap!

[Gordinho80]

Interesting... can't wait to see something

[AlekG]

Have you considered that the stock driveshaft may be too short to move the axle back 1 inch. I have been investigating this as well but have not yet determined if our slip joint in the front could handle it.

When going forward with this, please see about the driveshaft. You wouldn't want to be articulating the back and have it fall out

AG

[teebes]

Welcome AlekG!!!

That is indeed the primary obstacle we'll be working on. I'm looking forward to see the spare Roadie has ordered up so we can see what we have to work with.

[Zero]

couldnt you swb guys just use the axle from a ext?? i would imagine it being longer, but i could not say for sure.

[Trail X]

Seeing as they are only moving the axle 1" back, I don't expect any issues. However it does need to be evaluated at full suspension droop.

Isn't the EXT wheelbase like 13" longer? I'm sure that would be too long.

[Zero]

you could cut, and shorten the ext drive shaft

[OregTrailBlazin]

you could cut, and shorten the ext drive shaft

Which really isn't that expensive to have done. Last one I had cut down cost me $55, and it came back balanced, painted, and greased. Whenever I need a driveline for a project rig, I try and find a good long one, and put new U-joints then have it cut to length. It's when you need to add material that it gets spendy at a driveline shop!

[The Roadie]

I think besides the EXT drive shaft, you could maybe cut down a 2WD driveshaft from the SWB. Assuming the slip joint is the same on the back of the transmission compared to the transfer case. I'm not sure how that works.

[NeilageInc]

Nice feedback. Okay so I don't think that the moving it back 1" is going to effect the shaft coming out. Also we will get more articulation but the susp. travel will be the same considering Greg is not changing shocks. So what you end up with is fully built rear links that can take up to 60 degrees total angle and be readjusted to suit different heights. Its an obvious that they are stronger than stock and handle better on and off road. Thanks again Neil.

[The Roadie]

I'll be swapping driveshafts in the next couple of days (soon as the replacement arrives.) Will advise on length margin.

[Zero]

poor roadie's old drive shaft. that guy took a hell of a hit! pretty cool how it didnt break though.