1995JGC-L

Hi all,

I have a 1995 limited and the front right lower control arm has broken away from the frame.
DSCN3897.JPG

Is this fixable or is there too much rust here to get her back to roadworthy state? It would be a shame to have to part out and scrap her because except for the bottom side she is in great condition. The engine is strong, the seats etc are perfect, such a great vehicle that I don't want to let go if there is no need. I wish we used chains in Ontario rather than salt. I'd rather destroy our roads than the cars,

some more pics,
DSCN3892.JPG
-across from the driver's side,


DSCN3894.JPG
-From the front, more just to give context of the state of the other components.


DSCN3899.JPG

Close up shot of the break point.

wiggles

Lift it, put long arms on it and plate that area

1995JGC-L

Yeah, was thinking of keeping her stock config but the more I go through this site......so much inspiration

wiggles

Long arms would be the best option for this

1995JGC-L

a total newbie with regard to modifications. I'm assuming (and will research it as well) that the long arm would attach farther down the frame then? I had pictured the long arms just accommodating the extra clearance for the lift.

Thanks,

1995JGC-L

did some quick research on the long arm conversion and it makes total sense.

How does a long arm converted jeep ride on the highway? For crawling it seems that the universal opinion is it is the better way to go but I didn't find any mention of daily driving characteristics. - Okay, found tonnes of opinions on this. good ride it seems.




Don't want to go too high with it, is it possible to do a long arm with a 2" lift?

wiggles

Rides better, in most cases you have to be about 4" of lift for proper clearance

Bossokee

You could make a mid-arm setup work with 2" of lift. Mount a crossmember just behind where the stock arms mount and not even have to mess with the mounts of the axle. I would plate the frame rails where the original control arm mount is/was first though.
Control arms from a JK would work with this setup

1995JGC-L

great, thank you so much for the feedback. really appreciate it. I've learned so much from this forum in such a short time.

Do you mean stock arms from the JK and just get a cross member and some brackets to weld in? are JK's standard across years or is there a specific one I should go with?

Will definitely plate that piece and will cut off the bracket on the other side and reinforce as well. My mechanic said that one would go in a few months as well so I like the mid to long arm suggestions.

cheers guys,

wiggles

What size tires do you think you'd want to run

1995JGC-L

well, until a few hours ago I hadn't thought of lifting or modding at all..... I like the stock rims so would like to keep those but as for rubber not sure at this point.

I've been through the Post your lifted ZJ/WJ thread and it seems that 31's look decent. I wasn't going to go too aggressive with it as other than job sites it doesn't get much off road work (but man is it a great truck on very large messy construction sites with some pretty steep grades....). but now I'm also looking at front guards/winch combo's so my viewpoint is changing.

What would you suggest?

wiggles

Working around 4-5" of lift to accommodate long arms 33's would be a good tire
Before you know it you'll be looking into tons and 37's lol

Bossokee

Yes they're all the same I believe, you can use the shocks as well for 2-3
" lift (on xj). Front JK lowers measure 22 5/8" eye-to-eye where ZJ's measure 15 3/4" so the new mounts would have to be about 7" back from the stock mount hole. It would be a little fab project but you could make it work if you're inclined to do it. If not there are plenty of long-arm kits you can buy if you're willing to spend the money.

1995JGC-L

Ah, makes sense for sure. The whole fab/buy conundrum is a big one. I know people who can do the fab work and the cheapest I can find on the long arm is the RC with 4" lift kit for $1500. worth it if necessary as I want a few more years out of the jeep but I'd like to save where possible.

Thanks again guys,