JaggerXJ

Alright im just a bit curious, These Complete lift kits u see out their dont come with control arms arent they a must have?

mr white

Depends on the size of the lift.

SeriousOffroad

And the brand.

willsmysticcobra

I am at 4inches and some change in the front and I know I could use a pair of lca's. Came down hard off a birm and my 31 dented in my fender by the door...... oops.

Kelso

IMO things like extended brake lines, sway bar links and adjustable track bar seem way more important than lower control arms at 3" of lift and under. The stock control arm axle mounting locations are weak sauce anyways. You can put shims in the lower control arms (at the body mount) to push the axle forward, thats why that set screw is there.

troy fritz

Brand has nothing to do with height. The higher you go the more you need to go with longer arms.

SeriousOffroad

Ah but it most certainly does.

Not all X" kits are X".

Rubicon Express always understates their lift height, others greatly overstate theirs.

troy fritz

So your saying that if you have a 4.5in RC you don't need new arms but if you have a 4.5in RE then you do? That makes no sense what so ever. 4.5 is 4.5 or bigger no matter the brand! The higher you go the further back your axle will go with it therefore you need longer arms the higher you go.

SeriousOffroad

I meant exactly what I said.

No all lift kits are created equal. Some kits are simply taller/shorter than what the manufactures advertise them at.

As far as installing new control arms, that's always a good idea if it's within your budget, especially if you can afford a set of adjustable arms. IMHO the flimsy OEM arms have no business on a lifted rig. But as I said, it's an economic decision that everyone has to make for themselves.

90XJkid

Incorrect. I agree with Frankz/Serious. The more you are around other lifts, you will realize this. My 4.5"RC coils are the same if not shorter than my buddy's 3.5"RE coils. Thats just one example. Look around and compare and you will find the same.

90XJkid

I highly recommend adjustable control arms too. The LCAs that came with my 4.5" RC lift kit in combination with my stock uppers caused the coils to bind in the bumpstop mounts. It makes for a very annoying THWWANGG on the trail when flexing and even ripped out one of my bumpstops. If you can afford it, go adjustable. If not I suggest staying at 3" or lower. Much less issues to deal with.