99X-J

Hey guys, another question what is the difference of the factory control arms and the RC bent control arms. Is the ride any different or does it provide more flex to the xj. What is the purpose of getting the bent control arms

kyle96xj

If they are bent looking from the side it's to clear the lower control arm/shock brackets, so you get more droop in your suspension. If they are bend looking from the top its for tire clearance when steering if you have stock wheels or wheels without much offset.

Constantine

1) pertaining directly to the bend itself, it allows the control arm to clear the shock mount metal on the axle while drooping.
So yes more flex (down travel)
2) The control arms are longer and meant to be used when adding a lift to correct all associated angles of alignment and such.
3) buy them from a different company.

by921

Iron rock off-road has a nice set of control arms. Not much more money either.

99X-J

So what happens if I put a 3in lift on my xj with 31s, and I do not add the control arms will anything bad happen

Martlor13

hopefully your not getting a rough country lift.

you shoukd get longer lower control arms with a 3 inch lift.

Constantine

If you put a RC 3 in lift on your xj, with or without the control arms, then yes something bad will happen.

Seriously, look at the Zone Offroad lift for nearly the same money.
I think there be a few more options near the same price.

Martlor13

Rustys

99X-J

What will happen if I don't get the aftermarket control arms

kyle96xj

If you're at about 3" of lift or under and don't do any serious offroading you won't have any real issues.

krazynezz

You'll have a pretty crappy ride. Probably be able to feel driving over a dime in the road. There's a reason the factory set up has the control arms flat. You want to try to keep them as flat as possible. That's why most people go long arms with 4+ inches of lift.

Martlor13

you'll regret it the first bump you hit.

Constantine

You'll rip a hole in the space-time continuum.

Outlaw Star

The whole purpose for longer LCAs when you lift is to push the axle back to center. If you dont use longer LCAs, the axle will be pulled back in the wheel well giving you a horrible ride and your tires will hit your fender everytime you turn.

Will you die a horrible death by using RC, NO you won't (Mine is a mix of RC and Rusty's). Are there better brands out there? Yes, there are. RC is more of a budget/starter lift. But if you can save a little more, try the Zone which is actually made by BDS.

Constantine

I didn't know we were allowed to say anything even semi positive here about RC.

The standard response seems to be buy rustys and pay the $200 shipping! Whoohoo.
His springs are made in North America (like many others actually are but he's the only one I see using it as marketing hoopla)


I have a quite few rough country parts on mine, don't tell anyone.

But if I had to start at square one on a small budget, I'd do the Zone Offroad lift and add LCA's + track bar.
It's just springs and shocks, can't go too bad wrong.