Using aftermarket control arms to reduce tire rubbing

[Rod Knee]

I haven't searched exhaustively but have done some looking and can't find much about using aftermarket LCA's to reduce rubbing at full turn. I have 31 inch tires with stock wheels with the 5.25 inch backspace. I know I could reduce or eliminate my rubbing with less BS but I don't want to trim (mainly over concerns about depreciation). From the pictures and descriptions of aftermarket LCA's I've seen they appear to be more compact than stock control arms. They also lack the angularity of the stock control arms. So I'm wondering if aftermarket control arms could be effectively used to eliminate or at least reduce tire rubbing (while at the same time providing additional strength and flexibilty). Any thoughts?

 

[splasher]

Maybe a set of these:

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RC-CAC1&Category_Code=ARMS

Or buy a BB/3" lift, 31's at stock height with NO TRIMMING will rub BAD if you ever try to wheel, even without the sway bar disconnected.

 

[cherokee chuck]

My fixed rancho lcas rubbed at full lock with 31"s & stock wheels. I just shimmed the stops, it doesn't seem like it affected my turning radius much. WJ lcas are supposed to be the E-Z fix. A couple of aftermarket suppliers make offset adjustable too. The WJ arms are boxed & much stronger than the XJ/ZJ arms.

 

[Rod Knee]

Maybe a set of these:

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RC-CAC1&Category_Code=ARMS

Or buy a BB/3" lift, 31's at stock height with NO TRIMMING will rub BAD if you ever try to wheel, even without the sway bar disconnected.

 

[Rod Knee]

I have a two inch lift and adjusted my bumpstops and have no fender interference even with my swaybar discoed. I am just wondering about eliminating the LCA rubbing while maximizing turning radius. I do have substantial rubbing at full crank so I'm thinking I'd have to shim my stops quite a bit, to the extent that I probably would impact my turning rad.

I have read about the use of ther WJ arms but they are just as pricey as aftermarket XJ LCA's, plus you have to modify them. Those Rusy's LCA's just might be the ticket. Thanks.

 

[Rod Knee]

Just looked at the website again...those bent control arms are specifically for the ZJ. Would they work on the XJ?

 

[bcmaxx]

Just looked at the website again...those bent control arms are specifically for the ZJ. Would they work on the XJ?

I think any tubular lower control arms will help with your turning radius and rubbing. with 4.5 inch and 33's I just touch when disconnected and flexed while turning. the tubalar ones won't harm your tires. I don't thing the zj are are a bolt on. check this out: http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoWJcontrolarms.htm might be up your alley

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

Cheapest option for you may just be to get some steelies with a better offset.

 

[Rod Knee]

I think any tubular lower control arms will help with your turning radius and rubbing. with 4.5 inch and 33's I just touch when disconnected and flexed while turning. the tubalar ones won't harm your tires. I don't thing the zj are are a bolt on. check this out: http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoWJcontrolarms.htm might be up your alley

I suspect you are right about the tubular CA's. Like I said the WJ's aren't really priced substantially less than the aftermarket XJ arms, but you have to modify the WJ arms. I like those Rusty's ZJ arms, and I suspect they would work on an XJ. IIRC, ZJ and XJ LCA's are the same.

 

[Crabapple]

I suspect you are right about the tubular CA's. Like I said the WJ's aren't really priced substantially less than the aftermarket XJ arms, but you have to modify the WJ arms. I like those Rusty's ZJ arms, and I suspect they would work on an XJ. IIRC, ZJ and XJ LCA's are the same.

They are the same.

 

[NWAP]

WJ LCA's for as cheap as $25 here on www.car-part.com
Modification really is minimal, nothing more then a little grinder action and a couple whacks with a hammer.
If you have a 2" BB with no adj. trackbar, you only need the pass. side WJ LCA to stop rubbing.
My .02

 

[Rod Knee]

update...went with the WJ LCA's. Bought them for 50$ for the both of them. Factor in the cost of about 6 grinding wheels for my angle grinder.

For anyone researching...they work great.