I am building 4" over extended control arms for my truck. Tube uppers and boxed lowers.

Here are a couple pics showing what I have done so far, let me know what you think! I am open to any questions or comments.
jigs

Uppers 90% done:


One lower, not done yet.

 

You do some great work. Can't wait to see these on the truck.

 

I want a set of those uppers. LOL

Thats some nice work there man!

 

Thanks guys. I hope they turn out nice! I have had so many setbacks so far lol. But its coming along slowly. I will keep updating as I make more progress, hoping to get the lower finished up tomorrow so I can mount it up and cycle it!

 

may i ask, why do the uppers have such a large droop? My uniballed uppers have that similar droop, and i understand that it's like that so the arms don't hit the frame at droop, but why so much?

 

Yeah I was going to make them straight at first, but had the clearance issue you mentioned. Really the only reason I made it so much was because it made it easier for me to make the bends and cuts in the correct locations. Due to the bender and my bandsaw, it was difficult to make the bends "flatter" and be able to have it fit, as I needed a "tail" on the end so the tube would clamp in the bender.

Sorry I'm not really sure how I can explain it. But I don't think it will harm anything having that much droop, and it seems to have clearance.

 

wow very nice

 

more "droop" = more lift, right?

 

What we are talking about is the relation between the pivot bushings on the upper control arm and the ball joint. for comparison, stock upper control arms on A-arm rangers are straight. On mine the ball joint is a few inches lower than the pivot bushings. this allows the suspension to have more down-travel (or droop).

With that being said, more droop does not necessarily mean more lift, but if your suspension can droop more, you can run a taller lift.

 

That upper arm is um... different... for sure.

Make sure you run some sort of strap over the bushings. Those have a tendency to break off otherwise.

 

They do have more arc than I would have liked, but other than looking odd I don't THINK there will be any strength issues. I am to be adding some gussets to the bushing tubes like you mentioned.

Here are some pics of both arms and the spindle in place. Neither of the arms are done. Still have a lot of bracing to do to the lower, making a a coil bucket, shock tabs, bumps, not to mention finishing boxing it in.

 

sweet! its looking great so far! I really like your LCA's, those look so strong

 

Damn! I want a set of those for my truck. How much would you make me a set for?

 

Honestly I could not tell you right now. I need to gather up all my receipts, But I think I am looking at around $800 for parts and materials plus many hours. I am not going to be making any for other people until I can give mine some thorough testing. I don't want to put anyone on the road until I'm sure they are sturdy. Once I am finished and have time to test them I will be more than happy to build them for sale.

 

hope you plan on doing some brutal abuse to those things cuz it looks like its gonna take alot to break them! they look sweet man!

 

yeah i think you're right, other than looking odd, i'm almost sure there shouldn't be any strength issues with them. they look strong as hell.

 

Saw those on your space man... Looks freakin awesome! I might add you may wanna dimple die those LCA's for support...

 

Question
Are your LAC's going to have ball joints or uni *****?

 

i'm gonna guess ball joints because those spindles i believe would require some modifications to accept uniballs

 

What spring are you gonna use?

 

Care to post some close ups of the welds?

Are you really only running half a bushing in the uppers? Or is that just for mockup? Looks like they are way undersized too.

 

would rod ends be stronger?

 

Without a doubt, and they offer more adjustability. But there is nothing wrong with bushings, I run bushings, most trucks run bushings. But this guy's only running half a bushing... that seems sketch.

 

Those are actually replacement bushings for stock arms form energy suspension. Those were the only bushings I could find that would fit. The look like my stock ones.. so I think they will work maybe? I hope lol.

 

Here are some more pictures. I included a close up of the coil seat on the LCA and of one of the welds on the LCA. Right side LCA is appx 90-95% complete. Some of the welds got kinda "spattery" but they do have good penetration, I don't think they look too bad?