Lower Control Arm question

Been considering a suspension upgrade and noticed most mods don't include new LCAs, even some of the most expensive upgrades such as the ICON stage 9 doesn't include it. In fact I've only found two vendors with aftermarket stock length LCAs (Dirt King and Total Chaos); but Total Chaos LCAs are not compatible with bushing lower rod ends coil overs.
Can some suspension expert chime in and tell me the advantages of upgrading the LCA (stock length)? And why most guys here don't have them (can't be just cost)? Comparing the factory LCA to the two aforementioned LCAs it appears the aftermarket has better articulation due to better uniball design providing a better body geometry and maybe a lil' more ground clearance?
Is it lighter than stock besides being "stronger" so they claim?
Also those that do have both aftermarket UCAs and LCA is there anyone running two completely different brands? Example: ICON UCA & Dirt King LCA?

thanks bros!

 

Literally wondering the same thing. I bought the IVD stage 8, and looked into upgrading my LCAs. Icon doesn't even make them, so there goes my desire to keep my suspension completely IVD.

 

Because there is really no advantage to it.

Bajakits also offers them but LCA are upgraded when moving to a long travel kit because the control arms are longer and thus both replaced.

Upper control arms are really only upgraded to provide better alignment and minimal increase in shock travel.

Long travel kits are sold as a kit so there really isn’t a reason to run two different brands.

 

Makes sense now! Thank you!

 

NP!

Maybe these guys can chime in:

@TOTAL CHAOS
@JT@Bajakits

 

Secondly, do you really want your CV/axles flexing at a severe angle?

Only so much travel you can get out of stock CV/axles before you sacrifice reliability.

 

I would be curious to see what TC and Baja says. I decided to run them for a few reasons.

1. aftermarket LCA ads Zerk fittings which allows the servicing the bushings
2. Bushing are easy to replace
3. They are lighter than stock
4. Supposedly stronger
5. Better ground clearance in the Race version
6. Running secondary bypass
7. According to TC you gain around a 1" of useable travel with the combo.

If you are trying to max out a mid travel setup its a nice add. Myself and a few buddies are running the TC standard race version and the front end does feel nicer than it did stock. Very smooth or more so than the stock setup. Truck ran great without them but adding the bypasses the TC was more of a good add for me. Already deep into the mid travel setup so pushing it as far as I can.

 

That's kinda my thought process with my mid travel set up. I emailed TC this past Thursday, but they haven't gotten back to me as of yet. Would upgrading my LCAs like you did widen the stance of my rig?

 

From my perspective, it would be nice to see some 4130 tube and boxed LCAs At stock dimensions based on the strength and peace of mind. There’s gotta be a strength difference between that and stamped/hydroformed sheet metal. Not that I’ve ever broken a LCA... but ive upgraded sillier things with the “it’s STRONGER!” Idea. Oh and they look nice.

 

Depends which LCA you order. If you get the stock race version with dual shock mount you need to run a 1.25” spacer. Depends which rims too. I have 1” on my original Ray10’s. Or you can get a 3.5” bs wheel like the new Ray10 or F5 which I have to get mounted. In The end it will be wider. The single or standard version does not require spacers

 

I have T4R PRO SEMA rims. I'd rather not run a spacer (most because people tend to tell me to stay away from those), but I'm wanting to see what TC reps say. I emailed Camburg reps too.

 

Well my last statement is based on taking to TC and the instructions. If you get non race or single shock no spacers needed. Spacers are relative. Plenty of people run them just need to ensure you have good ones and check them. But o agree which is why I got the new rims.

 

TC’s factory length LCAs are not compatible w lower bushing rod end coilovers (OEM Pro Fox) so I’m going to most likely get Dirt King, Baja or the new Camburg once it’s released.

 

That’s bad ass. I see advantage is to add a bypass without going long travel. I’m waiting to see what the marlincrawler kit is coming out. Moving hub forward and inch will make running larger tires easier.

 

That would prevent you from getting them yes. If you mentioned that I did not notice. For the price of the lowers I would swap to different extended coilovers so you can get any of the travel improvement. Not sure if you'll see much difference on the OEM setup.

 

the secondary bypass was a big part of me getting it. I already had the bypasses.