how to build your own control arms

[andy_n]

Cool Zach, I will post back the info on what I am going to use tomorrow night after I go have practice with TJPete and have a chat with Jason. I already have some joints in my possesion and will let you know if they are suitable after I have my discussions with people that know alot more than me. These Joints are made in Queensland and are available at a really good price. I have heard that the rubber in the patrol bushes is really good, flexs well and is cheap to boot.

[zzzz]

Any news?

[Hic]

I know this is an old post but ~

In support of Murrys comments this is the case ZZZZ if a component you have made, had somebody else made it for you, or you personally imported it (In australia the importer is considered the manufacturer as there is no legal recorse to persue litigation overseas) you are liabile for it. There have been old test cases to prove it, resulting in civil charges against the manufacturer and vehicle owner as the manufacturer claims he was only operating on the customers instructions and is not qualified to work on / manufacture motor vehicle componentry.
I also believe there is currently another going on (in VIC) specific to the 4WD industry related to similar issue to what we are discussing.

We (SUBURBAN) carry in excess of and $10,000P.A insurance preium just to cover us for this type of action as we both import and manufacture. Just saying be carefull guys.

In support of DYI ~
We both the big and small RE joints (Suit weld on application) for $53.00 and $65.00 respectivly in my opnion one of the best joints arround. In stock overnight delivery to most locations, we also do assembelly tools from $25.00.

[andy_n]

Well, after destroying my standard arms in my last comp, I have had to go out and get some procomp arms just to get the rig back on the road. So it maybe a bit longer before anything happens. I havn't spoken to Pete for a couple of weeks either, but I will have to get onto him again soon.

[maddog]

Speaking as someone who has had a custom long arm 5 link rear 4 link front system made up by ORI, and engineered, I can say it's well worth it if you're after if for a specialised application. IE you want to build a hard core comp truck. Probably not worth the effort for your every day offroader though, as you can get off the shelf/bolt on stuff for a reasonable price nowdays.

There's quite a bit of work involved in getting it all setup right so that it drives well on and off road. We've spent many a late night hour working on my truck at the workshop to get it so it has both on road manners and will go over almost anything offroad.

The travel I get in the rear is amazing. TJs generally flex really well in the front, and the long arm 5 link has improved on that even further. I'm still waiting for the springs to soften up a bit, and to replace the brake lines (again) to get the full potential out of it as they're the limiting factors at the moment.

[maddog]

Just further to that, we had to end up limiting the travel in the rear, as it got to a stage where there was actually too much, which was making the vehicle a little unstable (not to mention dropping springs out all over the place).

What it needs now is a little more width (in the form of full floating hubs and 15x10" rims)

[zzzz]

Originally Posted by maddog

Just further to that, we had to end up limiting the travel in the rear, as it got to a stage where there was actually too much, which was making the vehicle a little unstable (not to mention dropping springs out all over the place).

What it needs now is a little more width (in the form of full floating hubs and 15x10" rims)

You should think about putting an anti rock in the rear if you want the ability to fine tune things.
then you get to choose the flex, balance front to rear and stability.

cheers

z