WJ UPPER Control Arms INSTALLED!

[comanche09]

Hi All,

 

First, thanks to Hornbrod who rekindled my interest in this mod. :waving: They said it couldn't be done at NAXJA.org.

 

I've got to say this upgrade has made a significant improvement in the way the truck steers and handles on the road. The is no more play in the steering wheel before the steering reacts, it is instantaneous (original steering box). Just minute movements of the wheel and it reacts. The whole front end has firmed up significantly, in a good way. Cornering body lean is reduced even further. Awesome upgrade. On to the Pics:

 

 

Here is a pic comparing the stock arm with the WJ arm, notice the WJ arm is fully boxed. The stock arms measures 15" eye to eye, the WJ arm measures about 14.9". This corrects my caster with my 2" lift over stock, rather than adding spacers to the LCA buckets.

 

 

Picture of drivers side upper control arm bucket.

 

 

Remove this small amount of sheet metal directly below the bucket. (Cut a mirror image off the passenger side, I used a dremel with reinforced quick connecting cutting wheel)

 

 

Size reference.

 

Thats it, then install the WJ arms. I used a pipe wrench with my jack to help line up the axle side bolts, but a come-along will work too. Do them one at a time.

 

More pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Droop, no problems.

 

 

 

 

 

:chillin:

[JeepcoMJ]

those just look goofy.

 

 

but extremely nice job!

[Gjeep]

What size tires are you running? (30's?) Seems like a good mod. I like my front tires being "centered" in the wheel opening -- did you notice if your tires moved closer to the firewall? Looks like you're running WJ LCA's as well with the lift. I've got adjustable JKS LCA's with a 3+" lift in front with 30's...trying to get an idea how things would change. Thanks.

[HOrnbrod]

Nice job Matt - you got 'er done mate. :cheers:

 

Did you verify your caster angle yet? Also, I ASSume you will change out the UCA axle bushings later? That'll make it even better.

[comanche09]

Nice job Matt - you got 'er done mate. :cheers:

 

Did you verify your caster angle yet? Also, I ASSume you will change out the UCA axle bushings later? That'll make it even better.

 

Thanks Don! Haha, yea I probably should pick up some new axle UCA bushings, but I figure they are 9 years newer than the originals ('97 axle), so I'm probably good for another ten years at least! :eek: Seriously, they are on the to-do list for later.

 

Haven't checked caster yet, but it should be closer to stock based on the info you posted on the control arm length thread.

 

The truck just drives so much better as is.

 

What size tires are you running? (30's?) Seems like a good mod. I like my front tires being "centered" in the wheel opening -- did you notice if your tires moved closer to the firewall? Looks like you're running WJ LCA's as well with the lift. I've got adjustable JKS LCA's with a 3+" lift in front with 30's...trying to get an idea how things would change. Thanks.

 

Running 235/70/15 (28") right now (got em like new off of craigslist for cheap, to replace the unsafe 10+yr old tires the PO had on it) I will probably end up with 30 or 31" tires though when I finish the build. :thumbsup:

 

Tires look centered in the wheelwell, I just went out and checked.

 

My "Lift" is only '98 UpCountry springs (see sig), when compared to my original 2wd springs, nets 2" lift. Compared to 4x4 springs, they are around 1" lift. I really like the way the springs ride and want to keep them, but it depends on how I lift the rear (still stock). I will look into JKS LCA if/when the time comes. Thanks!

 

 

Regarding the install, I jacked up the Passenger rear side of the truck off the ground to try to compress/stuff the drivers side to check clearance with the D30 diff. It clears fine, but it looks like in a full stuff/bump stop situation, there could be an issue. I don't plan to do any hardcore wheeling though...

[knever3]

You are my hero!!! :bowdown:

 

I always wanted to find out what they would look like installed. I have 245-70-16 tires and a 3" lift so I would like to run these too. I am interested in camber but there is always moving the lower control arms forward or back to compensate.

 

Anyone have another set I could buy???

[comanche09]

Thank you man! This is not the same truck anymore than when I picked it up bone stock last July in regards to driving feel, steering, handling etc. Now with some MT springs on the back and the aftermarket sway bar, I may lower it, throw on some low profile tires and enter autocross.... LOL just kidding :banana: :shake: :hmm: :dunce:

 

 

Couple more notes on the install, If you can, snag the WJ body side bolts, they have an elongated 13mm head and makes it much easier to install (you don't have to worry about dropping the bolt in the frame as much)

 

Also, the lower edge of the upper bucket scuffs the paint off the bottom of the upper arm at full droop. A slight grinding of the (talking half a millimeter here) top edge of the upper bucket lower lip would clear it.