Tube (drop) control arm Pros and Cons?

[heavychevy79]

I was wondering why more people don't use those lower tubular control arms/a-frames?
I think most of them are rated for a 3" drop, and those are what I'm
interested in, so I would like some input as far as if they drag on bumps, or
do they not work good with drop springs, or if they fit with 15" wheels?

Thanks guys!

[cochino12]

Originally Posted by heavychevy79

I was wondering why more people don't use those lower tubular control arms/a-frames?
I think most of them are rated for a 3" drop, and those are what I'm
interested in, so I would like some input as far as if they drag on bumps, or
do they not work good with drop springs, or if they fit with 15" wheels?

Thanks guys!

I think they cost more than spindles do , and when I used them with a 3" drop coil their was was almost no ground clearance.

[Ds86C10]

more likely to hit the ground and i dont think you can run 15 inch wheels... to me there is more cost effective ways of dropping the front of the truck

[AceX]

Control arms will also change the suspension geometry. Spindles won't.

[dooce]

When the suspenion geometry is changed, what needs to be done to correct the problem? Or is it permanent?

[Cherub]

Originally Posted by dooce

When the suspenion geometry is changed, what needs to be done to correct the problem? Or is it permanent?

More than likely its the camber that is thrown out of spec. Usually an adjustable balljoint will fix it. But good luck finding someone that will adjust it.

[Wild83C10]

Ihave the tubular LCA and UCA with about a 2" drop from the stock spring. I have scrapped like once or twice in the 2+ years I've had them installed. Yes the alignment will be off and you may have to install longer studs for the uppers.
However, I think they improve the handling a bit since they somewhat improve the geometry. It levels the LCA and gives you a better ball joint angle.

I can't remember if I had my 15" rims installed with the DJM LCAs or not, but I can't think of why they wouldn't fit.

[454HO]

I have them on my truck with 15" wheels, no problem. They are a bit more expensive than spindles, but if you need to rebuild the stockers with new ball joints and bushings then it may be a wash. And yes, they do screw up the camber, but no more than lowering springs would. Definitely will need some extra shims on the upper control arm bolts.

[heavychevy79]

Cool, thanks for the feedback.
Can you use them with drop springs, or will it be too far out of adjustment?

[Wild83C10]

You can use them with drop springs as I did. However you will need to relocate the shocks and you will need some blocks with shims to get the alignment correct.

[smashingchuck]

They suck.

They scrape on the ground, rub on your wheels, screw up alignment, cost more, and they limited my turn radius when I ran them. Also if you are going to get them make sure to order the ones that reuse the factory shafts. The bolts on them will STRIP if you ever try to take them apart.

[heavychevy79]

Has anyone modded their stock control arms?

I mean if I was dead broke and couldn't afford spindles or anything, what
could I do to get the front low again?

[454HO]

Originally Posted by heavychevy79

Has anyone modded their stock control arms?

I mean if I was dead broke and couldn't afford spindles or anything, what
could I do to get the front low again?

I've seen lots of threads on here with modified stockers to add a cup for air bags. Never seen anyone go through that much trouble just to lower the spring pocket. They usually just whack a couple coils off the spring instead.