rear lower control arm swap

[daedaestoy]

does anyone know if the 04-07 rear lower control arms will fit the 02-03 kj? the newer style ones look like a better construction and better design... so i would like to know if anyone has tried this or done this?

 

[tommudd]

Same,
Its funny you're going to later model
and I'm swapping mine out for early model ones

 

[LibertyTC]

Part of the problem remains with the cut outs in the axle side bushings.
The arms themselves are ok.
In the photo below you will see the slots beside bolt hole in axle side bushings. This was probably designed as a sideways curb impact pressure relief as to not break welds, and allow moment in the rubber bushing. Unfortunately, as you turn, these cut outs are causing premature wear in the bushings by causing the out side edge to start to crack, and allows shifting of the diff as they weaken, causing wobbly pops of the rear end, pushing it one way or the other under torque.
My solutution was to fill in the 2 new Spicer Bushings with windshield Urethane and allow to cure/harden for a few days before pressing in. The material still remains flexible inside the bushing, but does not allow for full compression, saving the wobbly pop and premature wear of the bushing.
37485[/ATTACH]"]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[daedaestoy]

tommudd why do you want to trade to the older style?
libertytc i see what you are saying and that makes very good sence... but why would you want stamed steel trailing arms over tubular? tubular would be more stronger i would think?

 

[LibertyTC]

Overall the stock arms are fairly strong.
The rear sway bar also bolts to the rear lower control arms.
37487[/ATTACH]"]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[daedaestoy]

what year is your kj? you have the newer style bars i want to swap with...

 

[LibertyTC]

2004.

 

[daedaestoy]

thats y... so you are telling me to use the same trailing arms you have jus fill the holes in them?

 

[tommudd]

For one I have almost a brand new pair laying in the garage I got with a whole load of KJ parts two years ago, so I have nothing in them really, sold everything else
Also I like the look of them better. Which is stronger? Both about the same really they have to be

 

[tommudd]

Overall the stock arms are fairly strong.
The rear sway bar also bolts to the rear lower control arms.
37489[/ATTACH]"]

You must be registered for see images attach

Man someone needs to clean up under there and do a better paint job!

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Factory under coat!

 

[LibertyTC]

Yes it is quite the $200 under coat and it came with a lifetime warranty for touch ups, I already had it back for a touch up after the new arms went in.
I forget what they called it but it is a dry Teflon type coating, non oil base that is a thin coat but dries super hard.
After the first salty winter it was in amazing shape, this stuff really works and does not interfere like an oiling mess, when you have to work under it.

 

[J-Thompson]

LCA's are easy on a KJ
they are stronger than those on a TJ ,but also longer
IIRC they use the same size bolt so TJ adjustable LCA's will work
Rustys Offroad makes some of the beefiest I have ever seen
you can get a pair with the jam nuts for about $200
and they are probably 10X stronger than stock
or have them build you some fixed length arms to spec
shoot I thought at 1 time they were even making them with a mount for the rear
sway bar ,which you dont really need on a KJ

 

[ShafferNY]

While I'm sure both styles are about the same in strenght, the LCA's on the new KJ's look like some cob-job after thought.

I'm sure Jeep changed styles just a save a penny. Everything on my '06 seems cheesier than on my early '03.