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When talking about the Jeep Wrangler JK, we immediately conjure up images of a beast-like vehicle tearing through tough and challenging terrain. Well, that’s the impression that most of us have about JK: a Jeep built in a way to handle rough off-roading and hard wheeling experiences with ease.
While Jeeps are indeed the bad boys built for the rowdy and untamed trails, you can significantly improve their directional stability and ensure better handling with a new control arm kit. When you plan to do some serious off-roading, you will need to add an aggressive lift system to increase your ground clearance and suspension travel.
Some people also invest in a lift system to fit the larger tires ideal for off-roading trips and make their Wrangler look more muscular. An aggressive lift system for a Jeep needs control arms that will not suffer from axle binding and that will protect your suspension system from any type of wear and tear.
With one of the best sets of adjustable control arms for the JK, you can reach any destination hassle-free and safely, despite the poor road conditions. As control arms tend to wear out quickly, Jeep experts so advise users to replace them from time to time to avoid any issues.
If you are in the market to look for the best control arms available to suit your vehicle, this search may prove to be a bit tricky and confusing. To make your job easier, we have reviewed more than a dozen brands and models to create a list of the most recommended options for you to look over and compare with ease. Read on to find a detailed review of each of the products handpicked by our team after in-depth analysis and comparisons.
Editor’s Top Pick
For those who don’t have the time to read this to the end, we recommend the Raptor Series 170107-429800 Heavy Duty Adjustable Control Arm, a complete kit that contains 8 pieces of adjustable control arms (front and rear, plus lower and upper) to add more strength and durability to your Jeep.
If you are looking for separately adjustable control arms instead of a complete kit, we recommend the Rough Country set that comes with various parts to suit a Jeep Wrangler JK. Read on to find the various Rough Country adjustable control arms reviewed by us below.
#1. Rusty’s Off-Road Adjustable Rear Upper Control Arms Jeep Wrangler JK
The first product on our list is the set of adjustable rear upper control arms for the Jeep Wrangler JK by Rusty’s Off-Road, a US-based company that makes Jeep parts and accessories. These arms are designed to fit the front lower control arm positions on the 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK models.
Made in the USA, this pair of control arms is made with two-inch DOM tubing, and the forged end is tested to withstand more than 100,000 PSI. These arms include OEM-quality bushings on both sides, and the powder coating in a glossy black finish lends it some aesthetic appeal.
The arms use 1.25in. x 12 threads on both of the forged ends for enhanced strength and better adjustability. The forged ends are perfectly secured with the supplied jam nuts for more reliability. This product also comes well packaged in foam to ensure that the arms don’t bang against anything during transit and get damaged.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 22 lbs.
- Made of 2-inch DOM tubing
- OE-quality Clevite rubber bushings
- 2 inches of adjustment to fine-tune caster, driveline angles, and wheelbase
- Made in the USA
User/ customer Reviews
Users who go trail running and engage in mild off-roading have often said that they find the adjustable control arms absolutely perfect to rotate the pinion angle for a double Cardan driveshaft. People have also said that these control arms with OEM-quality rubber ends work great at improving the overall performance.
Conclusion
The Rusty’s Off-Road Adjustable Rear Upper Control Arms are great quality and well-built to meet the standards of a Jeep Wrangler JK. The installation part is easy for anyone who knows Jeep mechanics. Overall, we feel that this product offers a good value for the money to users.
#2. Rough Country Front Upper Adjustable Control Arms (fits) 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
These front and upper adjustable control arms by Rough Country are designed to perfectly fit the 2007-2018 models of the Jeep Wrangler JK. They feature a ball-in joint and have a considerable 2.5″ diameter body and 1.25″ threads. The X-Flex joints offer a wide range, improved safety, and impressive strength for all off-road applications.
The upper arm X-Flex joints are designed to pivot up to 20 degrees, and the lower arm joints can easily pivot up to a 35-degree range. Both arms are fully greaseable, and this helps in providing a smoother performance. It also ensures greater articulation off-road.
The installation part is easy and does not require any intricate tools or drilling to fit with the Jeep Wrangler JK. We were also impressed to learn that the manufacturer has a lot of faith in their products, backing these up with a lifetime warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 13.95 lbs.
- Fully greaseable
- Greater articulation off-road
- Fits the 2-Door models of the 2007-2018 4WD Jeep Wrangler JK
- Fits the 2007-2018 4WD models of the Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited
User/ Customer Reviews
Jeep experts are impressed with these control arms that can be installed even without any cutting or disassembling (although the instructions say otherwise). Some said that they did not even need to look at the directions. A few users have also said that if you are jacked up, you will need these arms to bring the axle back into alignment.
Conclusion
The brand Rough Country itself suggests that they expertise in parts suitable for trail riding and adventuring in tough terrain. This front upper control arms set is perfectly designed to fit the 2007-2018 models of the Jeep Wrangler JK. Overall, at this price, they give you a great value for the money.
#3. Rough Country Rear Lower Adjustable Control Arms (fits) 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
Having reviewed the front upper control arms by Rough Country, let’s also take a look at the rear lower counterparts. These rear lower adjustable control arms let you fine-tune the driveline geometry in your Jeep Wrangler JK.
These are 100% bolt-on control arms used to easily replace the factory rear lower control arms on the Jeep to make it ready for your off-road experience. They also come with Clevite-brand, factory-style rubber bushings along with X-Flex joints for a more stable, smooth, silent, and safe ride.
These control arms are specially designed by Rough Country to improve off-road articulation and ensure on-road ride comfort with the help of driveline angles optimization. They additionally come backed by a solid lifetime manufacturer’s warranty against any defects.
Product features and specifications
- Measurements: 25.5in. x 5.75in. x 6in.
- Weight: 23.9 lbs.
- Fully greaseable
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Fits the 2-Door models of the 2007-2018 4WD Jeep Wrangler JK
- Fits the 2007-2018 4WD models of the Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited
User/ Customer reviews
As per users, the adjustable design of these rear lower control arms let you precisely dial in your suspension to maximize the driveline angles to fit your Jeep’s lift. People with experience in Jeep repairs and other similar work have said that the installation is hassle-free and takes about 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
This pair of rear lower adjustable control arms by Rough Country is one of the best Jeep parts you can buy to improve your off-road experience. Although these Jeep parts don’t come cheap, they are not too much a price to pay when you compare the investment to the end results you’ll receive.
#4. Freedom Off-Road Adjustable Front Upper Control Arms
These Freedom Off-Road adjustable control arms (see Amazon) are some of the best ones out there. However, before getting them, you’ll need to ensure that your Jeep JK’s directional stability is upgraded for the installation. These arms are designed to solely work with 0 to 6.50-inch lifts, and they significantly improve the overall steering and handling of the Jeep.
These heavy-duty and adjustable control arms are engineered with high structural rigidity to stay corrosion-resistant in all weather conditions. Each arm sports a black powder-coated finish to deter any form of rust, chipping, or abrasion. They are also furnished with rubber bushings for higher load-bearing capacity and enhanced tear strength.
Both front and upper control arms are designed for simple and easy installation without requiring any modifications—anyone with light to moderate mechanical skills can perform the installation job. The arms fit directly into the factory mounting points of the Jeep JK. The manufacturer additionally stands behind their product with a lifetime warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Adjustable for 0-6.5” lifts
- Lifetime warranty
- Rubber bushings
- Heavy-duty construction
- Black powder-coated finish
- Bolt-on installation
- Comes as a pair
User/ Customer Reviews
Most users have said that this control arm set comes well packaged and includes essential hardware tools (one nut and one bolt each) to do the installation; however, you will still need the factory nut and bolt, too. Jeep experts have also mentioned that the arms are visibly stronger and 50% heavier than the factory parts. Users love that all of the parts are properly painted and that the welds look aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion
The Freedom Off-Road adjustable control arms are beefy, strong, and well-designed to fit the needs of your Jeep Wrangler JK. Overall, they deliver a significantly improved performance on the trails after installation and look great, too. At this price, you not only get a good product, but you also get great customer service.
#5. Raptor Series 170107-429800 Heavy Duty Adjustable Control Arm
This is a complete Raptor Series kit that includes front and rear, as well as lower and upper, control arms designed to fit with Jeep Wrangler JK models that have a 0 to 6-inch lift. These control arms exhibit flexibility beyond the factory arms and provide adjustment and stability needed for challenging trails.
Made of heavy-duty tubular steel and a firm shaft construction, these adjustable control arms are built to take a lot of beating without giving up. The arms are coated to protect them from debris and corrosion attacks. They are also built to meet the off-road premium manufacturer standards and put through numerous tests to ensure their endurance capacity.
Both the upper and lower control arms enable appropriate positioning of the axle housing and pinion angle without requiring any cuts or modifications. The threaded shafts ensure accurate adjustments, improve traction, and facilitate greater articulation. With a direct bolt-on style for doing the replacement, the installation of the arms in the place of factory parts becomes easy.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 90 lbs.
- Smooth, black powder-coated finish
- 8-piece kit
- Adjustable upper and lower control arms
- Heavy-duty tubular steel construction
User/ Customer Reviews
Users find the Raptor Series control arms to be of great quality with the grease fittings enabling them to grease the arms whenever needed. Most people were able to do the installation easily with the hardware included, and they achieved a proper alignment with the lift kit on their Jeeps.
Some users have also mentioned that, after installation, the difference compared to the stock arms is very noticeable: the rides are smoother, bumps not that rough, and there is less squeaking noise.
Conclusion
The Raptor Series control arms kit feels heavy-duty and reliable the moment you hold them in your hands. They offer a quick and reliable upgrade from your stock arms, making your Jeep JK ready to take on the more difficult terrains with confidence. Overall, we feel this is a great value product at this price.
#6. Rubicon Express RE3757 Rear Upper Super-Flex Adjustable Control Arm for Jeep JK
When you want to improve the performance of your 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK’s suspension, this rear upper control arm from Rubicon Express comes in handy. These control arms are specially engineered to help the tires move up and down evenly, even in the most rugged terrains, to give you a smoother ride.
Built as per the OEM standards, the Rubicon control arms are known to have extra flex while still maintaining the durability and ensuring good handling capability of the JK. Made from sturdy yet lightweight Chromoly tubular steel and a chromium/molybdenum, these control arms are built to last for a long time.
These adjustable control arms boast a silver powder coat finish that not only boosts the overall appearance, but it also ensures resistance to corrosion. There’s a threadable steel insert that enables adjustable preload, and it also helps in easy maintenance of the arms. The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty against any damage caused by defects in craftsmanship or materials.
Product features and specifications
- Sturdy Chromoly steel construction
- Mounting hardware and installation instructions
- Finished in a silver powder-coat
- Spherical rubber bearings
- Fits the 2007-2018 models of the Jeep Wrangler JK
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Engineered for rough terrain
User/ Customer Reviews
Users find this product to be a great replacement for worn original control arms or as an upgrade to improve and enhance the capacity of their Jeep Wrangler JK. A few customers have mentioned that the arms work great even after banging into a few nasty obstacles on difficult terrain.
Beginners with less intricate knowledge find the installation work easy as all of the mounting hardware is included, and the complete user manual comes with simple instructions.
Conclusion
The Rubicon Express RE3757 rear upper adjustable control arms are heavy and well-built to serve their purpose well by improving the performance of a user’s Jeep. Installation is simple, and getting the proper alignment doesn’t take long. Overall, we feel that this product offers a good price to performance ratio.
#7. Rough Country Front Lower Adjustable Control Arms (fits) 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
If you are looking for a front lower set of adjustable control arms, this pair by Rough Country stands tall as one of the best available online. These control arms feature a 2.5-inch diameter body, ball-in joint, and massive 1.25-inch threads for enhanced range, safety, and strength in diverse terrains.
The upper arm’s X-Flex joints are designed in a way to pivot up to 20 degrees, and the lower arm joints achieve a 35-degree pivot range. This helps in providing a much better articulation off-road. We were also impressed to find that the manufacturer stands behind the product with a lifetime warranty against any defects.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 23 lbs.
- Lifetime warranty
- Fully greaseable
- Greater articulation off-road
- Upper joints pivot up to 20 degrees
- Lower joints pivot up to 35 degrees
User/ Customer Review
Jeep JK owners who installed these front lower adjustable control arms have said that these parts are beefy and well-built to hold up pretty nice with their Jeeps. Customers have also mentioned that setting them up and installing the parts was pretty easy, even for amateurs. A few users have warned about tightening carefully so they don’t get threaded too far.
Conclusion
These Rough Country upper/lower adjustable control arms are just what you need to get a proper alignment on your lifted Jeep and improve your vehicle’s performance. With these arms coming backed with the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, you don’t have anything to lose.
#8. TeraFlex 1455000 JK Complete 8 Adjustable Flex Arm Kit
When you don’t want to compromise on quality and money is not a constraint for you, we suggest the TeraFlex 1455000 JK Complete 8 Adjustable Flex Arm Kit (learn more) for your Jeep Wrangler JK. This FlexArm system has proven itself to be tough as nails and comprises of three various end types: rubber bushing ends, solid forged steel, and urethane bushing ends.
Besides being well-built, these control arms also feature grease fittings and solid steel shanks to ensure that the joints remain properly lubricated. This arm kit provides up to four inches of adjustment to ensure that the more aggressive systems do not mess up the JK’s drive train angles.
This kit allows you to set up the suspension for better on-road usability as well as extreme off-road trail riding. This TeraFlex FlexArm system also helps you correctly set the caster and pinion angles to diminish any driveline and tire damage. It also significantly improves the overall quality of the Jeep JK’s suspension and steering performance.
Product features and specifications
- Weight: 85 lbs.
- Made of solid steel
- 8 adjustable front and rear, lower and upper FlexArms
- Easy to adjust
- Simple installation
- Rubber bushings
- Urethane rod ends
- Works with any suspension lift
- Fits the 2007-2018 models of the Wrangler JK
User/ Customer Reviews
Most customers have said that the product comes very well-packed with all of the necessary hardware tools and parts, as well as the user manual containing instructions for the installation process. Several users have said that the performance of their Jeep Wrangler JK improved noticeably after installing these arms and, even after taking a lot of beating, they still work fine.
Conclusion
The TeraFlex 1455000 JK Complete 8 Adjustable Flex Arm Kit is more expensive than many of the other adjustable arms available out there. However, the fact that this is a complete arm set with all of the essential hardware components that are also so well-engineered to give your Jeep a new burst of power makes it worth investing in. Overall, we recommend this product for serious Jeep owners who will do anything to add more years to their favorite drive.
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Looking for Adjustable Control Arms
The products we have shortlisted and reviewed above are all suitable to work with the lift system in your Jeep Wrangler JK. However, the product that matches your specific requirements may be different from what others need, so consider these factors before choosing one.
#. Material
The first thing to consider is the material out of which the control arm is made. There are three different materials normally used, and they are cast aluminum, iron, and stamped steel. To choose the most suitable control arm for your Jeep JK, consider your driving conditions.
If you drive in harsh conditions, you will need specific control arms, such as the ones made from aluminum that are best for tough weather. Cast iron arms are sturdy and best suited for harsh driving conditions, while the steel arms are made for different conditions, but they also tend to rust easily.
#. Jeep model, year, and type
When replacing the stock controls arms on your Jeep with adjustable control arms, you will need to pay attention to some crucial information. This includes choosing the correct Jeep model on the online website to ensure that you get the specific auto parts that are compatible with your vehicle.
You should also consider which control arms you need to replace as they vary widely depending upon the position in which they are installed in the vehicle. For example, there are front, lower, and upper control arms, and there are also ones used in the rear.
#. OEM Or Aftermarket
Jeep owners often face this predicament when choosing a performance part for their vehicle. The OEM—or Original Equipment Manufacturer—parts, as the name suggests, do not come with any extra perks, and they are usually pricey due to the brand name that they carry.
The aftermarkets parts, on the other hand, are cheaper; and they also offer better performance than the OEMs. They are often more sturdy, more functional, and more durable in various conditions. The aftermarket manufacturers often compromise on a few features though to ensure affordability and better performance.
#. Single control or a complete set
Users often wonder whether they should go for a single control arm kit (front upper, rear lower, etc.) or a complete kit. Jeep experts recommend that you always opt for a complete kit when upgrading unless a you’re your already have breaks down and you simply need to replace it.
When you get a full kit, you also get peace of mind from knowing that the parts are going to last for a long time and that you will not need to replace them again very soon. Hence, this turns out to be more economical. Additionally, a kit comes with all of the essential hardware tools needed for installation as well.
#. Look into the features
Before choosing adjustable control arms for your JK, you also need to look into the features included with the product. Different models designed by different manufacturers come with a diversity of features such as extra durability, an easier installation, or advanced technologies.
Some control arms may come with powder-coating to resist corrosion; hence, those end up lasting for a long time. We suggest that you opt for parts that are much easier to install as a complicated setup will require you to hire a professional to help.
#. Price point
Given the fact that the control arms play a vital role in the performance of your Jeep, it is not advised to get a cheaper product just to save a few dollars. We strongly suggest that you invest a little more financially to ensure that you get durable and good quality arms that will last for a few years.
However, you must also bear in mind that higher prices do not always guarantee the best quality. So, make sure you consider the above-mentioned factors along with your budget to find the most reliable set that works for you.
Related Questions
What are the benefits of installing Jeep Wrangler JK control arms?
These control arms connect the wheels to the steering rack to keep the tires lifted from the ground and intact to the frame, and they also do so without interfering with the rotating/handling of the vehicle. When a Jeep runs on different types of terrains, the control arms offer enhanced support to the vertical axle’s motions. As the tires stay intact with the frames thanks to the control arms, this delivers a better performance during off-road driving.
What tools do you need for control arms installation?
Most control arms are easy to install, and they need only a few tools to accomplish the job. If you are installing one while at the entry level of experience, you will need some assistance from an expert. Some of the essential tools you will need are a tire jack, some wheel chocks, a wrench, and a few basic tools.
What’s the difference between adjustable and non-adjustable control arms?
An adjustable suspension system is required for the lowered Jeeps or rigs to ensure a high ground clearance for off-road trips. The non-adjustable suspension systems are suitable for the higher suspension lifts, but they can be counter-intuitive if not fit properly. The non-adjustable control arms do not remove deflections in the pinion angle, and this may damage the entire suspension system and drive train.
Are aftermarket control arm sets better?
Yes, we suggest that you get the aftermarket control set arms by comparison to other options. They still offer excellent service and improve the performance of the Jeep JK when off-road. You will notice a difference in stability, traction, hard-wheeling performance, torque, and durability after the installation.
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