IFS Upper Control Arms
July 19, 2022
When lifting an independent front suspension (IFS) truck or SUV more than 2 inches, it’s very common to require aftermarket upper control arms. These arms correct wheel alignment issues caused by the lift and can also provide the clearance needed to run larger tires. With so many designs and options available—ranging in joints, bushings, materials, and construction—choosing the right control arm for your setup can be challenging. In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of upper control arms to help you select the best option for your lifted vehicle.
Upper Control Arm Frame Pivot Options
Rubber Control Arm Bushings
- Pros: Affordable, highly durable, maintenance-free, and excellent at absorbing impacts compared to metal-on-metal joints.
- Cons: Adds unwanted spring rate since the bushing doesn’t rotate freely—the joint twists as the control arm cycles up and down.
- Summary: Great for durability and low maintenance, but only average in terms of suspension performance.
Two Piece Urethane BushingÂ
- GOOD: Affordable, greasable, easy to install/replace. Absorbs impacts vs metal on metal. Rotates freely unlike rubber OEM.
- BAD: Wears out quicker than rubber, can squeak if not maintained
- Things to know: Requires silicone based grease (Super Lube), petroleum based grease will eat the bushing and make it squeak worse after a while
- Summary: Very popular due to cost, greasable and usually quiet. Those strong selling points make these pretty easy to find across all the top brands.Â
Heim Joints (Rod Ends)
- Pros: Fully adjustable, deliver improved handling with added stiffness, and offer excellent strength.
- Cons: Shorter lifespan than other options, prone to squeaking if unsealed, and generally not serviceable or greasable.
- Summary: Heim joints provide adjustability, strength, and a firm steering response, with a race-inspired look that many enthusiasts find appealing. While they wear out faster, they’re a solid choice for those seeking maximum performance in extreme off-road conditions.
Upper Control Arm Spindle Pivot Options
Uniball Joints
- Pros: Extremely strong, deliver a race-truck style appearance, and require no regular maintenance.
- Cons: Higher friction can create poor steering feel, wear out faster due to multi-directional movement, and may develop squeaks over time.
- Summary: Uniballs are popular for their strength and aggressive look, but their shorter lifespan and rougher steering feel make them better suited for enthusiasts who prioritize performance style over longevity.
Ball Joints
- Pros: Typically fully sealed for protection, highly durable, quiet in operation, and often serviceable/greasable for extended life.
- Cons: Require periodic greasing for best performance and don’t have the flashy, race-style appearance of other joint types—though they’re just as capable.
- Summary: Ball joints strike an excellent balance of strength, longevity, and low noise, making them one of the most reliable options for everyday use and off-road performance alike.
Upper Control Arm Material Choice
Cast Aluminum & Cast Steel Control Arms
- Pros: Very affordable and cost-effective.
- Cons: Often lack appealing aesthetics and can be lower quality compared to other options.
- Summary: Cast aluminum and steel arms are a budget-friendly choice, but they may not provide the durability, finish, or performance of higher-end designs.
Steel Tubing Control Arms
- Pros: Strong, visually appealing, widely available, and affordable.
- Cons: None significant.
- Summary: Steel tubing control arms offer an excellent balance of strength, appearance, and cost, making them one of the most popular choices for lifted trucks and SUVs.
Boxed Steel Control Arms
- Pros: Strong and durable, visually appealing, with a race-truck inspired design.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to standard steel tubing.
- Summary: Boxed steel control arms deliver excellent strength and aggressive styling, making them ideal for serious off-road builds, though they come at a higher price.
Billet Aluminum Control Arms
- Pros: Extremely strong, corrosion-resistant, visually striking, and often paired with heim joints for adjustability.
- Cons: Typically the most expensive option.
- Summary: Billet aluminum control arms offer top-tier strength, style, and adjustability, making them the premium choice for performance-oriented and off-road builds.
Upper Control Arm Design Style
Fixed Upper Control Arm
- Pros: Affordable and straightforward to install.
- Cons: No adjustability for alignment or suspension tuning.
- Summary: Fixed upper control arms are a budget-friendly, simple solution, but lack the adjustability needed for fine-tuning or correcting geometry on lifted vehicles.
Off-Car Adjustable Upper Control Arm
- Pros: Adjustable, allowing for precise alignment corrections and suspension tuning.
- Cons: Higher cost and adjustments require removing the control arm from the vehicle.
- Summary: Off-car adjustable upper control arms offer alignment flexibility and performance tuning, though they come at a higher price and require more effort to adjust.
On-Car Adjustable Upper Control Arm
- Pros: Adjustable without removing from the vehicle, making alignment corrections quick and convenient.
- Cons: Expensive, and many alignment shops may not be familiar with setting them up properly.
- Summary: On-car adjustable upper control arms offer easy alignment adjustments and excellent tuning flexibility, but require knowledgeable technicians and come at a higher cost.
Summary
There are many factors to consider when choosing an upper control arm for your vehicle. Fortunately, numerous reputable companies offer high-quality options in nearly every configuration discussed above. The key is selecting the combination that best fits your vehicle, budget, and performance goals. Considering the overall investment in your suspension, it’s not an area to cut corners—upper control arms are critical for proper steering alignment, extended suspension travel, and accommodating larger tires.
Warning: Each upper control arm is unique, with variations in design, alignment specs, and build quality. Always verify compatibility before purchasing.
If you’re still not sure which upper control arm to go with, give us a call and we can help you pick out the best one for your vehicle.
619-722-8555 | Sales@accutuneoffroad.com
