Performance Control Arms — Tubular & Adjustable

Performance Control Arms — Tubular & Adjustable

Control arms are the key suspension linkages that connect the wheel hub and knuckle assembly to the vehicle frame, controlling wheel travel through both compression and droop cycles. Worn OEM control arms with loose ball joints or deteriorated bushings cause vague steering, tire wear, and handling inconsistency that only go away with replacement or upgrade.

Popular Upgrades

Tubular steel upper control arms for lifted trucks and SUVs are the most popular upgrade in the control arm category, correcting the geometry compromised by a suspension lift and restoring proper caster angle and ball joint centering. Adjustable upper control arms allow alignment angles like caster and camber to be dialed in precisely after a lift or lowering modification. Replacement lower control arms with polyurethane or solid aluminum bushings improve response and longevity compared to worn OEM rubber mounts.

Why do I need new control arms after a lift kit?

A suspension lift changes the angle at which the OEM upper control arm connects to the knuckle, moving the ball joint outside of its designed operating range. This leads to accelerated ball joint wear, improper caster angles, and handling that feels vague or unpredictable at highway speeds. Extended-travel tubular upper control arms correct this geometry by repositioning the ball joint to maintain proper angles at the new ride height.

What materials are performance control arms made from?

Tubular steel control arms offer the best combination of strength, weld repairability, and cost for off-road and street performance applications. Billet aluminum control arms are used in high-end road racing and track builds where unsprung weight reduction is critical. Both options are typically paired with high-quality ball joints and polyurethane or spherical rod end bushings for maximum precision and longevity.

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