Control Arms for Jeeps & Trucks with a Solid Front Axle

What Is a Control Arm?

Key for maintaining your vehicle’s directional stability, torque, and traction, control arms are responsible for maintaining control and alignment while allowing for the up-and-down travel of the suspension system while you’re driving. Found on each wheel, the control arm connects the wheel to the frame and helps maintain proper wheel alignment and movement to improve overall handling.

Fixed vs Adjustable Control Arms

There are two different types of control arms – fixed and adjustable. Vehicles typically come from the factory with fixed control arms. Fixed control arms are ideal for vehicles that are mostly driven on paved roads and that aren’t modified with aftermarket components like a suspension lift kit. Adjustable control arms give you the ability to dial in caster and pinion angles as well as center the axle. Vehicles with modifications like larger wheels or a suspension lift can benefit from adjustable control arms. The addition of adjustable control arms can help out when off-roading or rock crawling.

What Do Adjustable Control Arms Do?

Adjustable control arms allow you to dial in caster and pinion angles to keep the angles within spec and keep the axles centered under the vehicle. Adjustable control arms allow you to properly align the front and rear axle under the vehicle and adjust the caster angle of your drive shafts. Control arms have a direct effect on wheel travel, suspension durability and wheel alignment.

Why You Should Install Adjustable Control Arms

When you lift your vehicle, the tires may start to shift toward the frame. If the lower control arms aren’t long enough, the vehicle’s body and tires could come in contact while off-roading or rock crawling. For vehicles that have a solid front axle, like Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators and many ¾-ton trucks, or vehicles that have a solid rear axle, like the newer Ram 1500 DT, adjustable control arms can improve on- and off-road performance. If you use a stock control arm with taller coils, it can affect the ride and performance of your vehicle. Installing adjustable control arms can help improve the ride of your Jeep or truck. Advantages of aftermarket control arms include a stronger build and an improved bushing at the end of the arm that helps with flex on the trail and absorbing road feel. A stock control arm is usually thin metal, and the stock bushing doesn’t have the best flex capabilities and can wear out fast.

Rancho Adjustable Control Arms

Rancho adjustable control arms are designed to enhance the performance and durability of your level or lifted Jeep or Ram 1500/2500. Compared to factory control arms on lifted applications, they also provide additional wheel travel and caster to aid in alignment. Rancho adjustable control arms have a direct fit, bolt-on design that comes with all the necessary hardware for easy installation. Made of heavy-duty tubing, they feature Rancho’s D2 bushings for reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. These high-articulation, self-centering bushings have a PTFE liner in the internal bushing that serves as a lubricating agent for long-lasting, maintenance-free operation.

Rancho Adjustable Control Arms
Rancho Part Number	Application	Position
RS64451B	2007-2013 Ram 2500/3500	Front Upper
RS64452B	2007-2013 Ram 2500/3500	Front Lower
RS66155B	2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK	Front Upper
RS66156B	2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK	Front Lower
RS66157B	2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL	Rear Upper
RS66158B	2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL	Rear Lower
RS66160B	1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ	Front Upper
RS66161B	1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ	Front Lower
RS66162B	1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ	Rear Upper
RS66163B	1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ	Rear Lower
RS66164B	2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator	Front Upper
RS66165B	2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator	Front Lower
RS66166B	2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator 2019-2022 Ram 1500	Rear Upper
RS66167B	2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator 2019-2022 Ram 1500	Rear Lower

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The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.