3rd Gen High Performance and Accessories (5.9L Only) Talk about Dodge/Cummins aftermarket products for third generation trucks here. Can include high-performance mods, or general accessories. THIS IS FOR THE 5.9L ONLY!

Do I need new control arms?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-15-2007, 03:48 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
pgcountycop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Southern MD
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Unhappy Do I need new control arms?

I recently installed Thuren's 3" lift, with his springs, towers, rear mini pack, extended swaybar links, and track bar. Truck looks great, but I was getting a lot of rear rub from the front tires. I put on Helo Cannon 18 X 8 1/2 rims with Bridgestone A/T 305 65R18's. I can't seem to get enough clearance from the rear of the front tires. Do I need new control arms, and do I need both or just lowers? And will I encounter any other surprises with linkage issues ie pittman arm, driveshaft, etc...?
Thanks in advance.
Attached Thumbnails Do I need new control arms?-100_2230-1.jpg   Do I need new control arms?-100_2229-1.jpg   Do I need new control arms?-100_2228-1.jpg  
Old 03-15-2007, 09:32 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
badme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Claremont, NH
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I do not know if you need new control arms or not, but what I do know is if you change them with longer ones you have to change all four. If you dont the caster will be way off and the steering will be really weird to say the least.
Old 03-16-2007, 11:29 AM
  #3  
Registered User
 
cquestad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 5,540
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What is your wheel's backspacing?
Old 03-16-2007, 11:41 AM
  #4  
Registered User
 
ptgarcia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fontana, CA
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You can add a set of upper and lower arms, like Carlis, which are only 1/2" longer. They will move the axle back to near-factory specs.
Old 03-16-2007, 11:58 AM
  #5  
Registered User
 
Billy Ram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That is strange! I'm running 33-12.50x17s on 17x8s with 4.5" back spacing and the closest they come to anything is about 1-1/2". That's with no leveling and the wheels turned all the way.
I would think you should use longer control arms with any lift kit.
Old 03-16-2007, 11:59 AM
  #6  
Registered User
 
cgraham's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Redding, Ca
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Does anyone know how much $ for the Carli control arms?
Old 03-16-2007, 12:06 PM
  #7  
Registered User
 
ptgarcia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fontana, CA
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
$1290. Expensive, but a superior product.
Old 03-16-2007, 12:29 PM
  #8  
Banned
 
Lsufan78's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ball, Louisiana
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
don's about ready to realease his radius arms also...that's another option.
later, dustin
Old 03-17-2007, 11:53 AM
  #9  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
pgcountycop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Southern MD
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My wheel backspacing is 6". I rolled the rear of the front fender with a steel rod and seem to have gotten enough clearance for now. Don said he is finishing new radius arms, but they will be about $800.
Old 03-17-2007, 09:33 PM
  #10  
Registered User
 
zander79's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have some superlift adjustable rockrunner radius arms for sale if you are interested. They will allow you to dial in your front axle to eliminate rubbing. Send me a PM or an email.
Old 03-17-2007, 11:20 PM
  #11  
Registered User
 
Cowhand's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: The 951-Flatbill center of the universe
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Are they rubbing on the fender or the control arm? If it's the control arm, new CA's won't do anything for you. You have too much backspace in your wheel. If it's the fender, 1/2" longer CA's will do the trick.

With 3", you shouldn't be in for any other surprises with steering or driveline.
Old 03-18-2007, 11:01 AM
  #12  
Registered User
 
Silverram03's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Those wheels stick out way too far to have a 6" backspace. My AR Pythons have a 5.71" backspace and they don't even come close to sticking out that far. I think you were misinformed?
Old 03-19-2007, 03:12 AM
  #13  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
pgcountycop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Southern MD
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The rub was on the fender, but after rolling it with a pipe, it is eliminated for now. Yes, the wheels allegedly have a 6" backspace. The box said it, the order said it, Helo's site says it for the model number. Maybe I forgot to take off the old lug nuts and that's y they stick out so far. I'll check tonight. J.K. lol
Old 03-19-2007, 09:56 AM
  #14  
Registered User
 
whitetrash66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
that is crazy that you rub that bad.... i have just 2" leveling spacers, and i'm running 33x13.5R20 baja claws on 20x10 wheels with 4.5" backspacing, and i BARELY touch the fenders while turning under flex. I don't rub hard enough to even leave marks in the fenders.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
crackcorn
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
20
05-28-2012 10:11 PM
Rednecktastic
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
7
09-13-2009 06:21 PM
the496rocket
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
6
04-13-2009 08:22 AM
Captain
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
2
02-12-2008 02:18 PM
Tommy93w350
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
3
01-04-2008 10:33 AM



Quick Reply: Do I need new control arms?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:37 PM.