JBA 5.5 A-arms installation tips

TurboGoKart · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:45 pm

Because I just did this and had a couple questions I figured I'd throw the answers up on here. JBA's instructions that come with the a-arms are pretty good. However, there's two things that IMO were missing. What to do with the washer and which side is which (they're not marked).

After putting the first one in the wrong way, I finally figured out by looking at a ton of pics online which way the a-arms were supposed to go. Looking at them initially they're the same, however, due to my superior detective skills, I finally noticed one slight difference. If you look at the ball joint, there are two gussets. One is quite straight, the other has a slight bend to it. The straighter one goes towards the rear, and the one with the slight bend goes to the front. Because pics are worth a million words, I'll just shut up and post the pics. :lol:

Note: These pictures are on the Right Front side.

Another question I had was, "Where does the washer go, or do I need it?" If you have a KK, yes you need it, and after calling Brent @ JBA I confirmed that it goes between the ball joint and the knuckle. Logically, this makes sense. If you have any mechanical skills/knowledge and you put the washer between the knuckle and the nut, you'll notice that it's quite loose, which if you've done any wrenching before you'll realize is not optimal. You can see the placement of the washer in that second picture as well. The slight difference in the gussets are circled in the pics. Hope this helps someone!

Cliffs: Bent gusset on JBA A-arms goes to the front; supplied washer needs to be used, and it goes between the ball joint and knuckle.

At The Helm · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:54 pm

Good info. You should post this in the tech section for reference.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 11:47 pm

Excellent. I'll be installing these soon, and your info couldn't come at a better time! :rockon:

JeepNCrowd · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 11:55 pm

lfhoward wrote:

Excellent. I'll be installing these soon, and your info couldn't come at a better time! :rockon:

Yes thanks for the info!

lfhoward · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 12:28 am

Turbo, did the washers come with the A-arms, or were they on the KK already, above the steering knuckles? I just went and looked carefully at my pair of used A-arms (not yet installed), and they have no washers. I'll email JBA to see if I need special washers, or if I can get them from the hardware store.

TurboGoKart · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 11:25 am

They come with the A-arms. It's a pretty thick washer and after talking to Brent about why they needed them at all (design change in a newer round of ball joints, which forced them to make the washers), I'd guess you'd need to get ahold of them. He'll know the size of them and would be able to let you know if you could just grab some or use theirs.

jlalbert85 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 1:45 pm

I too had this same question. I went ahead and placed the washer between the knuckle and the joint. After words I confirmed with JBA before I had it aligned. They were able to get it pretty close. Although the one side is further out of spec than the other?

Has anyone else had this happen?

jlalbert85 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 1:54 pm

Now after looking at your pics I think I may have my UCA on the wrong side and I already had it aligned

jlalbert85 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 2:06 pm

Turbo were you able to get your ball joint and knuckle connected when it was on the wrong way? I can't imagine it would line up.

TurboGoKart · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 3:32 pm

jlalbert85 wrote:

Turbo were you able to get your ball joint and knuckle connected when it was on the wrong way? I can't imagine it would line up.

I could have, however, it was going to be a bit more difficult, and the angle of the ball joint didn't look good at all. That's what got me thinking about maybe even though they weren't marked, they must be side specific. In stock form, where the ball joint is in relation to the coil spring, it should be closer to the front side of the spring. Using the A-arms on the wrong side, it pushed the ball joint more towards the rear and put it at a bad angle.

TurboGoKart · **Posted:** Tue Dec 25, 2012 1:39 am

jlalbert85 wrote:

Now after looking at your pics I think I may have my UCA on the wrong side and I already had it aligned

How long ago did you get it aligned, and who did it? Most places will have a warranty. I went to Tire Discounters, and they said if I come back at all within 6 months, they'll re-align it for free.

jlalbert85 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 25, 2012 10:48 am

TurboGoKart wrote:

jlalbert85 wrote:

Turbo were you able to get your ball joint and knuckle connected when it was on the wrong way? I can't imagine it would line up.

I could have, however, it was going to be a bit more difficult, and the angle of the ball joint didn't look good at all. That's what got me thinking about maybe even though they weren't marked, they must be side specific. In stock form, where the ball joint is in relation to the coil spring, it should be closer to the front side of the spring. Using the A-arms on the wrong side, it pushed the ball joint more towards the rear and put it at a bad angle.

P

I believe I have it correct after reexamining the control arms and ball joints.

I did also get a warranty on my alignment. Thank for the help!!

jlalbert85 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 25, 2012 10:53 am

One other tip for everyone make sure you tighten the control arms with the vehicle on the ground. I don't read directions so maybe I missed that part. My UCA bushing were making noises so I realized that after everything was back together.

jlalbert85 · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 7:05 pm

Well after hearing more noises come from my front end I took a other look at my control arms. I have been driving around for weeks with them on the wrong side after all. Some of my other bolts worked loose because of this and started causing noises. I can't believe I did this after all. I took a couple looks at it and figured I had it right. I just hope my ball joints aren't bad now.

TurboGoKart · **Posted:** Tue Jan 08, 2013 2:12 am

No worries! I too was a bit confused as they weren't marked and the instructions they sent made no mention of which arm is for which side. The only way I figured it out was by looking a a ton of JBA a-arm pics online and finally found some that were taken at the angles that I could definitely see which went on which side.

Worst case scenario, you'll need 2 new ones at $31.99 from JBA's website. If it's loose, put more grease in it and go from there. More importantly, look at the part of the ball joint stud that sits in the knuckle. It should all be one color basically. Follow this:

If you're getting polished spots on the stud, I'd suggest replacing them. Otherwise, and since it's been pretty recent, I'd say you'll be ok. And yeah, tighten the a-arm with the vehicle sitting on the ground.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:25 pm

A quick thread hijack (although my question is closely related) ...
For those of you who did the 4 inch lift with the A Arms, did you have to shave your CV's to make it work? JBA's 4 inch lift instructions say to do this, but I haven't heard of doing that unless it was for a lifted KJ CRD. If you didn't shave the CV's, do you have any contact?
Thanks. Now back to our regularly scheduled program ... :JEEPIN:

JeepNCrowd · **Posted:** Sat Jan 12, 2013 1:08 am

Marlin told me that only the KJs need them shaved. The KKs are good to go. :wink:

TurboGoKart · **Posted:** Sat Jan 12, 2013 5:53 pm

JeepNCrowd wrote:

Marlin told me that only the KJs need them shaved. The KKs are good to go. :wink:

Can't get any more direct than that! :mrgreen:

jeeplikens · **Posted:** Mon Apr 01, 2013 10:35 am

TurboGoKart wrote:

JeepNCrowd wrote:

Marlin told me that only the KJs need them shaved. The KKs are good to go. :wink:

Can't get any more direct than that! :mrgreen:

Tried to follow the thread but now I'm confused. My 09 KK has new A-Arms along with the 3inch OME lift. I've had to go back to the dealer and have them try and align the front (drifts to the right if you let go the wheel). Though it still drifts, not as bad. However, my issue is with the occasional popping/thunking noise I get. Rather I'm going forward, backward, turning or extending the suspension (pulling up over a curb or something), it may make a pop sound or kinda like a thunk. You can feel in in the steering wheel. Doesn't happen every time. First time I noticed it, I was doing all but an emergency stop and turning into a side street that I almost missed (no one behind me :furious:

). Someone sent me a PM (which I can't find) and said to loosen the sway bar(?) while the rig is on the ground, then retighten it to specs. Now, I'm reading about some washers that I may have needed? Not sure if the two are related. I did send Marlin an email and he just asked how many miles was on my KK. Nothing heard since. I'm about to call up the dealer and let them know about the popping. So, any input would be appropriated before I go. Thanks :CAMPING:

jeeplikens · **Posted:** Thu Apr 11, 2013 5:27 pm

Visited dealer today. Nothing "wrong" found on the "A" arms. Guess they put them on correctly but they could not pin point the noise I've been hearing (and feeling). The tech was able to dup the issue but unable to nail it down. I did ask they loosen the torsion bar while the jeep was 4 on the floor and re-tighten to specs. Which they did and I now don't hear the noise but the tech said he did after he test drove it again. Time will tell.

I did leave with a list of 3 "things" they said it could be. Cheapest to most expensive
1. Swaybar bushings
2. Right control arm lower replacement
3. Steering Rack replacement

Anyway, did some steering locks from left to right, right to left and did not get the thunk(ing). Hope the Tbar was the issue so who ever it was that suggested that, thanks. I couldn't find your post but thanks just the same. If I'm "thunk free" over the next week or so, I'll give you full credit :rockon:

And for the record, I've reached out to Marlin @ JBA more then once on this. I got a response from my initial email where Marlin asked how many miles I had on my Jeep. After that, nada. I could have called but felt email would be best and I would have something to show tech in case they thought I was crazy. Wasn't looking for a magic pill, just some suggestions so I'm not replacing items (see above) if I don't have too. Nothing more, nothing less. Sorry if I seem like I high jacked this thread however, this issue didn't start till after I had the lift installed so I feel it's important. Thanks for your attention :juggle:

JBA 5.5 A-arms installation tips

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