Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

2005 Jeep Wrangler stock control arm questions

2005 wrangler X ?

There And Back Again
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2024
Messages
172
Location
Maine
I have a 4inch lift that was on the jeep when I bought it
it had 20,000 miles when i bought it, the 2cd owner bought it late in the mileage (right front accident-young lady)
and had the lift kit put on it. then towed it to Alaska and back behind his camper spent alot of time Parked and collecting dust after the trip

I got the death wobbles 1st day of driving it home Paid 16,000 for it.
tires were very worn and top was dry rotted
Bought new Tires (stupidly) the same size that was on it-—--33" BFG all terrain T/A on aluminum rims(made for Jeep) No spacers (need to find what brand)
and a new soft top
Also NEW steering shock
its been riding OK with no vibrations to speak of.
it has a heavy winch on the front thats maybe been used twice?, Ive never used it except to make sure it worked

Ive put 18,000 on it since the above fixes
but now getting vibrations while driving
inspection for sticker passed with flying colors (Maine)

(PLEASE excuse my wrong words and probably spelling Im old and have long term and short term memory issues and im disabled from a crushed skull 30 yrs ago)

Heres what i see underneath
Lift Kit--Skyjacker 4inch
TOP control arms are Original front and back
Bottom Arms have been replaced with (kit)? arms solid no adjustment
Tranny Pan has a 1inch drop and linkage has the linkage drop kit
front track bar seems to be original
has quick disconnect links up front and kit links on back
rear track bar has the metal adapter
pitman arm also changed out
,
He did give me all the old original parts
lower arms
piman arm
control arms front and back
original springs front and back
bolts for the tans/belly pan
shocks all four
Original rims with very worn out Tires

Winter is coming I have no heat in my garage I want to do as much as i can before it gets too cold

OK
I DO NOT want to do a SYE I can afford the sye and shaft but all the arms and to have a shop do the sye is quoted at 700.00
and all the control arms is way out there for my budget

I DO WANT to DROP my lift
I would LIKE to keep my 33inch tires until there worn out Then go down to 30's as i could buy 1 tire a Month on my budget
I Do NOT do Off Road climbing, its a Daily Driver/Maine PotHoles Bad roads,and logging roads, and smashing through the 3ft berm at the end of the driveway the snowplow leaves

question 1
what is the center to center length of the Rear original Lower control arms ?

question 2
could i do a 2inch coil spacers with original springs (leave the 1inch tranny pan drop and shift adapter alone)
take out the rear control arm adapter ?
put back in the original control arms and pitman arm
ADD bump stops
question 2A--what ones?
and run my 33's

even if i go back to Original everything i need to know the length center to center of the front or rear control arms

THANK YOU for any input

ive got it jacked up now and im going to check the U-joints
ive an appointment the end of the month (payday) 120.00 to have the mechanic re-balance tires, and check suspension,front axle u-joints, ect ect
IM PRAYING i havnt done any Transmission damage -It shifts fine and not loosing fluid

ive been doing searches and reading alot on here the last few days and im just getting myself confused, even with my notes i write
ive got 30 some odd yellow stickies stuck all over my desk and im spinning in circles :)

ill get some pictures to post soon
 
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I'll be honest. I don't recommend a 20 year old Jeep to someone that doesn't do their own wrenching. At this point get the steering and suspension checked out and correct any problems so you can continue to drive it. I wouldn't try to re-engineer the entire suspension.
 
Welcome to the forum!

The stock lower control arms measure 15.75".

You could fit 33's on a 2" suspension lift if you add a body lift. Spacers would work but springs wouldn't cost much more and would be a better solution. I ran 2" springs, a body lift and 33's on my Jeep for many years. I used the stock arms and never has a complaint. You would need to keep a rear track bar relocation bracket. Your current one may or may not work.
If you have a dropped pitman arm you will likely want to get rid of it. It generally causes nothing but trouble.
Bump stops are measured when you install the lift. There are to many variables to give a suggestion.
If you go with a 2" lift you may or may not need to keep the transfer case drop. You could eliminate it with the addition of a motor mount lift. This would be a good option if you opt for a body lift.
You might want to post some pictures of your suspension and steering components. It's always easier to make suggestions when people have a better understanding of what parts your working with.
Best of luck!
 
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Thank you for the measurement saves me alot of grief
I just got done replacing the u-joints in the rear shaft and its 02:53 and No coffee lol
now to find my grease gun
 
My 2005 "X" a year ago need to take an updated pic

Screenshot 2024-10-13 at 3.07.44 AM.png
 
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here it is in my Garage working on the u-joints and underneath pics
what other pics would you all want?

IMG_1431.jpeg


IMG_1432.jpeg


IMG_1433.jpeg


IMG_1434.jpeg
 
We were hoping to help out by looking at pictures to evaluate your suspension set up. Installed. On the vehicle. Relationships between one bar and another and possible clearance issues.

-Mac
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator