Upper control arms rubbing.

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SpareParts

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When changing the oil this weekend, I discovered that both my tires are rubbing the Rough Country upper control arms. No to bad and only about the last 1/4 turn from lock.
I don't know what that black schmoo is. Feels kinda greasy.
Checking the tires and they appear undamaged but had rub marks for sure.
Want to keep the RC control arms as i have a 2 1/2 inch (ish) strut spacers on it and the ball joint angle is almost perfect. Don't know if i can train my self to never turn sharp when moving.
If i put the stock arms back on the ball joint will have a bad angle for sure and be closer to the bump stop.
Trying to decide on what way to go.

20250922_124026.jpg
 
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SpareParts

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Well, I did not specifically put them on for 2 1/2 in. I left them on from a 4in lift that was junk I tried putting on. RC 4in spacer lift was just junk in my case, Might be good for someone else.
 

89Suburban

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When changing the oil this weekend, I discovered that both my tires are rubbing the Rough Country upper control arms. No to bad and only about the last 1/4 turn from lock.
I don't know what that black schmoo is. Feels kinda greasy.
Checking the tires and they appear undamaged but had rub marks for sure.
Want to keep the RC control arms as i have a 2 1/2 inch (ish) strut spacers on it and the ball joint angle is almost perfect. Don't know if i can train my self to never turn sharp when moving.
If i put the stock arms back on the ball joint will have a bad angle for sure and be closer to the bump stop.
Trying to decide on what way to go.

View attachment 468031
@Trey Hardy
 

mikez71

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I don't understand why you guys replace the uppers when leveling. My 2012 has a 6.5" lift with stock uppers since 2013 without issue.
I was under the impression that if you lose too much droop, ride and handling go to poop. ?

It seems like most aftermarket upper a-arms require a wheel spacer..
 
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SpareParts

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I will probably lose a little droop but not enough to matter?.
The only time a person would know it is when it hits the bump stops. Mall crawling will never affect it. Im in the woods often so i may beat the snot outta the bump stops.
 
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SpareParts

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True i guess. I'm talking about that little piece that stops the arm from dropping on the front bottom of the mount pocket.
I have 17 in wheels and that might be contributing to the problem also. Any case, stock arms will cure it.
 
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Don't really wanna run spacers. The tires already are very close to rubbing and spacing the wheel out further will just toss mud up on the sides more.
 

mikez71

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Don't wanna try these? Theyre cheap at least.


One of the 3 star reviews, looks they had stamped arms, wrong balljoint for him.
 
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mikez71

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Yea, the thought of squeaking is a big turnoff.
And like balljoints, ujoints, brake pins.. I don't want to have to grease them if possible..
But I do wonder if it would tighten up steering a little in this case..

On another note, I got 4 delphi arms. Tension on balljoints vary.
One lower arm being fairly low tension that I might return...
And one upper arm balljoint being stiff, but it's smooth and will be fine.
 
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Delphi stiff has always been good to me. My suspension is all new and tight, replaced a few months ago.
I don't like how poly can develop a squeak but they also transmit more road irregularities to the vehicle. They will also wear out sooner than a rubber bushing.
 

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