Hi guys, i have a high clearance long arms kit on the way way for my 2015 jk 4door. The kit requires me to remove most of the control arm brackets on the frame and axles. What is the best way to do so without getting into the axle housing and frame?

 

Plasma torch idealy. Other wise cutoff and grinding wheels will work fine.

 

Cutting torch or plasma,cut most material that you can without getting too close to frame /axle.Finish clean-up with flapper disk

 

plasma and grinders. Have fun as this is the worst part of the install. Get some fire proof clothing and a full face shield. Keep a fire extinguisher near you and mind the steel brake lines running down the drivers side and the plastic fuel lines running down the passenger side as they will melt if you get the heat too close to them. I would highly suggest putting it on a lift for the removal and install of the brackets.

 

Yeah a plasma would be nice. When using cut off wheels do you score the brackets at the welds and bend and break the bracket off? A plasma might be possible but i need 220 in the garage for it. If i used a plasma do you cut off the bulk where it hangs down off the frame/axle or do you follow the welds?

 

Like familytime said, if using a plasma cut the bulk off WITHOUT getting to close to the frame/axle. The last thing you'd want to do is torch into those by accident. Then clean up what's left at the welds with a grinder.

 

I just removed all mine. Plasma the large stuff you can get to. If you try and cut too close to the frame or axle, the plasma can cut into the frame/axle (it likes to take its own path). After that, use cutoff wheels and an air hammer with flat chisel. I like the cutoff disks that have a slight bell shape so you can run a flatter angle on the frame. I cut into the weld a bit and then knock off the remaining part of the bracket with an air hammer. The air hammer saved me a ton of time. And there is very little grinding cleanup.

Also, buy a high quality respirator. You do not want to breathe the plasma fumes or metal dust from grinding. My garage is nearly black right now from the grinding. I've replaced the filters in my respirator 5 times so far. That's how much crap makes it to your lungs. Miller welding makes a nice P100 mask that fits under a helmet. Inexpensive and works awesome.

 

This too. I had two garage fires and cut two brake lines... The frame side rear brackets are a bit##. I know have several fire extinguishers in the garage.

 

Ok yeah makes sense. Is there a disk for the grinder you can use to remove the welds like you would a plug weld by just sanding the weld off? I just worry about using a cut off wheel to cut into the weld because its hard to see how deep you are cutting.

 

Thanks invest sounds good. Did you have a lift or jack stands??