How to Install Synergy Adjustable Rear Upper Control Arms (97-06 Wrangler TJ) on your Jeep Wrangler

 These instructions are also available on our website: www.synergymfg.com. Check the website before you begin for any updated instructions and additional photos for your reference. 

 These rear control arms are adjustable and designed for applications with 0-4” of lift. 

 Stock TJ rear upper control arms are 13.5”. Depending on driveshaft and lift height, your final adjusted control arm length will vary.  

 Are all other suspension components in good shape?

 Have the driveline components been greased lately?

 Would this be a good time to rotate your tires?

Bushings and tie rod ends are considered wear parts. Under normal conditions and with a vehicle that is well maintained, the components should last many tens of thousands of miles. However, in the case of component wear, the following parts are available from Synergy Manufacturing for replacement: 

1. Jack up the vehicle and support the frame with jack stands to that the axle is allowed to hang free. Removing the wheels and tires is not necessary. Place the jack under the rear pinion and raise the jack so that it just supports the pinion. 

2. Remove the stock hardware securing the brake lines to the factory control arms. 

3. Remove the axle side upper control arm bolts. See Figure 1.  

4. Remove the frame side upper control arm bolts. These have a ‘flag’ nut on the back side that will spin until they encounter the frame. The bolt on the passenger size may be difficult to remove depending on the exhaust configuration. It may be necessary to move or remove the muffler to remove the bolt. See Figure 2.  

5. Make sure the Synergy Adjustable Arms are adjusted to their shortest length before installing. The silver double adjuster should be bottomed in the grey arm and the black bushing housing should be bottomed in the silver adjuster. There are both right hand and left hand threads. Install the Synergy Adjustable Arms, with the adjuster side on the frame side, and the pinch bolts pointing down. Start with the bolts on the frame side. 

6. Install the axle side control arm bolts. Use the jack under the pinion to move the axle so that the bolt is able to pass through. See Figure 3.  

7. Once installed, remove the jack from under the pinion and adjust the arm length to the approximate desired length by turning the zinc plated Double Adjusters. Torque the frame and axle side control arm bolts to 55 lb-ft. 

8. Zip tie or otherwise secure any brake lines so that they will not be pinched or stretched. 

9. Remove the jack stands and put the Jeep back on the ground. Re-measure the pinion angle and verify it is correct. If it is not correct, turn the silver adjusters on the Synergy control arms to adjust. Make sure both arms are the same length. 

10. Once the pinion angle is correct, tighten the pinch bolts to 90 lb-ft.  

Adjusting control arm length: Length depends on lift height and drive shaft configuration. For a stock type driveshaft, the rule of thumb is to adjust the arms so that the pinion yoke and output shaft of the transfer case are at the same angle, so that both u-joints see a similar operating angle. A stock driveshaft will only work on short lift heights or with dropped transfer cases. For a CV type driveshaft (SYE equipped Jeeps), typically the pinion yoke is pointed 2 degrees below parallel to the driveshaft.  Troubleshooting: If vibration is experienced during acceleration (on the throttle), then typically it means the pinion is too high. Try adjusting the arms shorter to fix. If vibration is experienced on deceleration (off throttle) then typically it means the pinion is too low. Try adjusting the arms longer to raise the pinion.  In some cases the arms will not have enough adjustment. In these cases adjustable lower control arms will be required. Synergy part number 8153. 

 Did you remember to torque all the hardware?

 Did you find any worn out parts during the install that should be replaced? Get the new parts on order!

 Do not forget to re-torque all hardware after a few hundred miles.