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Issue with Synergy Adjustable Rear Upper Control Arms

Ran4

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Recently, I purchased the Synergy adjustable control arms for my 2019 JLU. I bought the Front Uppers, Rear Uppers, and Rear Lowers. I didn't get the front lowers because (A) I already had adjustable front lowers, and (B) the Synergy front lowers weren't available at the time. At any rate, while applying anti-seize to the pinch assemblies, I took the opportunity to test each arm for proper operation. Please watch the below video to see the issue I'm experiencing. I should point out that aside from this issue, the Synergy arms appear to be well built, and are extremely beefy. The pinch assemblies on the front upper and rear lower arms are working as designed. This issue is with only the rear uppers.

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GATORB8

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I guess they figured out a way to beat MetalCloak at the joint flex game. jk

Assuming there is enough threaded length on the yoke, it looks like it may be that the sleeve is too strong and isn't compressing.

Hopefully Synergy will work with you to correct the issue quickly.
 
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Ran4

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I guess they figured out a way to beat MetalCloak at the joint flex game. jk

Assuming there is enough threaded length on the yoke, it looks like it may be that the sleeve is too strong and isn't compressing.

Hopefully Synergy will work with you to correct the issue quickly.
Interesting that you mention the sleeve not compressing. I actually tried to 'preload' (..or pre-compress) both the sleeve as well as the pinch assembly itself, without the yoke attached. That still didn't work. My hunch is that the yoke threads are just cut too deep. I also observed that the yoke is a little sloppy in the assembly when the pinch bolt is fully backed off.
 

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Interesting that you mention the sleeve not compressing. I actually tried to 'preload' (..or pre-compress) both the sleeve as well as the pinch assembly itself, without the yoke attached. That still didn't work. My hunch is that the yoke threads are just cut too deep. I also observed that the yoke is a little sloppy in the assembly when the pinch bolt is fully backed off.
Interesting, were you able to fully thread the yoke in with the pinch/sleeve assembly 'preloded'? That would prove out whether the sleeve was compressing.
 

Roky

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They were having this same problem with their drag link, back in the day, don’t know if they ever resolved it. I haven’t had any trouble with their tie rod, but I’ve got yeti drag link. I’m not a fan of adjustment sleeves and pinch bolts, especially on control arms. I never understood the whole “ it’s adjustable on the vehicle” thing. You adjust them once, and you never see them again unless your changing lifts…which is not something you do that often…:headbang:….…:)
 

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Ran4

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Interesting, were you able to fully thread the yoke in with the pinch/sleeve assembly 'preloded'? That would prove out whether the sleeve was compressing.
I probably should have explained this better. No, I didn't try to thread the yoke in while the sleeve was preloaded (I should have though). I meant that I kinda 'pre-crushed' the sleeve to see if that would help. I pre-crushed it, backed off the pinch bolt, reinstalled the yoke, and tried again. But no luck.. Sorry if it was confusing the first time. My bad..
 
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Ran4

Ran4

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They were having this same problem with their drag link, back in the day, don’t know if they ever resolved it. I haven’t had any trouble with their tie rod, but I’ve got yeti drag link. I’m not a fan of adjustment sleeves and pinch bolts, especially on control arms. I never understood the whole “ it’s adjustable on the vehicle” thing. You adjust them once, and you never see them again unless your changing lifts…which is not something you do that often…:headbang:….…:)
It seems like a pretty simple engineering feat to not screw up. It's definitely not rocket science, and it's basically the same set-up as the OEM drag link. My main reasons for getting these arms over some of the others are (A) not everybody's arms are readily available right now, and (B) I wanted to try Synergy's dual durometer bushings.
 

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It seems like a pretty simple engineering feat to not screw up. It's definitely not rocket science, and it's basically the same set-up as the OEM drag link. My main reasons for getting these arms over some of the others are (A) not everybody's arms are readily available right now, and (B) I wanted to try Synergy's dual durometer bushings.
Copy that, I look forward to your feedback on the bushings……
 

BadA$$Rubi

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I probably should have explained this better. No, I didn't try to thread the yoke in while the sleeve was preloaded (I should have though). I meant that I kinda 'pre-crushed' the sleeve to see if that would help. I pre-crushed it, backed off the pinch bolt, reinstalled the yoke, and tried again. But no luck.. Sorry if it was confusing the first time. My bad..
Remove the sleeve and see if both grooves are machined the full length of itself. Check for something that is restricting the clamping force. ?
 

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Ran4

Ran4

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Remove the sleeve and see if both grooves are machined the full length of itself. Check for something that is restricting the clamping force. ?
Thanks. Yeah, I've had the sleeves out, and checked for machining issues, etc. Synergy even sent me a replacement sleeve to try. Tomorrow the arms are heading back to Synergy. I'm betting that most people don't test these pinch assemblies on the bench. Once on the jeep, the test I did is impossible.
 

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Is the Jeep lifted or still at factory height? If lifted, is there more articulation than stock?
 

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You adjust them once, and you never see them again unless your changing lifts…which is not something you do that often… unless you’re @Moto_21 ……..:)
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