Blackhawk 4x4 releases Ultimate Adjustable Upper Control Arms

Many 4WD owners invest significant money into their 4x4s, so it makes perfect sense to fit the highest quality suspension components when upgrading or enhancing the off-road capabilities of these vehicles.

Increasing 4x4 vehicle height has the direct effect of altering the vehicle’s wheel alignment. This in turn leads to premature tyre wear along with less responsive vehicle handling. Blackhawk 4x4 has come to the rescue with its Ultimate Adjustable Upper Control Arms, which have been designed to provide a variety of wheel alignment options that were previously unavailable with this level of finesse in 4x4 vehicle-specific suspension components.

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This new range of on-vehicle adjustable upper control arms allows easy adjustment, thereby alleviating handling issues by returning the suspension geometry and alignment back to factory specification or better. This also complements the travel available from many aftermarket suspension upgrades.

Troy Schipper, Research and Development Manager at Blackhawk 4x4, describes the control arms as a game-changer in the automotive industry.

“These arms embody excellence in engineering, providing unparalleled control, durability and performance. I couldn't be more thrilled to introduce the Blackhawk Ultimate Control Arms to the world.

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“Our team has poured countless hours of dedication and expertise into crafting this remarkable product, and we are genuinely excited to share it with automotive enthusiasts everywhere. These control arms represent a leap forward in performance and innovation, and we can't wait to see how they elevate the driving experience for our customers.”

The Ultimate Adjustable Upper Control Arms include the practical features found in 4WD competition vehicles, refined to best suit harsh Australian off-road conditions. These suspension components also provide the durability and driveability to be expected from a premium quality manufactured product that meets and exceeds Original Equipment specifications.

Offering unrivalled innovation, each Blackhawk 4x4 Ultimate Adjustable Upper Control Arm includes a proprietary ball joint that provides a high degree of articulation, enabling more suspension travel. The unique design enables users to disassemble, service or rebuild the ball joint at any time using basic hand tools.

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The innovative design of the control arms includes a patented on-vehicle adjustment capability with a built-in caster increase of one degree. This allows for precise camber and caster corrections for wheel alignments and positioning.

Each control arm features a forged aluminium 6082 mainframe that delivers superior lightweight strength that exceeds OEM specifications. They also feature maintenance-free high-quality rubber inner bushings and are finished with durable coatings that have been designed to withstand the harshest driving conditions. The threaded adjustment mechanism is nitride-hardened, ensuring longer thread life and superior corrosion control.

Importantly, all control arms are NCOP/ADR-compilable for street legal use when fitted by an accredited installer with engineer sign-off/certification. This offers customers total confidence in fitment and long-term use.

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Providing customers with peace of mind is important when selecting upgraded 4x4 suspension components, and the range is subjected to rigorous product testing to ensure that this is the case. This includes Independent Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of UCA to NCOP VSB14.

Physical tests of the adjustment mechanism have also been carried out to simulate fatigue, overturn and skid loading to validate its FEA Engineering endorsement. The suspension components have also undergone physical torsion testing, along with a stringent ongoing local quality assurance program, and are backed by a comprehensive warranty for additional peace of mind.

Priced at RRP $1399, various applications are now available for the current Toyota HiLux, 200 Series LandCruiser, Prado 120/150/FJ Cruiser and the Nissan NP300/D40/D23 Navara. More applications are to be added during 2024.