Upgrading the control arms on a Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 is an excellent way to improve both the vehicle’s performance and handling, especially for those using their G-Class for heavy-duty off-roading or high-performance applications. Control arms are critical suspension components that link the vehicle’s chassis to the wheels. They allow for controlled movement of the suspension while maintaining proper alignment of the wheels.

Why Upgrade the Control Arms on the G-Class W465?

1. Enhanced Suspension Travel:
   • Upgraded control arms can allow for increased suspension travel, which is crucial for off-roading. This helps the wheels stay in better contact with the ground on rough, uneven terrain, improving traction and handling.
2. Improved Strength and Durability:
   • Stock control arms can be prone to wear and damage in harsh off-road conditions. Upgraded control arms, particularly those made from stronger materials like forged aluminum, chromoly steel, or tubular steel, are built to withstand greater stresses from off-roading, reducing the risk of bending or failure under heavy loads or rough terrain.
3. Better Alignment and Handling:
   • Performance control arms often feature improved geometry and higher-quality bushings that help maintain proper alignment. This ensures better handling on both on-road and off-road surfaces, improving stability and cornering performance.
4. Increased Lift and Clearance:
   • Many upgraded control arms are designed to accommodate a lift kit, allowing for additional ground clearance and a higher ride height. This is especially useful for off-roading, as it can provide more space between the vehicle's undercarriage and obstacles like rocks or tree stumps.
5. Longer Lifespan:
   • Upgraded control arms often come with higher-quality bushings (like polyurethane or delrin), which are more durable and resistant to wear compared to stock rubber bushings. This leads to a longer lifespan, especially in challenging off-road conditions.

Types of Upgraded Control Arms for the G-Class W465:

1. Heavy-Duty Off-Road Control Arms:
   • These are designed specifically for off-road enthusiasts who need increased durability and strength to withstand impacts from rocks, mud, and other obstacles.
   • Materials: Typically made from tubular steel, chromoly steel, or forged aluminum for maximum strength.
   • Benefits: Enhanced strength, larger suspension travel, and more robust bushings to handle off-road stress.
2. Adjustable Control Arms:
   • Adjustable control arms allow you to fine-tune your suspension geometry, such as camber and caster angles, to better suit your driving style and suspension setup.
   • Benefits: Perfect for those who want to dial in their G-Class’s suspension for specific needs, such as heavy off-roading or racing.
3. Long-Arm Suspension Kits:
   • Long-arm kits are designed to extend the length of the control arms, which can help improve ride quality, increase suspension articulation, and reduce suspension angles that might otherwise limit travel.
   • Benefits: Ideal for increasing ground clearance, improving suspension travel, and better articulation for rock crawling and trail driving.
4. Lowered or Performance Control Arms:
   • For those focusing on enhancing on-road performance or lowering their G-Class W465 for sportier driving, performance control arms are designed to improve handling, cornering, and overall stability at higher speeds.
   • Benefits: These are optimized for better handling on paved roads and reduce body roll.

Features to Look for in Upgraded Control Arms:

1. Material Quality:
   • Chromoly Steel: Known for its strength and light weight, chromoly is often used in performance and off-road control arms due to its high resistance to bending and fatigue.
   • Tubular Steel: Offers strength and durability at a lower weight than solid steel, making it an excellent choice for off-roading.
   • Aluminum: Provides a lightweight option for control arms, though it may not be as durable in extreme off-road conditions unless reinforced with advanced alloys.
2. Bushings:
   • Rubber Bushings (stock): Provide comfort but may wear out faster and are less durable under extreme off-road conditions.
   • Polyurethane Bushings: Offer a more durable and performance-oriented alternative to rubber, ideal for off-road use.
   • Delrin Bushings: Provide a stiffer option with increased durability and longevity, perfect for high-performance applications.
3. Adjustability:
   • Fixed Control Arms: Typically cheaper, but they are not adjustable. These are fine for those who don’t require custom alignment angles.
   • Adjustable Control Arms: Allow for fine-tuning of camber, caster, and ride height, making them ideal for those who want maximum customization of their suspension geometry.
4. Design & Build:
   • Look for precision-engineered control arms with reinforced joints and heavy-duty mounting points to ensure they can handle off-road abuse without failing.
   • Consider control arms with double-adjustable joints, which can allow for further suspension tweaks.

Recommended Upgraded Control Arms for the G-Class W465:

1. Fox Racing Control Arms:
   • Description: Known for high-performance off-road parts, Fox offers control arms made from heavy-duty steel that provide excellent durability and articulation for challenging trails.
   • Benefits: These control arms are designed to withstand extreme impacts, and they are paired with high-performance shock absorbers for a complete off-road upgrade.
2. ARB Old Man Emu Control Arms:
   • Description: ARB’s Old Man Emu line of suspension components is well-regarded in the off-roading community, and their control arms offer excellent strength and articulation.
   • Benefits: These control arms are specifically engineered to improve suspension travel, stability, and performance on rough terrains.
3. Dynatrac ProRock Control Arms:
   • Description: Known for their ruggedness and strength, Dynatrac’s control arms are designed to provide superior performance in extreme off-road conditions.
   • Benefits: The ProRock series control arms are built with chromoly steel and precision joints for maximum articulation and durability.
4. Teraflex Long-Arm Suspension Control Arms:
   • Description: Teraflex is a leader in long-arm suspension systems, offering upgraded control arms that extend the suspension travel of your G-Class W465.
   • Benefits: These control arms are perfect for G-Class owners who want to increase ground clearance and suspension articulation, particularly for rock crawling.
5. BDS Suspension Control Arms:
   • Description: BDS provides heavy-duty, off-road-specific control arms that are ideal for the G-Class W465, offering improved geometry, strength, and flexibility.
   • Benefits: BDS control arms are known for their durability and performance under stress, making them an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Installation and Considerations:

1. Installation:
   • Installing upgraded control arms typically requires advanced mechanical skills, as it involves removing stock suspension components and possibly adjusting alignment angles.
   • Depending on the type of control arms chosen, you might need to also upgrade other suspension components like shocks, bushings, or mounting brackets for compatibility and optimal performance.
   • Professional installation is recommended unless you are experienced with suspension systems.
2. Tuning and Alignment:
   • After installing upgraded control arms, proper alignment and tuning of the suspension geometry are critical to ensuring optimal handling, tire wear, and overall performance.
   • Some control arms, especially adjustable ones, will require custom alignment to get the most out of your vehicle.

Conclusion:

Upgrading the control arms on your Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 is an effective way to enhance suspension performance, durability, and handling, particularly for off-road enthusiasts or those looking to modify their vehicle for higher performance. Whether you're after increased ground clearance, better suspension articulation, or a more robust off-road experience, choosing the right control arms—made from high-strength materials like chromoly steel or tubular steel—is key. Adjustable options provide further customization, while long-arm suspension kits and heavy-duty control arms cater to those who need extra articulation and strength for the harshest off-road conditions.