Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Jimny-Control arms

1987 Suzuki Jimny Control Arms — What’s actually fitted

Based on factory and aftermarket technical references, control arms are not a component of the 1987 Suzuki Jimny’s suspension. The Suzuki SJ413/Sierra (the Jimny of that era) runs solid front and rear live axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs and shackles, not coil springs with upper/lower control arms. This layout is documented in the Suzuki SJ413/Samurai Factory Service Manual (Suspension section), the Haynes Repair Manual for Suzuki Samurai/Sierra models of the period, and Suzuki’s own parts catalogues/EPC, all of which illustrate leaf packs, fixed eyes, shackles, U-bolts, spring pins and bushes—but no control arms or panhard rods.

Why no control arms? On a leaf-sprung live axle, the leaf springs themselves locate the axle both fore–aft and laterally, so separate links (control arms) aren’t required. That’s different to later coil-sprung Jimny generations (e.g., JB series from the late 1990s onward), which use multiple links and panhard rods to position the axle because coils only hold the vehicle up, they don’t locate it.

So, if someone’s chasing “1987 Jimny control arms,” they’re likely mixing it up with later coil-sprung models or an aftermarket coil-conversion. For a stock ’87, the smart servicing focus is on the parts that actually do the locating job.

• Leaf spring bushes and pins: Check for play, perishing, or seized pins, worn bushes cause vague steering and clunks.
• Shackles: Inspect for elongation and correct movement, replace if bent or flogged out.
• U-bolts: Re-torque after any spring work, loose U-bolts can cause axle shift and odd tyre wear.
• Spring packs: Look for cracked leaves, sagging, or broken centre bolts.
• Dampers (shocks) and steering damper: Replace if leaking or faded to keep things tidy on corrugations.

If a coil/link conversion has been fitted by a previous owner, then yes, control arms will be part of the setup and should be inspected like any other link—checking bushes, ball/spherical joints, brackets and torque specs. For stock vehicles, stick to leaf-spring service items to keep the old girl tracking straight and ride-ready for those long Kiwi and Aussie back roads.

FAQs

Does a 1987 Suzuki Jimny have control arms?
No. The 1987 Jimny (SJ413/Sierra) uses leaf-sprung live axles. The factory service manual, Haynes manual, and Suzuki parts catalogues show leaf springs, shackles, pins and U-bolts, with no mention of control arms or panhard rods. If you’ve seen control arms on a Jimny, it’ll be a later coil-sprung model or an aftermarket conversion.

What should be serviced instead of control arms on a 1987 Jimny?
Prioritise leaf spring bushes and pins, shackles, U-bolt torque, spring pack condition and shocks. Worn bushes or loose U-bolts can cause clunks, steering wander and uneven tyre wear. Keeping these in spec gives better road manners and trail control.

Can a 1987 Jimny be converted to use control arms?
Yes, but it’s a major job. Coil/link conversions add control arms and panhard rods with custom brackets and welding. In Australia and New Zealand, such modifications typically require engineering certification and compliance checks. Costs and complexity are much higher than keeping a well-sorted leaf setup.