Radius Arms

Stock radius arms (also called trailing arms or radius rods, the suspension links connecting your rear differential or hubs to the frame) handle normal riding fine, but add lift kits, larger tires, portal gears, or aggressive riding that pushes suspension to its limits, and suddenly those factory arms show their weaknesses, and we can’t have that! Side by Side Source carries a selection of heavy-duty radius arms engineered to eliminate flex, handle increased suspension travel and angles, and provide the strength to survive aggressive riding and significant modifications without bending or failure.

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Buyer's Guide for UTV Radius Arms: Helping You Shop!

Understanding Side-by-Side Radius Arm Function and Failure Modes

Radius arms control fore-aft wheel movement and help maintain proper suspension geometry through travel. Stock arms use stamped steel, cast aluminum, or tubular steel construction adequate for stock applications. Problems develop when loads increase—larger tires create more leverage, aggressive riding puts higher forces through suspension, and lift kits change operating angles, forcing arms to work at steeper angles than designed.

Flex symptoms include handling that feels imprecise or vague, particularly during acceleration or braking when forces loadthe radius arms most. Excessive flex allows geometry to change dynamically, affecting how your machine handles. Binding occurs when arms can't articulate properly through their full range, typically after lifts increase required angles beyond what stock bushings or ball joints accommodate. Worst of all, a complete failure (arms snapping on you) is what you get when the material just simply can’t handle the load.

Adjustable vs. Fixed-Length UTV Radius Arms

A critical decision when upgrading radius arms is whether you need adjustability. Fixed-length arms are direct replacements for stock with the same dimensions and mounting points. They provide upgraded strength and construction without changing geometry, which is ideal for stock-height machines or mild lifts where geometry remains acceptable.

Adjustable radius arms come with threaded adjusters or other features that allow you to change length easily and tune your setup around lifts or other mods. As anyone with a lift will know, lift kits can make pretty drastic changes to your suspension angles, and adjustable arms let you correct anti-squat, pinion angle, or other geometry parameters to keep that handling smooth.

For stock or mildly modified machines, fixed-length heavy-duty arms work great. For significantly lifted or modified machines, the adjustable arms' geometry correction capability justifies their additional cost and complexity.

High-Clearance UTV Radius Arm Designs and Geometry Corrections

Beyond just being stronger, upgraded radius arms often incorporate design improvements addressing specific issues. High-clearance arms route tubing higher or more inboard, reducing hang-ups on rocks and obstacles. They typically sacrifice some strength (less material in optimal locations) for improved ground clearance, which is worthwhile for rock crawling or technical terrain where hang-ups are constant problems.

Geometry corrections built into premium arms address known issues with specific machines. Some UTVs have suboptimal anti-squat (tendency to squat during acceleration) or excessive squat that upgraded arms with revised geometry correct. Mounting point reinforcement kits included with some radius arms strengthen frame mounting locations that stock arms stress. This prevents frame damage that occurs when upgraded arms transfer loads stock frames weren't designed for.

Compatibility with other modifications matters. Verify radius arms work with your lift kit, shocks, and other suspension components. Some combinations create clearance or interference issues that prevent proper installation or function.

3 Top Selling UTV Radius Arm Brands

SuperATV manufactures comprehensive radius arm solutions, including boxed and high-clearance designs for popular UTV models.
Agency Power produces adjustable radius arms with quality construction and features designed for modified machines.
Deviant Race Parts offers premium radius arm systems proven in demanding race applications.

5 Top Selling UTV Radius Arm Products

Add a tasteful pop of style and get adjustable functionality with these Red Adjustable Rear Radius Arms by Agency Power.
Stop struggling against hang-ups with these High-Clearance Boxed Radius Arms by SuperATV.
Another color option for RZR owners: these Orange Adjustable Rear Radius Arms by Agency Power deliver the same performance with an eye-catching appearance.
Can-Am Maverick X3 owners get serious strength with these Boxed Radius Arms by SuperATV, engineered to handle X3's power and the modifications owners make.
Maximum capability for your Maverick X3 comes with these High-Clearance Upper and Lower Radius Arms by Deviant Race Parts, addressing both strength and ground clearance simultaneously.

UTV Radius Arm Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace radius arms when I install a lift kit?

This depends on lift height and arm design. Modest lifts (1-2 inches) typically work fine with stock arms if they're in good condition. Larger lifts (3+ inches) benefit from upgraded arms. Either stronger fixed-length arms that handle increased loads, or adjustable arms that let you correct geometry changes the lift creates. Portal gear lifts don't change suspension geometry (that's their advantage), so upgraded radius arms are optional unless you need strength for other reasons.

Are radius arms a thing I can adjust myself?

Adjusting radius arm length affects multiple suspension parameters simultaneously: pinion angle, anti-squat, wheelbase, and more. Getting these right requires understanding suspension geometry or following detailed instructions specific to your machine and modifications. Some adjustable arms include instructions for proper setup, which experienced DIYers can follow successfully. However, improper adjustment creates handling problems, premature wear, or even unsafe conditions. If you're uncertain, have someone with suspension experience set them up initially. Once you understand what you're doing, future adjustments are straightforward.

Will upgraded radius arms change my machine's ride quality?

Fixed-length heavy-duty arms that replace stock with similar dimensions and bushings shouldn't dramatically affect ride quality. They mainly eliminate flex and provide strength. Adjustable arms with Heim joints instead of rubber bushings create a slightly harsher ride (Heims don't isolate vibration like rubber) and more noise (Heims can click or squeak), but they eliminate binding and provide perfect articulation. Most riders find the trade-offs acceptable for the performance benefits, though some street-driven machines might prefer rubber-bushed arms for comfort. Race machines almost universally use Heim joints for their lack of binding and precision.