Which control arms to choose for Can-Am Maverick X3?

The Can-Am Maverick X3 offers vast possibilities for suspension modifications. Complete front control arms, rear trailing arms, radius rods, strengthened ball joints, guards, and reinforcement kits for factory mounting points are available.

However, a wide selection means it's easy to buy a part that doesn't match the vehicle's actual use. An X3 used recreationally needs a different setup than a vehicle regularly driven fast on gravel, and yet another setup is needed for a machine prepared for Baja races.

The most important rule is: suspension should be treated as a single, cooperating system. Installing very strong control arms without checking ball joints, mounts, knuckles, rods, and geometry can only transfer the load to the next weakest point.

The shortest answer

For recreational driving, it's usually not necessary to replace the entire suspension right away. It's worth checking play, ball joints, bushings, mounts, and the condition of the stock control arms first. Reinforced ball joints and securing mounting points can be a good first step.

For fast off-roading, it's worth considering front mount reinforcements, tie rods, rear radius rods, shock tower reinforcement, and limit straps.

For Baja races, a complete plan is needed, including front control arms, knuckles, rear trailing arms, radius rods, steering system, mounting points, and limiting maximum suspension travel.

Before choosing control arms: check your Maverick X3 version

Not every kit fits every Can-Am Maverick X3. Before purchasing, you need to confirm:

• vehicle year,

• two- or four-seater version,

• 64 or 72-inch suspension width,

• XDS, XRS, XRC, or XMR version,

• type of shocks, including the presence of the Smart-Shox system,

• already implemented suspension modifications,

• wheel and tire size,

• intended use.

This is especially important for complete front control arm kits, rear trailing arms, and limit straps. For example, some performance kits from AVID, ZRP, and Sandcraft are designed exclusively for 72-inch versions.

If in doubt, it's best to provide the seller with the vehicle's year, full version name, and VIN number.

1. Front Control Arms

Front control arms are responsible for maintaining proper wheel geometry and transferring loads generated during braking, turning, landing, and hitting obstacles.

Stock components may suffice for calmer driving if they are straight, have no play, and their mounting points remain in good condition. For fast driving, larger wheels, and regular racing starts, a stronger system is worth considering.

AVID Racing Control Arms

AVID Reinforced Racing Control Arms for Can-Am Maverick X3 are designed for 72-inch versions. The kit includes upper and lower control arms made of 4130 Chromoly steel, 7/8 inch uniballs, and a double shear mounting system.

This solution is primarily intended for racing, fast driving on gravel, sand, and dunes. It will not be necessary for every recreational X3, but it is justified in a vehicle regularly operating under heavy load.

Complete ZRP System

ZRP Front Control Arm and Knuckle Kit is a complete rebuild of the front suspension. In addition to control arms, it includes reinforced double shear knuckles, uniballs, and serviceable ends.

According to current specifications, the kit fits select 72-inch Maverick X3s from 2017–2022 and is not compatible with the Smart-Shox system. Therefore, precise confirmation of the vehicle version is necessary before ordering.

Such a kit is a solution for a vehicle built for intense sports driving. For occasional off-road use, it may be a greater modification than actually needed.

2. Rear Trailing Arms

Rear trailing arms transmit heavy loads during acceleration, landing, and driving over transverse bumps. They should be distinguished from radius rods, although the names are sometimes used interchangeably in product descriptions.

AVID Racing Rear Trailing Arm Kit is designed for 72-inch Maverick X3 versions. The construction uses 4130 Chromoly steel, 7075-T6 aluminum components, and a profile that increases ground clearance.

This type of control arm makes sense in a vehicle that is:

• regularly driven at high speed,

• participating in races,

• exposed to heavy impacts and landings,

• operating on rocks, in deep ruts, or in the desert,

• requiring a complete rear suspension rebuild.

In a recreational vehicle, it is often sufficient to first inspect the stock control arms and apply guards to protect them from rocks and mud.

3. Rear Suspension Radius Rods

Radius rods determine the position of the rear axle and affect its stability. Their bending or play at the ends can cause less precise steering of the rear of the vehicle.

Several different designs are available:

• AVID 7075-T6 aluminum rods,

• AVID chromoly steel rods,

• ZRP High Clearance rods,

• Demon Powersports High Clearance rods.

The ZRP product name uses the term "rear control arms," but technically, it is a six-piece radius rod kit for the rear suspension.

Aluminum or Chromoly Steel?

You should not choose solely based on material. Other factors count as well:

• rod construction,

• diameter and quality of rod ends,

• mounting method,

• availability of service parts,

• total kit weight,

• ground clearance,

• geometry adjustability,

• compatibility with other suspension components.

High clearance rods are particularly useful on rocks and in deep ruts. Their profile reduces the risk of snagging on obstacles. For fast driving on smooth gravel, stiffness, quality of rod ends, and maintaining geometry under load may be more important.

4. Control Arm Ball Joints

Even a very strong control arm will not work correctly with a worn or mismatched ball joint.

Demon Powersports Heavy Duty are adjustable and greaseable replacements for stock ball joints. They are available separately as upper or lower variants.

For more heavily modified vehicles, larger wheels, and racing, Demon X-Treme Heavy Duty Race Spec ball joints are designed. They use a 300M steel pin and a 4340 chromoly steel housing.

Compatibility depends on the specific year and version of the X3. The ball joint should not be selected based solely on the model name.

After installation, serviceable ball joints require regular greasing, inspection, and periodic play adjustment according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

5. Control Arm Mounting Points

Reinforcing the control arms themselves does not solve the problem if their mounting points on the vehicle remain the weakest link in the system.

DRT Front Control Arm Mount Reinforcement Kit covers the upper and lower control arm mounting points. It changes their support from single-sided to a double shear system.

This is a reasonable upgrade for vehicles:

• driving fast over uneven terrain,

• regularly traversing rocks and ledges,

• equipped with larger and heavier wheels,

• being prepared for competitions,

• already having reinforced control arms.

Before installing reinforcements, it is necessary to check whether the stock mounts are already cracked, stretched, or bent.

6. Shock Tower

Heavy suspension loads also affect the shock mounts. Replacing control arms without checking this area can leave a significant weak point.

DRT Front Shock Tower Reinforcement is a 6061-T6 aluminum machined replacement for the stock component. According to the current description, it fits two- and four-seater Maverick X3s from 2017 onwards.

This is a modification worth considering for fast driving, jumps, hard landings, and regular heavy loading of the front suspension.

7. Tie Rods

Tie rods are not control arms, but they work with the front suspension and directly affect steering precision.

For the Maverick X3, options include:

• AVID 7075-T6 aluminum tie rods,

• ZRP Desert Series rods,

• Demon X-Treme Heavy Duty rods.

The choice should take into account the driving style, the knuckles used, the suspension width, and the serviceability of the rod ends.

8. Suspension Limit Straps

Limit straps control the maximum extension of the suspension. They help reduce stress on axles, joints, shocks, and steering components during jumps and landings.

The Sandcraft kit for Maverick X3 is designed for 72-inch XRS and XRC versions from 2017–2024. It does not fit the 64-inch version.

The length of the straps and the mounting method must be matched to the actual suspension travel. A strap that is too short will restrict its operation, and one that is too long will not provide adequate protection.

9. Stock Suspension Guards

If the stock control arms are straight and sufficient for the vehicle's use, their protection can be improved instead of immediate replacement.

DRT Rear Suspension Guards help deflect rocks, sand, mud, and water from axles, brakes, control arms, and rods. According to the description, they are designed for two- and four-seater Maverick X3s from 2017 onwards.

This solution is particularly practical for recreational and touring vehicles where the stock suspension geometry is sufficient.

How to match suspension to driving style?

Scenario 1: Recreational driving

In a recreational Maverick X3, the good condition of the stock parts is paramount. Before purchasing a complete kit, you should check:

• play in ball joints and bushings,

• straightness of control arms,

• condition of welds and mounts,

• wheel bearings,

• tie rods,

• geometry,

• condition of shocks.

If the vehicle is running on stock wheels and does not perform large jumps, Heavy Duty ball joints, guards, and mounting point reinforcement can be a good starting point.

Scenario 2: Fast off-road

For fast driving on gravel, sand, and uneven terrain, stiffness and maintaining proper geometry become more important.

In such a configuration, it is worth considering:

• reinforcement of front control arm mounts,

• shock tower reinforcement,

• stronger tie rods,

• rear radius rods,

• limit straps,

• serviceable ball joints,

• rear suspension guards.

Complete control arms should be installed when stock components limit vehicle configuration or do not provide the expected durability.

Scenario 3: Baja races

A rally Maverick X3 requires a systemic approach. It's not about installing the single strongest part, but about preparing all elements that work with the suspension.

The plan should include:

• complete front A-arms,

• heavy-duty knuckles,

• rear trailing arms,

• radius rods,

• tie rods,

• ball joints or uniballs,

• mounting points,

• shock towers,

• limit straps,

• axles and CV joints,

• shocks and their settings,

• wheels, tires, and alignment.

After every major modification, it is necessary to check toe, geometry, range of motion of joints, and potential component collisions throughout the full suspension travel.

More information about comprehensive vehicle setup can be found on the page dedicated to preparing a UTV for rallying.

What not to do?

Do not:

• order parts without confirming 64-inch or 72-inch versions,

• assume that every product fits Smart-Shox,

• replace A-arms without checking their mounts,

• select parts solely based on material,

• mix random components without checking geometry,

• skip toe adjustment after installation,

• ignore play in ball joints, rod ends, and bearings,

• treat racing parts as maintenance-free.

Summary

For a recreational Can-Am Maverick X3, a full set of racing A-arms is not always necessary. Often, a thorough inspection, replacement of ball joints, suspension protection, and reinforcement of its mounts will be a better first step.

For a fast off-road vehicle, it is worth focusing on the rigidity of the entire system, rods, mounts, shock tower, and control of maximum travel.

In a rally X3, front and rear A-arms must be selected as part of a complete system. Not only the arms themselves matter, but also the knuckles, uniballs, rods, mounting points, axles, shocks, and geometry.

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