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Whose running a 2.5in lift and also using cam bolts?

6K views 32 replies 9 participants last post by  RokGoblin 
#1 ·
I know it is recommended to go with drop brackets, or fixed/adjustable control arms, etc. for caster correction, but how many people out there are NOT running this recommended add-on?

If you are running the crappy cam bolts, how is your off-road experience, and have you had any negative experiences associated with not running the add-ons at first? Also, what kind of off-roading do you do?

What are the risks involved in waiting to add control arms later? I can't afford the CA's right now, and the brackets are only a little cheaper really...also of concern there is the clearance issues since I want to rock crawl, but nothing too extreme.

Please keep in mind I am the one installing this lift so paying the labor cost of installing CAs later is irrelevant.
 
#2 ·
AEV Brackets cost $100. Its not a super critical add on. Youll like driving your jeep a lot more trust me on that.

The issue with cam bolts is the lower bracket mount hole needs to be opened up. Later on requires it welded back up or special washers to close the hole.
 
#3 ·
I don't see where it should be an issue. 97-06 TJ's all came with the holes elongated in the lower front mounts from the factory, 97s came with cams installed and I think some 98s also. I think it was Currie or Savvy that supplied a pair washers with their control arm that fit snug between the the guides to assure no movement or need to weld . They never went any place. Later Mr.Blaine had washers made up that were designed to fill the elongated hole plus the washer all in one for those who wanted them. I have never needed to use anything other than a washer that fit the bolt and was snug between the guides. I still have a set of Mr.Blaines washers still sitting on the shelf but doubt I will ever need them . Good practice to use a torque wrench when possible
 
#4 ·
I've got the Rancho brackets. Just over $100 and two hours work. Jeep had flighty steering and brake dive after my 2.5 inch lift. With the brackets, it handles at least as well as stock and no more brake dive. Well worth the money. But brackets don't just fix caster. They fix arm geometry too. Cam bolts and longer arms can't do that. I wouldn't mess with cam bolts. They have issues and IMHO are a sketchy fix at best.
 
#5 ·
Cam bolts/washers require you to punch/grind out your axle in a way that is truly fixed by welding on a washer designed to fix the hole that was created.

Too many better options to correct caster... You can poke a hole in your axle, I'll leave mine sealed up. :)
 
#6 ·
Thanks everyone! I just ordered the RE drop brackets from Quadratec (used the forum code too)...only $99

Rubicon Express RE9800 - Rubicon Express Control Arm Drop Brackets for 07-16 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK - Quadratec

Now to order the lift

Rubicon Express - 2.5 Inch Standard Coil Lift Kit with Mono Tube Shocks - Fits 2007 to 2016 JK Wrangler - 4WheelParts.com

I just thought of something...if I install this in my garage, will I still be able to back my rig out after it's lifted? I have a standard 8ft wide overhead garage door.
 
#13 ·
@kjeeper10 So, I have a decision to make...I have the drop brackets on the way any day now from Quadratec, but my awesome girlfriend just bought the Teraflex sport arm lowers for me...surprise!!! Now I have a decision to make...which way to go...drop brackets or the flex arms.

I would like to swap the drop bracket from Rubicon Express for the Rancho 1 pc brackets if I decide to keep them, so that will delay my lift a little while if I go that route.
 
#17 ·
OK it's settled....I think ;-)

I am gonna keep the TeraFlex arms and exchange the drop bracket for the adjustable TB that @Pressurized linked. They are close to the same price.

If I feel I have too much brake dive and such, can I add the drop brackets later or will I have to swap my factory CA's back in so I don't "double correct" my caster???

I am planning to get a full set of adjustable CA's eventually, I just don't know when.
 
#18 ·
OK it's settled....I think ;-) I am gonna keep the TeraFlex arms and exchange the drop bracket for the adjustable TB that @Pressurized linked. They are close to the same price. If I feel I have too much brake dive and such, can I add the drop brackets later or will I have to swap my factory CA's back in so I don't "double correct" my caster??? I am planning to get a full set of adjustable CA's eventually, I just don't know when.
You should be ok.
 
#22 ·
In case any one did go to cams and regrets it. I bet these would work to eliminate your elongated holes and increase the clamping surface more than welding a washer outside the elongated holes. They are for a TJ using a 9/16" bolt. It would work on the JK also welded in or if they fit as secure as they do in a TJ no weld works fine. I've used them because I have always had a set of Johnny Joints with Curries 9/16 bolts with a grease fitting in it. They are a bit more money than I paid years ago but if you don't have a welder its another option. Johnny Joint Washers
 
#25 ·
In case any one did go to cams and regrets it. I bet these would work to eliminate your elongated holes and increase the clamping surface more than welding a washer outside the elongated holes. They are for a TJ using a 9/16" bolt. It would work on the JK also welded in or if they fit as secure as they do in a TJ no weld works fine. I've used them because I have always had a set of Johnny Joints with Curries 9/16 bolts with a grease fitting in it. They are a bit more money than I paid years ago but if you don't have a welder its another option. Johnny Joint Washers
Teraflex makes washers for this..

https://teraflex.com/shop_items/528ffa7fead962f416e72fae
 
#23 ·
So excited...all my parts are here...except the adjustable TB. I can install that later.

I was kicking around the idea of changing things up a bit and also getting a winch, but I don't want to cheap out on the winch, so I will wait till later for that upgrade so I can afford the 10K waterproof with synthetic rope....I don't think I want a 9500K with steel.
 
#30 ·
 
#31 ·
Obviously RK is a premium MFG. I happen to like the Dual Durometer bushings in the SL bar a little better.

You won't go wrong with either.
 
#33 ·
My money situation will probably dictate just swapping that drop bracket I bought from Quadratec with the SL TB....you guys are awesome....the lift is doing great and I love the way my rig rides now.

Let's just say my old shocks were completely toast...stayed compressed and slooooooooowly came back to full extension when I compressed it together (easily) with my hands.

A big thanks goes out to to @topgeek and @ryanhockey21 for their help and constant barrage of much needed sarcasm and humor.
 
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