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Rancho's control arm drop brackets

85K views 698 replies 112 participants last post by  Old Dogger 
#1 · (Edited)
First... a thank you to Rancho for giving me the opportunity to try out and review these. :thumb:
This is Rancho's version of the control arm drop bracket. Now I know there was a older version and I'm not sure the change. Rancho was the original innovator of the drop bracket. AEV used cam bolts before their bracket was introduced :thumb:


I am impressed. The brackets are a one piece design and put together well. The welds/coating look amazing. Great job !!

I was told these are made for lifts in the 3-3.5" range but will work at 2.5"
I may be wrong here but lower lifts will achieve more positive caster. The higher you go, too much caster is not a good thing-esp with a aftermarket DS and pinion angle.

These brackets are pure beef compared to AEV's. I would not worry a bit dragging across a rock :punk:

I've yet to read any failure stories about the AEV brackets, but one thing I noticed comparing the two.
The Rancho brackets together are the same width as a control arm joint and fit right into the factory mount. The AEV brackets-one bracket fits inside and the other outside of the factory mount. I would think this design to be a lot stronger.

Rancho .. Unlike AEV... Supply's the 12mm passenger upper CA bolt. This bolt needs to be cut out because the exhaust is in the way and can't be removed. For the AEV brackets, I had to source this bolt :thumb:

Price is going to be $130-$150 according to Rancho.
A bit more on the cost but built better/stronger and I don't think AEV used shouldered bolts which would add to the cost.

As soon as the brackets get installed I will update the thread with my thoughts.
 

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#2 ·
Looks STOUT! Can't wait to hear what you think about them.

:whistling: Let me know if you need someone to relieve you of the AEV brackets you have...I may "know someone" that could use them :wavey: ...just sayin'... :whistling:
 
#3 ·
Odd, we did not have that bolt issue when my buddy installed the AEVs. These do look stout. I wonder if they will make my new Elkas look fat. ;)
 
#12 ·
I will...
These look to be the same thickness but structurally ... Better/stronger.

The 2 brackets are boxed together. Also.... The two sections that bolt into stock mounts are built up. The AEV brackets use crush sleeves. These have a tube like structure that goes in between the factory mounts.
Hard to explain ... Here are pics of what I'm talking about.
 

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#13 ·
Good question. I see them pictures in their higher lifts. Rancho will be able to answer this for you.

Price ? Don't quote me on this but I believe they are in the $125-$150 range. More expensive the they are built very well. Also includes the factory 12mm bolt which saves some hassle.
 
#18 ·
I've yet to read any failure stories about the AEV brackets, but one thing I noticed comparing the two.
The Rancho brackets are the same width as a control arm joint and fit right into the factory mount. The AEV brackets-one bracket fits inside and the other outside of the factory mount. I would think this design to be a lot stronger.

Going to add this is my first post :)
 
#21 ·
I think I'll have to stick with the AEV brackets with only a 2.5" lift. Would have been nice if Rancho had the holes for 2.5" lifts like AEV does.
 
#22 ·
But.... but.... what about AEV's superior engineering?

Just kidding. These look great. I hope Rancho does well with them. AEV and their fans are always going on about the ride. I'm sure most of it has to do with these brackets.

I'm really glad they're not bright red! :)
 
#23 ·
But.... but.... what about AEV's superior engineering?

Just kidding. These look great. I hope Rancho does well with them. AEV and their fans are always going on about the ride. I'm sure most of it has to do with these brackets.

I'm really glad they're not bright red! :)
Actually red would go with my scheme :D
 
#26 ·
Nice. BTW, I looked at the the AEV bolts. They are silver- not shouldered though. You probably will not (am curious to know though) notice a difference driving around but the beefier brackets should be useful when landing on them.
 
#27 ·
The drive ..
Hmm...... Feels a little bit tighter and more controlled when one tire hits a bump. Driveway pinion angle shows around 1-1.5* which would have caster around 4.5-5* This would tighten up the feel a bit. Hard to give a true comparison without some miles. So far so good, they seem to do what they're supposed to do. That's what matters most :thumb:
 
#29 ·
Interesting. The beefier brackets probably do translate into a slightly tighter feel. That's great.

Well, the Elkas are definitely softer on slow stuff but tighten up on fast stuff. I am off to drive around for 70-80 miles (roads here are too smooth...have to drive east) and see what I feel. The tire air pressure is the same and we simply replaced the 5100s with the Elkas and put on the AEV Shock Doubler brackets (nice 1.5 inch outward relocation since the passenger side shock would otherwise be just about touching the frame). Oddly, the Elka bodies are even bigger around than the 5100s even though they have the resi. They are some big shocks.

Back to the brackets- they are brilliant.
 
#30 ·
Interesting. The beefier brackets probably do translate into a slightly tighter feel. That's great.

Well, the Elkas are definitely softer on slow stuff but tighten up on fast stuff. I am off to drive around for 70-80 miles (roads here are too smooth...have to drive east) and see what I feel. The tire air pressure is the same and we simply replaced the 5100s with the Elkas and put on the AEV Shock Doubler brackets (nice 1.5 inch outward relocation since the passenger side shock would otherwise be just about touching the frame). Oddly, the Elka bodies are even bigger around than the 5100s even though they have the resi. They are some big shocks.

Back to the brackets- they are brilliant.

Glad things are finally turning around for you. If anybody knows how frustrating it can be .... Its me :D

Oh brackets .... Thanks :thumb:
 
#36 ·
Ken
Look forward to your thoughts as you experience them a bit more. Never knew the AEV story, you are a lot like me. Try it and next! Which is good because you can give first hand expertise on in it! I look forward to our next generation remote reservoirs and other things that help with compression. WHAT?!!! :angel: ( a bit down the road) :whistling:

Matt
 
#38 · (Edited)
I thought I covered all the angles :)
Any particular shot you want ? I can take for you later this morning.
Edit: here's a couple pics I found really showing the how the brackets mount.( I think this is RC's bracket.)

Wait....... Did I just hear Rancho is developing a new reservoir shock for our JK ? Awesome :thumb:
 

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#43 ·
Hmm. I found me PM to Rancho asking about 2.5" and caster

Rancho said:
Ken
I have the guys getting me more techinical info but this is what they said:

Basically it give you a little more caster than what the Factory Specs require at 2.5-3" and a full degree more at the 4"
So if I'm understanding this, higher the lift = more caster.

So these would be perfect for 2.5" and I may have to get accurate caster/pinion angle with my aftermarket shaft.
 
#44 ·
Hmm. I found me PM to Rancho asking about 2.5" and caster



So if I'm understanding this, higher the lift = more caster.

So these would be perfect for 2.5" and I may have to get accurate caster/pinion angle with my aftermarket shaft.
Wow for a guy that knows nothing you sure seem to be able to answer most of what I don't know. I guess I know less then nothing. :)

Keep up the good work!
 
#46 ·
Ken, thanks for all your efforts getting this sorted out and for being the guinea pig.. (there is no free lunch :) ) I'm looking forward to your final results and impressions. I need a set of correction brackets and the Rancho look much beefier then the AEV, at a beefier price though.
 
#49 ·
OK, so these Rancho control arm drop brackets are the obvious choice, now which lift to use them on?

They allow use of the OEM control arms, so does that change the math on which lift (2.5 in or 3 in) to buy?

I was looking at Mopar Stage 3 lift, but would not need the control arms if used with these brackets, correct? What do these brackets do to the use of the Mopar limit straps?

What about using this with an AEV 2.5 in lift?

Is there a 2.5 in to 3 in lift that these brackets work best with?
 
#50 ·
OK, so these Rancho control arm drop brackets are the obvious choice, now which lift to use them on?
2.5-4

They allow use of the OEM control arms, so does that change the math on which lift (2.5 in or 3 in) to buy?
The brackets are designed for use with the factory control arms. Caster will change depending on lift height.

I was looking at Mopar Stage 3 lift, but would not need the control arms if used with these brackets, correct? What do these brackets do to the use of the Mopar limit straps?
I thought the Mopar lifts used longer fixed length CA's ? Might want to look into that. Limit straps limit droop to protect the DS and keep the springs in their seats using longer shocks.

What about using this with an AEV 2.5 in lift?
Go for it :thumb:

Is there a 2.5 in to 3 in lift that these brackets work best with?
Doesn't matter. If I understand it correctly, you will end up with a little more positive caster at lower lift heights.
Hope this helps :)
 
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