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 unk:
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.
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:
Maybe the 12-14 jeeps have more clearance ?
AEV instructs you to "pry" the exhaust to get the bolt clearance. Well...... The exhaust maybe moved 1/8" or so.
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.
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.
You have to see them in person...BEEFY!! Uppers and lowers $400-$600 won't provide the great handling characteristics drop brackets provide, and being able to take hits and a huge plus.
You have to see them in person...BEEFY!! Uppers and lowers $400-$600 won't provide the great handling characteristics drop brackets provide, and being able to take hits and a huge plus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks ... My AEV brackets are 3rd hand lol
Bought- installed for a short time and sold. He never used them and sold to me. Original owner used 9/16 shouldered bolts :thumb:
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:
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.
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.
There is no cutting of the bolt on the 3.6 which is another plus over the 3.8. If you replace ca bolts with a shouldered bolt kit...there would be no advantage to including that one bolt for a 3.6 or 3.8 owner unless you left the bolts stock.
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:
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:
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.
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?
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.
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