Do I need longer LCAs?

1123 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ESP, Nov 15, 2012

ParrotheadMP

Discussion Starter · Nov 13, 2012

I had the TF leveling kit installed along with Cooper A/T3's (P285/70/17) and Rugged Ridge wheels a couple of weeks ago. Now the handling is worse, especially at highway speed. The jeep constantly drifts back and forth in the lane. Not horrible, but enough that it is tiresome on a long drive. A rough road or a windy day and it gets really bad. Wife doesn't want to ride in it anymore. I dropped the PSI from 35 down to 30, that helped some but the problem is still there. I know that wider tires will "track" more, but I've had larger tires on other vehicles in the past without this feeling. I went had had another alignment done today, they said it was fine. The printout showed the
left front caster at 3.2 and the right side at 3.4. Would longer LCAs help? If so, which brand is best and is it something I could install myself? Also wondering about better shocks? The stock springs are 16 in the front and 19 in the back, max tow package and dual tops. I don't see myself going any higher than the leveling kit. I'll admit I'm a complete idiot when it comes to anything suspension related, although I've learned a whole lot from reading this forum.

Thanks in advance!
Mark

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pluke the 2

· #2 · Nov 13, 2012

Hey Mark,

Your caster is on the low side. If you add adjustable front lower control arms your ride will improve. Ideal caster is around 4.5 to 5 degrees.

Pluke.

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ParrotheadMP

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 13, 2012

Thanks Pluke!

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ParrotheadMP

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 15, 2012

Are these something I can install myself without a lift or jackstands? What brand?Also, should I get another alignment afterwards?

Thanks again,
Mark

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kramer2k

· #5 · Nov 15, 2012

You'll need to lift the vehicle and should use jack stands to support the Jeep on the frame. A speed jack would be handy to manipulate the axle while trying to get the bolts to line back up with the new LCA joints.

You wouldn't need to get an alignment if you dial in the length of the LCAs before installing them. My Rock Krawler LCAs came with instructions that specified what length to set them at.

I'd suggest Teraflex or Rock Krawler adjustable LCAs.

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nvkid

· #6 · Nov 15, 2012

I went with Rusty`s LCA`s. Caster is now at +5. Now it drives very comfortable.

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pluke the 2

· #7 · Nov 15, 2012

You can install lower control arms without a jack. I do my front lower control arms on the ground. when the joint doesn't align for me, i use a ratchet strap or an alignment tool that i place inside the joint to manipulate it so that the bolt can go through properly.

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kramer2k

· #8 · Nov 15, 2012

pluke the 2 said:
You can install lower control arms without a jack. I do my front lower control arms on the ground. when the joint doesn't align for me, i use a ratchet strap or an alignment tool that i place inside the joint to manipulate it so that the bolt can go through properly.

That's a good idea. Thanks for setting me straight.

I've never thought about doing it on the ground like that.

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pluke the 2

· #9 · Nov 15, 2012

ya it helps to take off preload on the bushing by not tightening everything up in the air.

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ParrotheadMP

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 15, 2012

Thanks again for all the advice guys....

Mark

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ESP

· #11 · Nov 15, 2012

To add to the advice of what pluke and the others have said, you can also have someone simply lean on the jeep from the outside to help you line up the holes for the LCAs. Very easy. No jack stands needed.

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