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This is a write up and review of the Rancho RS62103 Control Arm Bracket Kit. These are a geometry correction bracket and a new design from their previous bracket which had a fixed caster location.
Here is the Rancho sales flyer:
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There are a few things that Geometry correction brackets do for you.
1. Correct caster on a lifted Jeep.
2. Reduced control arm angle of attack which:
a. Reduces brake dive under rapid deceleration.
b. Reduces energy transfer through the control arms to the frame which results in a smoother ride.
3. Improve the operating angle of the front drive shaft.
And specifically, the Rancho brackets are a 1 piece welded design which is much beefier than others on the market. They also offer a wider range of caster correction with their new 4 hole adjustment design.
So let's begin... Packaging.
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Unboxing:
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In the box, instructions, high strength bolts with stover nuts and some decals.
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The first thing I noticed was how heavy they felt compared to others I have handled. Maybe it's the one piece design, but they are not in any way light duty...
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I was also impressed with the finish quality and the welds look great.
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Installation was pretty straightforward, but it's important to note that I was removing a set of Synergy front lower control arms and going back to the stock lower control arms.
The reason for this, the Jeep is my wifes DD and she has commented a number of times about how the Jeep follows all road imperfections and she doesn't care for that trait. Her drive to work is on some not so good roads with lots of higher manhole covers and asphalt transitions from old to new and side to side. This and the freeway will be our main basis of comparison.
One significant negative is the lower mounting position of the control arm which definitely loses ground clearance. Our rig is an overland style Jeep so ground clearance isn't as important to us. If it was a rock crawler, this would not be the preferred build. Also, my daughter just picked up a 2dr that I will be setting up with high ground clearance. :happyyes: She'll get the Synergy arms.
The instructions give a guideline on which holes to use. There are 2 specific areas with information. The front is a general guideline of 2" - 3" - 4" etc. In the manual, there is also a more detailed caster forecast based on lift height and upper control arm position.
Based on the information provided, I chose the second hole. My 2.5 lift measures a little more than that and since it isn't a BIG lift, a little extra caster won't hurt anything. Based on the above, I should be just above 5.5deg. In a week or 2, I will get it on the rack to adjust toe (probably not needed) and to verify my new baseline of caster.
Here is the Rancho sales flyer:
There are a few things that Geometry correction brackets do for you.
1. Correct caster on a lifted Jeep.
2. Reduced control arm angle of attack which:
a. Reduces brake dive under rapid deceleration.
b. Reduces energy transfer through the control arms to the frame which results in a smoother ride.
3. Improve the operating angle of the front drive shaft.
And specifically, the Rancho brackets are a 1 piece welded design which is much beefier than others on the market. They also offer a wider range of caster correction with their new 4 hole adjustment design.
So let's begin... Packaging.
Unboxing:
In the box, instructions, high strength bolts with stover nuts and some decals.
The first thing I noticed was how heavy they felt compared to others I have handled. Maybe it's the one piece design, but they are not in any way light duty...
I was also impressed with the finish quality and the welds look great.
Installation was pretty straightforward, but it's important to note that I was removing a set of Synergy front lower control arms and going back to the stock lower control arms.
The reason for this, the Jeep is my wifes DD and she has commented a number of times about how the Jeep follows all road imperfections and she doesn't care for that trait. Her drive to work is on some not so good roads with lots of higher manhole covers and asphalt transitions from old to new and side to side. This and the freeway will be our main basis of comparison.
One significant negative is the lower mounting position of the control arm which definitely loses ground clearance. Our rig is an overland style Jeep so ground clearance isn't as important to us. If it was a rock crawler, this would not be the preferred build. Also, my daughter just picked up a 2dr that I will be setting up with high ground clearance. :happyyes: She'll get the Synergy arms.
The instructions give a guideline on which holes to use. There are 2 specific areas with information. The front is a general guideline of 2" - 3" - 4" etc. In the manual, there is also a more detailed caster forecast based on lift height and upper control arm position.
Based on the information provided, I chose the second hole. My 2.5 lift measures a little more than that and since it isn't a BIG lift, a little extra caster won't hurt anything. Based on the above, I should be just above 5.5deg. In a week or 2, I will get it on the rack to adjust toe (probably not needed) and to verify my new baseline of caster.
