[RokGoblin]

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.

 

[kjeeper10]

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.

 

[Gary2]

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

 

[flyfishnevada]

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.

 

[Pressurized]

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.

 

[RokGoblin]

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.

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.

 

[kjeeper10]

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.

Good choice :thumb;

Yes you will.

 

[Pressurized]

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.

Good combo... Consider an adjustable front track bar like the Superlift bar from Quadratec to finish off a nice lift! Remember to not use the alignment washers when you build.

Superlift Suspension 5770 - Superlift Re-Flex Adjustable Front Track Bar for 07-16 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 2-6" Lift - Quadratec

You should have no issues with your garage door height. I've had a 2.5 with 37's in mine and it is standard height...

 

[RokGoblin]

Good combo... Consider an adjustable front track bar like the Superlift bar from Quadratec to finish off a nice lift! Remember to not use the alignment washers when you build.

Superlift Suspension 5770 - Superlift Re-Flex Adjustable Front Track Bar for 07-16 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 2-6" Lift - Quadratec

You should have no issues with your garage door height. I've had a 2.5 with 37's in mine and it is standard height...

Good to know RE: garage door ;-)

I'm putting the adjustable TB on my wish list...prolly next up.

 

[jamiejku10]

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.

Just a suggestion this one is a whole pc and built better than the Rubicon Express brackets. I have the AEVs on mine which are about the same as the Rubicon Express and I plan on switching them out for the Rancho drop brackets soon. My buddy has the Ranchos installed and I like how each side is one whole pc and not two pcs you have to put together.

I second the adjustable track bar as well. I got the Rock Krawler one on mine and recentering the axle makes a huge difference in drive quality.

Here is a link to the brackets I was talking about

http://www.amazon.com/Rancho-RS6250B-Control-correction-Bracket/dp/B00E3ST5QA

 

[RokGoblin]

Just a suggestion this one is a whole pc and built better than the Rubicon Express brackets. I have the AEVs on mine which are about the same as the Rubicon Express and I plan on switching them out for the Rancho drop brackets soon. My buddy has the Ranchos installed and I like how each side is one whole pc and not two pcs you have to put together.

I second the adjustable track bar as well. I got the Rock Krawler one on mine and recentering the axle makes a huge difference in drive quality.

Here is a link to the brackets I was talking about

Amazon.com: Rancho RS6250B Control Arm correction Bracket - Pair: Automotive

Yeah, I was very close to getting that one too ;-) I might just order it and return my other bracket. I wonder if Quadratec has the Rancho? I didn't see it.

 

[kjeeper10]

Yeah, I was very close to getting that one too ;-) I might just order it and return my other bracket. I wonder if Quadratec has the Rancho? I didn't see it.

They do !!

 

[RokGoblin]

@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.

 

[RokGoblin]

Good combo... Consider an adjustable front track bar like the Superlift bar from Quadratec to finish off a nice lift! Remember to not use the alignment washers when you build.

Superlift Suspension 5770 - Superlift Re-Flex Adjustable Front Track Bar for 07-16 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 2-6" Lift - Quadratec

You should have no issues with your garage door height. I've had a 2.5 with 37's in mine and it is standard height...

I could just return/exchange the drop bracket and get the track bar and go with the Teraflex arms....what do you guys think????

The stuff I read about the drop bracket made a lot of sense about correcting the control arm geometry and it also mentioned how the factory control arm bushings have always been better than aftermarket....decisions decisions.

 

[Pressurized]

I could just return/exchange the drop bracket and get the track bar and go with the Teraflex arms....what do you guys think????

The stuff I read about the drop bracket made a lot of sense about correcting the control arm geometry and it also mentioned how the factory control arm bushings have always been better than aftermarket....decisions decisions.

They both correct caster, which is the most important part to address when lifting. The brackets do have some drive-ability advantages and the sport arms have some off road advantages. Plenty of people out there that will swear by each.

I would lean towards the TF sport arms... They have the same Clevite bushings that factory arms have.

 

[norville]

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.

this ^^^^^

 

[RokGoblin]

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.

 

[kjeeper10]

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.

 

[Pressurized]

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.

Great strategy. I don't think at 2.5 you are going to find the brake dive and ride to be that noticeable. I know it's not an issue at all for me, but every Jeep is a little different. And the TF arms do not over correct, so you probably can run both if you found it necessary.

I'm a big believer in the brackets at 3.5 and above...

 

[jamiejku10]

Great strategy. I don't think at 2.5 you are going to find the brake dive and ride to be that noticeable. I know it's not an issue at all for me, but every Jeep is a little different. And the TF arms do not over correct, so you probably can run both if you found it necessary.

I'm a big believer in the brackets at 3.5 and above...

I agree with this. I never noticed any break dive with my 2.5 installed just a little bump steer occasionally, I did notice it when I went to a 3" coil swap. The brackets took all of that away.