This is somewhat of a re-post on my part as I'd originally entered the comment below in another thread. After having more opportunity to drive after this install and the adjustment of the caster, I feel obligated to put this information out there for anyone who might be interested in improving the handling of their Jeep after installing a budget lift. Please don't think I'm taking credit for the idea! I went this route after studying ways to improve my ride.

Original post:
So my Full Traction adjustable front upper control arms came in last week. I went to installing them and changing the caster yesterday. A bigger pain in the rear than I'd expected, but was able to git er' done with WOF's writeup(s).

I already had the TF 2.5 BB w/ 3/4 spacers and adjustable front track bar installed. My Jeep was riding pretty good on 35" Cooper STT's but did not feel completely solid. I'd added the Superlift steering stabilizer which did improve the ride enough that I'd let my wife drive it. All in all it rode pretty good... I'd thought.

After reading extensively about the "need" to increase the caster with a lift, I finally broke down and ordered the FT control arms (Thanks Dave at Northridge!). This was actually done in part because I was itching to wrench on the Jeep some more. I'd checked my caster and was sitting at about 1+ before putting the Jeep on stands.

I was a bit confused at first as to whether I'd needed to shorten or lengthen the control arms. I'd decided after looking at the setup that I need to shorten them. So I removed the driver's side control arm and compared it to the FT CA, ten adjusted the FT until it was a bit shorter than stock. I then attempted to "loosely install" the CA back on to the axel. I worked at this for about 1.5 hours before sitting back, looking at it, and deciding to loosen the lower control arms. This worked and allowed me to move the axle enough to get the control arm back on. I should note here that I'd also adjusted the passenger side FT CA so that it matched the driver's side. I then proceeded to install the passenger side, running into the issue of not being able to get the top CA bolt out because of the exhaust. I tried and tried before referring to WOL's writeup on the Full Traction lift install - where I found out that the bolt would have to be cut out. I used one of the shock bolts to install the arm so that I could put everything back together as best as possible. I hit the hardware store this morning for the bolt replacement for the shock and was back in business! Jeep now sits with caster angle of 5+.

Took the Jeep out for a test ride this afternoon. I have to say that this is a definite improvement. Before this install the steering did not "snap back" to center after a turn. It does now. It tracks better and the steering feels tighter - what I'd imagine stock would be. As I'd said, I wasn't unhappy with the feel before adding the adustable control arms. But I am definitely glad that I ended up doing it. DEFINITE improvement.

As I said, I've had more opportunity to evaluate the performance of the Jeep since I wrote that yesterday. The improvement is beyond "noticeable". The Jeep tracks straight and feels solid. The ultimate test for me was the highway entrance circle. Handled awesome with no hint of ESP at pretty decent speed. Overall the handling and feel is vastly improved.

I just wanted to get this out there to help anyone thinking about trying get rid of their flightiness with a budget lift. Fixing the caster (as Wayoflife preaches) is definitely a worthwhile investment.

 

I agree with this 1000% Its like night and day once you dial in the caster, I couldnt believe the difference.

 

Anhedrew:

Some questions for you.

I understand the performance improvement of front control arm adjustment because of caster and steering stability, but what improvement did you gain from the rear adjustables?

Also, do you think you could have achieved the necessary caster with only the upper adjustables?

 

Ordered my arms last week.

 

One thing to keep in mind, especially on lifted Jeeps, when you adjust caster to get it back into spec, you are also changing the driveshaft angle. Since no one has come out with something to seperate the two adjustments, you need to be careful. You could well end up with too great an angle for the ujoints or CV joints to live very long. I think Moog has a part in process to make caster only adjustments, but until it's out, I don't think anyone else has anything yet.

 

The rear arms help you adjust your driveshaft pinion angle to not be at such a sharp angle. This will help improve the life of the driveshaft CV joint as well as help with any possible vibrations you may have.

I would like to note that the lower arms will help with the caster, as well as, give you more flexibility due to the movement in the rod ends compared to the stock arms.

Also, I would suggest adding a front adjustable track bar and not using the relocation bracket that came with the lift. You will track even better.

 

Another comment about Anhedrews install tips........If you place the floor jack under the differential and slowly lift it (causing the axle to tilt back until the now shorter arms line up with the mounting holes), it will make life easier for you.

 

I'm sorry, but I haven't installed rear adjustables - I can only comment on the improvement with the fronts. I should note that I am far from being a mechanic. I've done everything on my Jeep myself using what I've gleaned from this forum as guidance so everything here is a learning process for me. Part of the reason for buying this Jeep was so I could spend some time playing in my garage (I am married with 3 daughters and a female dog).

What Redneckjeep says could very well be true about the u-joints or CV joints. I'm just hoping that the "smaller" budget lifts will be easier on the driveline and will not cause too much wear! Anyone please feel free to comment if I am failing to see the inevitable.

Thanks for the tip Rubimon! I could have used it a couple of days ago

I'd already installed an adjustable front track bar and the Superlift steering stabilizer so I'm not sure how much difference these would have made if installed after the adustable upper control arms and caster adjustment.

 

None!........

 

Thanks for the help guys. I cant say Ive been happy with my steering or skidishness? of the Jeep since I put the budget boost on. I do have adjustable track bars front and rear, so Im ready to step into the realm of caster adjustment.

Thanks again...as soon as I get some cash I'll start off with the upper front adjustables. Im hesitant to mess with the rear because I dont have any noticable vibes.