I recently installed a set of AEV control arm drop brackets. Everything appears to be working well, however I noticed my steering wheel off center after installing the brackets. I recentered the steering wheel without thinking much of. Tonight I noticed my front axle is shifted toward the driver side about 1/2". Is there anything about the control arm drop brackets that could have caused this? I have adjustable trackbars so I can easily correct it, but I'd like to know what caused it. Thanks

 

Every time your front axle drops out moves further to the driver side.

I assume you installed taller springs along with your drop brackets. Lengthening your tech bar will re center your axle.

 

I only added the drop brackets. Everything was centered before adding the brackets.

 

By any chance, was this the first time the control arms were loosened?

 

I guess the drop brackets changed the geometry enough to shift the axle over that little bit.

Why did you install drop brackets instead of adjustable LCA's and why no lift springs?

 

I have a teraflex 2.5" spring lift that was previously installed. I added the drop brackets to correct castor. I used brackets as they are cheaper and suited my purpose.

 

Did you loosen up yhe trackbar bolt and luck nut before you install the drop brackets? If you thenk about it there is an slight rotational effect in the axle, and therefore track bar axle bracket, that may influence the position of the axle against the frame of the jeep. Even though it so slightly, it may definetly show on the centering of the steering wheel. If you have adjustable track bar, it is easy to fix. I am installing my AEV drop bracket this weekend, the first thing I am doing is loosening me trackbar axle bolt and lock bolt to allow for slight rotation when connecting the CA to the new drop brackets. Then I'll be torquing them back up to spec and centering the axle (trackbar) and steering wheel if necessary.

 

Also, just make sure that you tighten and TORQUE the control arm bolts and track bar bolts after you let the Jeep back down on the ground. The thing needs to be sitting at ride height with all wheels on the ground, supporting it's own weight before torquing them, otherwise it will preload the bushings, and cause them to fail prematurely. LCA's and track bar 125 ft lbs, upper FRONT CA's 75 ft lbs. (rear uppers and lowers 125).