I have concerns on caster adjustment my lift came with cam bolts. But other manufactures come with control arm relocation brackets or new control arms. With the brackets or control arms do I still need to knock out the adjusters and have the caster adjusted or do these options eliminate the need for it, also are there problems with cam bolts coming loose and causing problems.

 

With brackets or adjustable arms you use the stock mounting holes and leave them in tact. Both are better options than cam bolts. Most people will warn you not to use cam bolts as they can come loose. However, I know a few people that think its higwash and have successfully run cam bolts for years without issue. For me, I went the complete lift kit route and got all 8 arms to completely be able to dial in my alignment. Cam bolts and brackets only allow for minimal adjusting so adjustable arms, imo, are the better choice (just a lot more money). Tons of people use the brackets with great success so that is a decent alternative as I think they are only $100 or so.

 

The cams are not currently installed, correct? Brackets and ca's will not need to have those slots knocked out. If the cams are already installed, you may want to get the holes welded before moving to new lower arms.

If you stay with the cams, some folks recommend just welding them up in whatever position gives you the caster you want. Lots of people say to stay away from cams, but I think I have only seen two threads here from people with JK's who actually had a cam slip. (Maybe it is more prevalent with older jeeps, or maybe JK people just aren't using them as much as in the olden days? )

 

No the cams are not installed yet, my kit is sitting at home begging to be installed. I am wanting to do control arms but don't need to spend the extra money I've had trouble in the past with a lowered truck after I knocked out the alignment adjusters so I am scared on my Jeep. I went to my dealership today and asked them about the alignment and they said they have done several lifted jeeps with the cam bolts and have never seen any issue so I guess I'm going to go ahead and try it thanks for your information my only concern is if I knock them out I'll always wish I hadn't if I want to go with arms later

 

For me the concern wasn't just knocking them loose, it's taking more metal away from something already flimsy enough. My LCA axle mount on the passengers side looks like it has been in a fight with a really big rock.

If I had to install cam bolts I would feel much better about adding the LCA skids to the mounts. But this isn't experience talking, just what seems to make sense to me.

 

After speaking with two sales reps at two of the big parts dealers today I think I have decided to go with fixed lower control arms. I can get them for $373 for front and rear by the manufacturer of my lift. Yes I know they stand to profit from the sale but I already had concerns and it seems like other people have the same concerns and I never thought about the weakening of the parts also overall it seems that the new arms are the way to go. The only thing I was really confused on with the arms is that they make adjustable and fixed and according to the tech support at the parts dealers the fixed are what you need for my use. I am calling the lift kit company tomorrow to double check that the info I got today is correct and then I will go ahead and order.

Thanks
For your input

 

For $400 I'd recommend you spend another ~$180 for adjustable. That way they'll grow with you.

Sent from some string and a few tin cans.

 

$400 for fixed arms? Yikes...

for $400 you could pickup front lower and rear upper arms from rusty's.

 

Keep shopping around.

I don't recall seeing any reviews, but Rough Country and Rusty's Offroad have inexpensive adjustable arms. Might be worth a bit of your time to check other options before deciding on fixed arms.

 

I would start with adjustable lower control arms and track bar on the front. Hit up Chris at JeepAddOns and he can give you good sound advice. I went with Rock Krawler. They're beefy and Have a great warranty.