I'm all set to install AEV control arm brackets. Then I read on another forum that they actually are bad for pinion angle. I just don't need to be replacing a front driveshaft because if the lower brackets. But I do need caster correction and adjustable control arms are not an option right now. Thoughts?

 

The control arm brackets should not cause any adverse issues with pinion angle. I would never use them because I prefer crawling on rocks. Being that they hang lower, they are more likely to get caught on an obstacle and getting damaged. For my kind of wheeling, a longer control arm is better suited for caster corrected. However, the drop brackets will give you a slightly better feel in on-road handling.

 

I have a 2.5" lift so I expect these to hang +/- 1" below frame rail. I don't crawl. Mostly trails and mud. I'll go over rock obstacles if in my way. But I don't seek out rock walls to climb. This is also my DD so I'd like a little more front end stability. I have the geo brackets in my garage. But a buddy of mine sent a link a couple weeks ago from another forum. I just got around to reading it last night. The dude wetting it agreed to a much better ride quality but said he started have severe driveshaft issues after about 1500 miles. I just don't need that kind of problem.

 

*writing not wetting

 

I installed AEV geo brackets after about 2 months of running without them on my TF 2.5in coil lift. I was also not concerned about the reduced clearance bc I don't wheel in rocks. The road manners were drastically improved after the install.

AEV notes improved driveshaft angles as an advantage to these brackets. Maybe the guy in the other forum post was running a 3in+ lift which is known to push the capabilities of the factory driveshaft.

 

ive got the rancho drop brackets on mine and it all works just fine.

 

Exactly. AEV specifically states that. I am still installing them. I need some on road help. Ha. I was just a little irritated that the guy actually called out AEV, Rancho, etc saying that pinion angle is worsened. I'm not a member of the other forum so I don't know if the guy is always on there acting like a douche or not. But he supposedly did a 1 year experiment. Oh well. AEV is a stand up company and I trust their claims.

 

Yeah I'm def installing them. I just wanted a little real world feedback. I think they'll be fine. Thanks.

 

I have the JKS on mine and love them for DD. I had longer synergy with a 3+ inch lift and was getting all sorts of weird axle deflection with them. Not DW but something else, it felt like the axle was vibrating side to side under the vehicle on high speed bumps. I had already flipped, raised, bracketed, blah, blah, blah as part of the lift and the brackets was the last thing I did. Night and day. Geometry is geometry. I do do some rocks (blues and blacks, not running reds) and do see it as a major concern. My stock frame mounts were already taking a beating and now the brackets will. Which I can change out for $160. I went with the JKS because of the box welded design. I believe ranchos are as well.

 

I ran the AEV brackets for a couple years. They actually improved my pinion angle and change the geometry of how the suspension cycles. Without them when the axle droops the pinion tips downwards, with them when the axle droops the pinion tilts upwards. This got my Driveshaft off my exhaust crossover at full droop, a nice secondary benefit. The ride was also great with them.

As I got more aggressive wheeling my lowered control arms and the brackets were taking a beating, so I pulled them off and went to adjustable arms bent for more clearance. The difference in ride is very subtle, and in retrospect I don't miss them.