Factory Rake - Any real advantages?
09-02-2010, 04:14 AM
#22
JK Junkie
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Lakewood, OH
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The only reason to do a leveling to change vehicle performance would be to correct for oversteer. If you are experiencing loose conditions, where the rear tires slide out first going around a turn, a leveling kit will transfer more weight to the rear tires and in essence, make your vehicle safer. If you aren't experiencing oversteer, a leveling kit is only cosmetic and could introduce understeer or plowing of the front tires making your vehicle harder to turn.
Myself, I am pretty partial to a very slightly loose to neutral vehicle and have been able to deal with handling issues via modest air pressure adjustments.
Myself, I am pretty partial to a very slightly loose to neutral vehicle and have been able to deal with handling issues via modest air pressure adjustments.
09-02-2010, 04:38 AM
#23
JK Junkie
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Yep. My hood danced all over the place before I ever put a lift on it. I'd also add that towing also pushes down the rear end, so the rake helps with that, too. If you're carrying a heavy load/tongue weight at night, you'll know if you eliminated the rake because you'll be "brighted" more frequently.
Additionally and as Mark suggested , place 500lbs of payload over the back wheels and watch the rake disappear. This keeps the JK handling aspects above neutral and without excessive understeer. With over 20 various manufacturer springs available dependent on model and accessories, and hard pressed to attain favorable EPA milage ratings, it's pretty clear the designed in rake is for aero purposes and loaded to maintain proper handling characteristics.
