So I've had a 2" OME lift and 35s on my 2007 2dr JK for a couple years now and I am tired of the flighty feeling on the highway. I am looking at adding some front lower LCA (looking at synergy fixed and adjustable) to address this issue. After bumper, winch, etc I netted 2.5" of lift. I am not going to put a larger lift or tires on I am happy with where I am at. My question is:

I had 2 shops do an alignment after adding a new tie rod and the caster was way off from what i expected. One shop's specs were 2.2* and 1.9* while the other 2.9* and 2.8*. Does this seem way off for such a mild lift? Since I don't plan on going any higher my thought would be the fixed would be perfect fix my problem until i saw these numbers. Please help and any advice would be greatly appreciated, I am wondering if there may be something else going to cause this.

 

Your tie rod doesn't correct caster, it affects toe-in. You will need the adjustable control arms to correct caster. I'd purchase adjustable over any fixed ones as it'll give you the best results.

Your caster should be at +4.2 degrees or as close as you can get to it.... maybe a bit more.

 

I understand my tie rod has nothing to do with my caster I just pulled my alignment specs from having it done when I upgraded it. I was just really surprised to see the caster so low with just a 2.5"lift. I want to make sure something isn't bent to cause such a low caster.

 

Every jeep is different. The Synergy arms are +1/4 so should give 1-1.5° bump.

 

So you think I'd be fine with synergy's fixed arms?

 

Looking at the chart they provide with those arms:

3" lift = 5.0°
2" lift = 5.5°

As noted, all vehicles and lifts will be a little different, but from that info you should end up near 5.25° of caster. You'll be good to go. (personally, I like the ability to fine tune with adjustables, but you should have no issue with fixed.)

 

Addressed this by installing drop brackets. Restoring stock geometry.

 

I know this will fix my caster issue but will reduce my clearance. I am deciding whether to go with fixed or adjustable front LCAs. I would prefer fixed if it will get me back close to recommended caster.

 

I would pay the money for LCA adjustable.. Don't have to go with synergy cheaper out there. RK adj.LCA are $299

 

Just checking, but is your front driveshaft OEM? Once you start messing with your pinion/caster angle you may cause issues with your boot seal on the OEM driveshaft up near the transfer case side. Normally with only a 2.5" lift, it won't make a difference/won't be detrimental to it. Just making sure your alignment shop wasn't doing something weird to correct pinion angle for the lift and consequently your caster angle. Although it'd be difficult without adjustable upper or lower FCAs.