Explain the benefit if the self alignment. I see it as a sales pitch myself. If the axle is off center then the joint will be misaligned and I seriously doubt strong enough to pull the axle where it needs to make everything self aligned. I watched the video and it seems as soon as any flex is put on then the self alignment isn't a factor. Also, if other joints are set properly then when axle get back to normal position then the joint should be aligned correctly again. I know you have a better understanding of this stuff so that's why I really am asking. But for now just seems like a marketing scheme more than actual benefit.

 

From drivers side




From passenger side


Seem to be a little off from parallel but yes it did fix bump steer problem. Someone did mention like a bump sway that they notice. This is how I would describe my jeep handling now.

 

The joint will align the arm orientation not the axles or actual steering alignment on the jeep. It keeps arms with bends in them where the bend needs to be for wheel clearance and such.

 

The pics are upside down so its hard to see. I think you are confusing "bump steer" with something else? If they are not parallel,the farther they are apart the worse it will be. They need to travel on the same arc through the suspension travel.

 

Ok I understand the concept. I guess I would have to see it in action to better understand. Just by going off the MC video I'm not seeing the benefit. In their video they just showing it go back to straight and then then they show the other arms staying to the side as if that's what really happens in real life while installed. I understand what you are saying but just not picturing it correctly I guess.

 

It is kinda an issue with clevite and duroflex joints, they need to be aligned at ride height so they are not in a constant bind. This is why the metal cloak arms have the exact same bend in them as the factory arms. The joints need to fit the brackets straight. Other arms like rock krawler have additional bends in them for wheel clearance but by using a ball and socket joint they can have some misalignment at the axle end of the joint. The clevite joint at the frame makes sure the arm can not turn and cause rubbing issues with the tires. If running a straight arm there is no clearance issues if the arm should rotate a bit. The video is really more marketing then anything and is nothing critical to setting up the suspension vs other brands.

 

Got it. Thanks.

 

I was having issues when driving down the road and hit a bump the steering wheel would jolt either to the left or right. Is that bump steer? When I called 4wd they told me that's what it was and I needed the RE track bar to fix my problem.

 

yea that sounds like bump steer.

 

That does sound like bump steer. If you like the way it drives thats all that matters,but these don't look parallel at all to me. If the drag link was in the top bolt hole,which is the stock location,I think it would be better. I could be wrong though.