Since I'm going to have to recenter the rear axle after a lift, is it possible to push back the rear end back an inch or so using adjustable control arms. I've noticed that with many lifted JK's with non-adjustable control arms the rear axle moves toward the front of the vehicle and looks awkward to say the least.

 

Absolutely you can with adjustable control arms, kinda why they were made

 

I'm wondering what the general consensus is on the safe distance the rear end can be pulled back without having drive shaft and rubbing issues.

 

You're right, when you lift the axle tucks toward the center. You would need all 8 adj control arms to then reset your wheel base back to where it should be. Only getting 4 allows you to correct relative geometry, 8 will let you adj wheel base and correct geometry.

If you want to go an inch longer than stock then someone else will have to chime in.....

 

I am about 1/2 inch longer than stock. You have to take into consideration that you have shocks and springs that have to line up, so anymore than that and you will start having issues.

If your question is a little more along the lines of what do most people do who use 8 replacement adj control arms, you use the lower arms to re-center the axles back to the stock posistion ( correcting wheel base) and the uppers for castor in the front and pinion angle in the back.

 

I've been considering doing something similar to eliminate a bit bowing in my rear coils.

Before you "lengthen your wheelbase" I suggest you get under the back of your Jeep and consider the following with the JK in static position on level ground as you move the axle back:

The driveshaft needs to lengthen so consider the driveshaft splines.

The sway bar links may interfere with other parts.

You are reducing the shock absorber angle and at some point they will contact the sway bar itself.

In my case I have a track bar relocation bracket that causes further interference limitations.

Now imagine the suspension fully compressed and fully drooped. How will these things change?

 

get an unlimited. more wheelbase, no rubbing issues

 

I set mine longer than stock to push the axle back some... I dont remember exactly how much longer, i would have to measure them. Anyone know what the length of the rear uppers are center to center?

I wanted my axle back some, didnt like the way it looked otherwise, and i was getting some bowing on my springs, figured it would help take care of that some, which it did. I still wound up using spring wedges but it is fine now.

I have experienced no driveline issues, hitting or rubbing.

 

HappyCurmudgeon, do you have any pics of before/after pics?

 

no, i dont. i lengthened them at initial install.

This is the best side shot i have with the 3" TeraFlex kit,




This is with a 2" BB