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Modified JK Tech Tech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.

PLEASE DO NOT START SHOW & TELL TYPE THREADS IN THIS FORUM

Performance Handling

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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 12:45 AM
  #11  
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Two things that you need to understand:

#1. You shouldn't need to adjust caster unless you've got a lift kit.

#2. Cam bolts tend to loosen off under the strain of off-roading. A set of good quality adjustable control arms shouldn't run you more than $300 US. Instead of adding a weak link (cam bolts) to your suspension system, you would be replacing the stock arms with something that is stronger.

Also, you should be able to swap our your front lower control arms with basic hand tools. Cam bolts will involve notching out your control arm mounting brackets. What you save in buying parts you may spend in labour.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 01:45 AM
  #12  
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After a bit of digging it seams that the castor kit is something to do with a shim or spacer on the upper controll arm. I will call my dealer (useless twit that they are) and see if I can get a part number for those that are interested.

Im just going to replace the shocks and tires an see how that goes.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 03:10 AM
  #13  
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Trade the Jeep on a Corvette. Problem solved.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 05:30 AM
  #14  
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Caster isn't going to address the issue of body roll. Widening the track will without much in the way of negative impact off road. Stiffening the suspension via shocks will help body roll, but reduce off road ability.

For me if I was addressing a body roll issue on a JK I wouldn't tighten up the shocks, but look to the rear sway bar. That will allow front articulation off road while keeping the rear solidly planted.

Also, I would do things one at a time. Widening the track first, then the rear sway bar which will continue to allow off road articulation of the front suspension. From there I look to front lower control arms to adjust caster and correct under/oversteer. The last thing I want to do is start stiffening up spring rates or shocks because that is where you start limiting your off road capabilities.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 08:04 AM
  #15  
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I agree with widening your stance but disagree that getting a good pair of shocks is the last place he should go. Good Shocks can be set for street use and then back to offroad use at the turn of a dial......and will reduce the percieved amount of sway for some one that gets car sick...
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 12:24 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by RedneckJeep
Trade the Jeep on a Corvette. Problem solved.
Thanks for the tip RedneckJeep but have a Mitsubishi EVO as well so the track car thing is covered in my garage

My jeep does see a fair bit of wheeling which is why Im not going 18s or god forbid 20s.
I dont want to turn it into a sports car, just after some suspension mods that dont involve a lift. Everything I have seen so far involves a lift, which if I could fit in my garage would be no problem.

Any tire sugestions for road/beach driving with little to no mud (australia is a dry place)?

I have had a set of BFG ATs on a 4 runner and Ram 1500 and was very happy with how they performed on sand and road.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 01:00 PM
  #17  
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Funny thing is I'm driving in the Jeep today with the gf and I ask her how she likes the ride now that I've threw on the Teraflex 2.5" coil and shock lift. Her answer was that she likes it and she doesn't feel nauseous like she would when the stock suspension was on (same as the OP) Never bothered me any. The Teraflex really tightened up the suspension for the better and handling has drastically improved for the better over stock. This lift might be the cure your looking for but you'll have to sacrifice your sheltered parking.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 01:55 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by MFX
Funny thing is I'm driving in the Jeep today with the gf and I ask her how she likes the ride now that I've threw on the Teraflex 2.5" coil and shock lift. Her answer was that she likes it and she doesn't feel nauseous like she would when the stock suspension was on (same as the OP) Never bothered me any. The Teraflex really tightened up the suspension for the better and handling has drastically improved for the better over stock. This lift might be the cure your looking for but you'll have to sacrifice your sheltered parking.
Exactly my point. a lift kit would firm things up perfectly but there has to be something to do the same with stock height. After all the JK is big to start with. not many SUVs (in australia at least) can fit 33s on stock suspension.

I heard people running across the tops an hoods of parked cars outside my place last night. Happens al the time, its a bit of a party town, think Vegas, honnolulu, miami all rolled into one. So my garage is important!
have a look http://www.surfersparadise.com
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 02:09 PM
  #19  
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Get flat fenders, 1 inch body lift, aftermarket wheels with 35x15x17, king bolt on shocks and profit......

That's my vote for stiffening up your suspension, giving you better road manners as well as offroad capability..... Extended bump stops optional, depends on rubbing....
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Old Nov 30, 2009 | 07:13 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by style_front
Get flat fenders, 1 inch body lift, aftermarket wheels with 35x15x17, king bolt on shocks and profit......

That's my vote for stiffening up your suspension, giving you better road manners as well as offroad capability..... Extended bump stops optional, depends on rubbing....
Thanks bra! Not what Im after but would look good. Im looking into what king has to offer and there is an australian company working on a coilover for the JK which could let me level out the rake at the same time.
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