Question about JK Geometry Correction Front Control Arm Drop Brackets
12-23-2014, 10:45 AM
#1
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Question about JK Geometry Correction Front Control Arm Drop Brackets
Background, 09 2Dr JK, all stock except I upgraded to Rubicon Shocks and upgraded my factory springs from 13/55 to 18/59 and netted ~1.5" of lift.
Front end has been completely rebuilt within past month, all new TRE's, Drag Link Ends, upper/lower ball joints, and almost new front track bar, lower control arms, and rear lower control arms. Also have 4 new Firestone destination AT's, stock size.
Everything was properly torqued to spec with the tires on the ground.
I had an alignment done, mostly to see where my caster was at(wanders a lot, and generally rides "messy" for lack of better term. My Caster is at 3.2/3.4, very bottom of OEM spec range. Camber is right on, and my rear Thrust Angle is at +.16*. spec is -.25-+.25.
Now my question:
I read the installation instructions and saw that it was not "recommended" to use these brackets if there is less than 5.5" between the frame and the lower spring seat. I have 4.5". I really want to get my Caster to the 4.5 to 5 range, and would love to only spend $99 for these brackets instead of $200+ for control arms.
I live in South Florida and it is FLAT here, I don't go off road, 100% city/highway driving.
I know it's not recommended that I use them, but if I'm not worried about full flex or articulation, can I run these without any negative issues?
Any and all positive input is appreciated.
Front end has been completely rebuilt within past month, all new TRE's, Drag Link Ends, upper/lower ball joints, and almost new front track bar, lower control arms, and rear lower control arms. Also have 4 new Firestone destination AT's, stock size.
Everything was properly torqued to spec with the tires on the ground.
I had an alignment done, mostly to see where my caster was at(wanders a lot, and generally rides "messy" for lack of better term. My Caster is at 3.2/3.4, very bottom of OEM spec range. Camber is right on, and my rear Thrust Angle is at +.16*. spec is -.25-+.25.
Now my question:
I read the installation instructions and saw that it was not "recommended" to use these brackets if there is less than 5.5" between the frame and the lower spring seat. I have 4.5". I really want to get my Caster to the 4.5 to 5 range, and would love to only spend $99 for these brackets instead of $200+ for control arms.
I live in South Florida and it is FLAT here, I don't go off road, 100% city/highway driving.
I know it's not recommended that I use them, but if I'm not worried about full flex or articulation, can I run these without any negative issues?
Any and all positive input is appreciated.
12-23-2014, 12:14 PM
#2
Sponsoring Manufacturer
12-23-2014, 12:45 PM
#3
JK Junkie
I wouldn't think you would need drop brackets when installing ANY factory springs. The new LCAs were stock LCAs? When they replaced the track bar did they check to make sure the bolts holes weren't ovalled?
Last edited by 14Sport; 12-23-2014 at 01:08 PM.
12-23-2014, 02:39 PM
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The AEV Brackets have 3 holes according to lift height 2.5",3.5" and 4.5" The only way will to find out is to try the bracket at the 2.5" position and see if that takes care of the flimsiness cause by the lack of Caster.
Also you should get a grade 8 Hardware kit
See the Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiydwQHc7QQ
Northridge 4X4 Jeep JK Grade 8 Hardware kit
Also you should get a grade 8 Hardware kit
See the Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiydwQHc7QQ
Northridge 4X4 Jeep JK Grade 8 Hardware kit
12-23-2014, 04:13 PM
#5
I wouldn't use them. Control arm drop brackets can make handling worse, particularly under braking, when used with stock suspension, or minimal suspension lift. Do it right, and buy adjustable control arms if you want more caster. Technically your caster is in spec though, so maybe poor handling is something else, like incorrect air pressure, etc.
12-23-2014, 04:16 PM
#6
JK Jedi
I wouldn't use them. Control arm drop brackets can make handling worse, particularly under braking, when used with stock suspension, or minimal suspension lift. Do it right, and buy adjustable control arms if you want more caster. Technically your caster is in spec though, so maybe poor handling is something else, like incorrect air pressure, etc.
12-23-2014, 04:40 PM
#7
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The AEV Brackets have 3 holes according to lift height 2.5",3.5" and 4.5" The only way will to find out is to try the bracket at the 2.5" position and see if that takes care of the flimsiness cause by the lack of Caster.
Also you should get a grade 8 Hardware kit
See the Video
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiydwQHc7QQ
<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=588836"/>
Also you should get a grade 8 Hardware kit
See the Video
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiydwQHc7QQ
<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=588836"/>
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12-24-2014, 03:17 AM
#8
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32 PSI
I wouldn't use them. Control arm drop brackets can make handling worse, particularly under braking, when used with stock suspension, or minimal suspension lift. Do it right, and buy adjustable control arms if you want more caster. Technically your caster is in spec though, so maybe poor handling is something else, like incorrect air pressure, etc.
How does making your arms flatter hurt? Adjustable arms cannot make them flatter...
I think he's saying that since I'm not lifted enough I might actually create a negative angle on the control arms.
Bolt kit is a waste of $40
After reading Wayalife's writeup on the grade 8 bolts I agree.
My steering isn't terrible, I just think it would be better with more Caster, Guess I'll have to buy the Adj Control arms.
Would I be better off with uppers or lowers?
I wouldn't use them. Control arm drop brackets can make handling worse, particularly under braking, when used with stock suspension, or minimal suspension lift. Do it right, and buy adjustable control arms if you want more caster. Technically your caster is in spec though, so maybe poor handling is something else, like incorrect air pressure, etc.
How does making your arms flatter hurt? Adjustable arms cannot make them flatter...
I think he's saying that since I'm not lifted enough I might actually create a negative angle on the control arms.
Bolt kit is a waste of $40
After reading Wayalife's writeup on the grade 8 bolts I agree.
My steering isn't terrible, I just think it would be better with more Caster, Guess I'll have to buy the Adj Control arms.
Would I be better off with uppers or lowers?
12-24-2014, 03:28 AM
#9
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32 PSI I wouldn't use them. Control arm drop brackets can make handling worse, particularly under braking, when used with stock suspension, or minimal suspension lift. Do it right, and buy adjustable control arms if you want more caster. Technically your caster is in spec though, so maybe poor handling is something else, like incorrect air pressure, etc. How does making your arms flatter hurt? Adjustable arms cannot make them flatter... I think he's saying that since I'm not lifted enough I might actually create a negative angle on the control arms. Bolt kit is a waste of $40 After reading Wayalife's writeup on the grade 8 bolts I agree. My steering isn't terrible, I just think it would be better with more Caster, Guess I'll have to buy the Adj Control arms. Would I be better off with uppers or lowers?
