Hi All!

Brand new here. I have a 2017 JK 2 Dr. with a 2.5" Rubicon Express lift kit. I changed out the spacer lift kit with factory shock extensions installed by the original to this new lift kit a couple months ago. I was still having some problems with road wonder and harsh ride on bumpy roads. I have done some research and decided to install these control arm brackets. I have read all positive reviews on doing this to help or fix my problems. My question is should I use the first or second holes in the adjustable brackets? They tell you which holes they recommend in 1" increment lifts but nut 1/2 increments. I even called Rancho and they didn't seem sure. I was going to use the second hole but thought I'd get some feed back from the experts on here. Thank you in advance and I plan on being a life long member here...

 

Yeah, it can be hard to guess because they can't be sure of 'your' specific build --> how much actual lift height did you get from a different mfg's coils? (was it 2", or 3", or some 2.5" coils have been reported to give 4" of actual height...) How much weight have you added? (bolt-ons, armor, winch, gear, etc) Lots of variables that can affect height and the resulting caster number.

Go with the recommendation in the instructions, then check the caster once the brackets are installed. It's not like they are a 'one-time set and forget, locked in and can't change' item. If the caster isn't where you want it, swap holes... Stock is around 4.2 degrees. It went down when lift height was added. Getting it to the mid 4* range is what you want. (though looking through the instruction, they sure seem to be recommending a 5.5* caster??)

 

Not sure how the holes are spaced in the Rancho brackets.
I used an AEV 2.5 lift, and got about 3.25" before bumpers and winch.
I used the 1st hole down from the frame when I installed the AEV brackets and it was right on the money.

 

Thanks for the info. I think what I'll do is try the first hole and see how the control arms look. If they are pretty much level I'll try there. If not I'll see what they look like in the second one.

 

How they look? Caster angle has to do with the rotation of the front axle housing, it is not determined by how level or how steep the control arms are. (the pinion rotates up with added lift height, lowering the caster. The pinion rotates back down when brackets or new control arms are installed, raising the caster). The angle of the control arms being lessened/flattened due to the brackets is a bonus, not the main purpose.

A $10 angle finder from any hardware or auto parts store will give you a ballpark idea of the Caster. Or, many alignment shops will check your numbers and print out the 'before' specs for free. (don't pay for a full alignment that you don't need, just make some calls to see who will do a quick check and print you the numbers...)