Hello all,
Ive been lurking here & another forum for a few months now while getting some JK edjumakashin. Got my 12' JK Sport last November. Going to put some 33" Duratracs & a lift on her in a few weeks, and maybe a few other things while I'm at it. Purpose will be a DD and TRY to get at least a few times a month, moderate to a little gnarly trail type stuff, not into rock crawling.

Looking at a few different 2-2.5" lift kits. First one being the Mopar/Superlift kit, Chrysler is asking way too much $$$, plus labor to install. Only real reason I'm even considering this is so maybe I wont have to argue with a service writer later down the road if something did happen.
Ya know, the whole lift/factory "warranty" deal. The issue I have with this lift is cam bolts on the LCA's. Every one says there bad, but other than having to semi permanently modifying the frame to use them, why are they bad? I haven't been able to come up with much. A guy on another forum said they will shift after awhile with arm movement. Is that with hard use? Or does it even happen with moderate trail use? Someone chime in if you've had or have seen problems. The guy at Superlift who was very nice/helpful, of course says "No problems that I know of." I'm so far not really into rock crawling at all. So I don't see any real severe use in my future

The other kit I'm considering is a Teraflex 2.5, & adding a TF track bar, and adjustable LCA's.
I am totally capable of installing this kit, other than an accurate caster adjustment, unless someone knows a specified length to set the arms to. I'm quite sure this is the better way to go. I know it wont technically void my warranty, other than IF Chrysler can prove that a factory part failure was caused by the aftermarket lift/parts.

Well, thanks for the help. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone says on this.

 

Go with this. Stay away from cam bolts. Now with a 2.5" kit you DO NOT have to have adjustable control arms to run it. However, it's the only proper way to dial in the caster correctly.

 

Thanks for the info mpkelley.

Thanks for the reply TeraFex!!! Very cool!
I am really leaning towards the TF kit, but still would like to know what the real issues with cam bolts are before I pull the trigger.
From what I've read/heard at a 2.5-3" lift w/o LCA's, it reduces caster to approximately +/- 3* from +/-6* Since it is my DD, & my wife will also be driving it every once in awhile, I'd like to keep it's qualities intact. I think it drives really nice stock. Heck steering at highway speed is a little twitchy already, seems that decreasing caster will make it more so, correct?

 

Anyone else have any experience or problems with cam bolts on the LCA's?

Thanks!

 

Ok, a bump back to the top & then I will let this one die.
Thanks everybody!

 

I have had the Mopar lift for 3 years and have never had an issue. I have an alignment done once a year and they have yet to move. Cam bolts were use on all rear wheel drive vehicles, back in the day. Your thought path is correct about buying the Mopar lift, you will have less hastle with the service departments by staying with the factor accessories. It's also a goo idea to check with the service manager at athe dealership that you plan to service the Jeep at, and get his thoughts on modifications.

 

I installed the AEV lift on my JKU and it used cam bolts ( prior to the new ca brackets) . I was constantly having to mess with the bolts to keep the front end right. It wasn't just after wheeling, some o the roads around here are rough enough to mess them up.
I have had the frame welded back up and use adjustable control arms.
If you do decide to go cam bolts, get a lifetime alignment from Firestone (itll pay for itself) then when it's messed up they can get it straight for you again.

 

Well that's good to hear. I did talk to the SVC MGR where I bought the Jeep, He told me as long as I keep it fairly mild, 2-3" lift/33-35" tire, I should be fine. He said it is real close to impossible for them to say if an aftermarket part caused a failure of a factory part. But I guess it could still give them an out. I just don't want to be hassled IF something ever happened.
Thanks!

Thats the other thing that is bugging me is having to punch out the hole s in the frame.
And yes I have already thought about Firestone!!! Thats an awesome deal I think!

Thanks guys!
Billy

 

My Rubi Express 3.5 kit came with the adjusting cam bolts. Is it the common consensus on this forum that they are not to be used? If so, is it because of a safety issue, or because they come out of alignment often?

 

Instead of cam bolts.....get the new AEV control arm brackets ...