Have 2.5" TF coil lift - what do adj trackbar/control arms do?
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 115
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From: phoenix, az
Have 2.5" TF coil lift - what do adj trackbar/control arms do?
I have the 2.5" TF coil lift and read that you eventually want some adjustable track bars and maybe front lower control arms and rear upper control arms.
What exactly does the trackbar and the control arms do as far as ride is concerned like on the freeway? I noticed with the lift it seems to ride good, but I definately notice I find myself correcting the steering and having to pay a bit more attention on the freeway.
I understand the control arms correct caster... but what does that mean? Does your caster angle help keep your car straight easier or something? And also I understand the trackbars help you recenter your axles so I'm curious how that effects the ride as well.
Lastly, what would you go first if you could only do one or the other? The trackbars or the control arms? And how to the TF flexarms compare to the Currie's?
What exactly does the trackbar and the control arms do as far as ride is concerned like on the freeway? I noticed with the lift it seems to ride good, but I definately notice I find myself correcting the steering and having to pay a bit more attention on the freeway.
I understand the control arms correct caster... but what does that mean? Does your caster angle help keep your car straight easier or something? And also I understand the trackbars help you recenter your axles so I'm curious how that effects the ride as well.
Lastly, what would you go first if you could only do one or the other? The trackbars or the control arms? And how to the TF flexarms compare to the Currie's?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 115
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From: phoenix, az
Ok I did some searches for just caster and I think I understand this now. With a more positive caster like 5-6 degrees or so your vehicle will perform more like a bike. I.e. if you lift your hands off the steering wheel your tire will come to center while moving. However with a lower caster angle the vehicle will behave more like a shopping cart wheel and wobble around more.
So I think I definately want to get a better caster angle to start with. What's the minimum control arms I need to do this with the 2.5" coil lift and 33" tires? I noticed most people are doing lower control arms, some do uppers. But I didn't find any talk about rear control arms. Why do people recommend the lower fronts and rear uppers? Is it so you don't risk your drive shaft hitting and you dont have to do as much adjusting on the front lowers?
Lastly I understand the trackbar recenters the axle... but why is this important? If i correct caster but not the axles at this time am I going to have an issue? Do you lose more tire tread or something?
So I think I definately want to get a better caster angle to start with. What's the minimum control arms I need to do this with the 2.5" coil lift and 33" tires? I noticed most people are doing lower control arms, some do uppers. But I didn't find any talk about rear control arms. Why do people recommend the lower fronts and rear uppers? Is it so you don't risk your drive shaft hitting and you dont have to do as much adjusting on the front lowers?
Lastly I understand the trackbar recenters the axle... but why is this important? If i correct caster but not the axles at this time am I going to have an issue? Do you lose more tire tread or something?
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 1
From: Twain Harte, CA
Without the adjustable track bars, you are putting more stress on the track bar mounts, your springs will always be bent a bit off to the side, and most importantly, your steering is effected. The rear track bar is not a huge issue, but the front axle really needs to be centered, especially with the ESP that our Jeeps have.
As for the adjustable control arms... Caster is not an adjustment for the rear, as those tires do not steer. But you can adjust the pinion angle. So as you lift, you need to adjust the pinion to keep the drive shaft angles in check. Although if you adjust to far, then you effect the oiling of the diff.
For the front, it depends on the lift as to which arms you get. But generally I say go for the uppers. This way they are up and out of the way, and with the way the mounts are, you can adjust the the caster with more precision. However, if you are lifting 2-3" with a kit that does not come with control arms, then the lift is going to cause the axle to pull back as the arms swing down. so having adjustable lowers allows you to place the axle so that it is centered under the springs.
As for the adjustable control arms... Caster is not an adjustment for the rear, as those tires do not steer. But you can adjust the pinion angle. So as you lift, you need to adjust the pinion to keep the drive shaft angles in check. Although if you adjust to far, then you effect the oiling of the diff.
For the front, it depends on the lift as to which arms you get. But generally I say go for the uppers. This way they are up and out of the way, and with the way the mounts are, you can adjust the the caster with more precision. However, if you are lifting 2-3" with a kit that does not come with control arms, then the lift is going to cause the axle to pull back as the arms swing down. so having adjustable lowers allows you to place the axle so that it is centered under the springs.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 115
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From: phoenix, az
Without the adjustable track bars, you are putting more stress on the track bar mounts, your springs will always be bent a bit off to the side, and most importantly, your steering is effected. The rear track bar is not a huge issue, but the front axle really needs to be centered, especially with the ESP that our Jeeps have.
As for the adjustable control arms... Caster is not an adjustment for the rear, as those tires do not steer. But you can adjust the pinion angle. So as you lift, you need to adjust the pinion to keep the drive shaft angles in check. Although if you adjust to far, then you effect the oiling of the diff.
For the front, it depends on the lift as to which arms you get. But generally I say go for the uppers. This way they are up and out of the way, and with the way the mounts are, you can adjust the the caster with more precision. However, if you are lifting 2-3" with a kit that does not come with control arms, then the lift is going to cause the axle to pull back as the arms swing down. so having adjustable lowers allows you to place the axle so that it is centered under the springs.
As for the adjustable control arms... Caster is not an adjustment for the rear, as those tires do not steer. But you can adjust the pinion angle. So as you lift, you need to adjust the pinion to keep the drive shaft angles in check. Although if you adjust to far, then you effect the oiling of the diff.
For the front, it depends on the lift as to which arms you get. But generally I say go for the uppers. This way they are up and out of the way, and with the way the mounts are, you can adjust the the caster with more precision. However, if you are lifting 2-3" with a kit that does not come with control arms, then the lift is going to cause the axle to pull back as the arms swing down. so having adjustable lowers allows you to place the axle so that it is centered under the springs.
Ok so with my 2.5" TF coil lift and 33" tires... are you saying I need front upper/lower control arms and a trackbar? Or will just uppers and a trackbar suffice for now?
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Tracy, CA
I gotta disagree. Front uppers are great in helping with articulation, but the reason most (if not all) people choose front lowers is because to adjust your caster you would have to shorten the uppers, most aftermarket arms can not be adjusted short enough to acomplish this, the lowers on the other hand can be lengthened to accomplish the same thing and have plenty of adjustability.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
I gotta disagree. Front uppers are great in helping with articulation, but the reason most (if not all) people choose front lowers is because to adjust your caster you would have to shorten the uppers, most aftermarket arms can not be adjusted short enough to acomplish this, the lowers on the other hand can be lengthened to accomplish the same thing and have plenty of adjustability.
I agree with 09rubicon, I'd go with the front lowers.
Trending Topics
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Tracy, CA
What do you NEED?-----------Nothing
What will you WANT?----------Extended brake lines, front lower control arms, adjustable track bars front and rear.
I have the 2.5 kit from David and love it, but the extra stuff makes it perfect!!!!!!
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 1
From: Twain Harte, CA
I gotta disagree. Front uppers are great in helping with articulation, but the reason most (if not all) people choose front lowers is because to adjust your caster you would have to shorten the uppers, most aftermarket arms can not be adjusted short enough to acomplish this, the lowers on the other hand can be lengthened to accomplish the same thing and have plenty of adjustability.
