View Poll Results: Control Arms? What is needed?
Front Upper, Rear Lower
0
0%
Front Lower, Rear Upper
11
73.33%
You Don't need 'em
0
0%
Get all 8 of 'em
4
26.67%
Voters: 15. You may not vote on this poll
Front Uppers and Rear lower Control Arms
12-01-2011, 05:26 PM
#1
JK Freak
Thread Starter
Front Uppers and Rear lower Control Arms
Front Upper and Rear Lower is the absolute minimum needed to adjust Camber right? I have a 2.5" TF coil lift. I've got some flighty steering, maybe a 1 of play in the wheel. I would like to dial this in. Should I get an alignment before figuring out what ones to get?
12-01-2011, 06:28 PM
#4
JK Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
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I was told the rear needed the new uppers for the necessary adjustment range. At least, with the Teraflex units. I've got the front lowers and rear uppers, and everythings been runnin' peachy so far. 800+ miles on the road and no DW or other handling issues with my 2.5" lift. Lovin' it!
12-01-2011, 07:23 PM
#5
JK Jedi Master
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
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Uppers and lowers do the exact same thing, just backwards from each other.
Up front, you need to shorten the uppers to increase caster after a lift. Some uppers do not contract short enough to get the caster where you want it, so lowers are the better choice - if you only get one set.
In back, same thing. You shorten the lowers to raise the pinion. If you only get one set, uppers are the better option.
ex-
front upper -
shorten to increase caster/lower pinion
lengthen to decrease caster/raise pinion
front lower -
lengthen to increase caster/lower pinion
shorten to decrease caster/raise pinion
They adjust Caster. Unless you swap in adjustable balljoints, (or bend the c's or housing?) you can not change the camber.
Without adjustble ca's or cams, adjustable trackbars, adjustable balljoints, etc - the only things an alignment shop can do is center the steering wheel and adjust the Toe-In/Out. Go down to the write-ups area and find the DIY alignment write-up. There is an index at the top.
Up front, you need to shorten the uppers to increase caster after a lift. Some uppers do not contract short enough to get the caster where you want it, so lowers are the better choice - if you only get one set.
In back, same thing. You shorten the lowers to raise the pinion. If you only get one set, uppers are the better option.
ex-
front upper -
shorten to increase caster/lower pinion
lengthen to decrease caster/raise pinion
front lower -
lengthen to increase caster/lower pinion
shorten to decrease caster/raise pinion
the absolute minimum needed to adjust Camber right?
Should I get an alignment before figuring out what ones to get?
Last edited by nthinuf; 12-01-2011 at 07:33 PM.
12-01-2011, 07:30 PM
#6
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Denver
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I second the front lower and rear upper adjustable control arms. That is what Rocky Road Outfitters told me to get to solve my wondering issue after my 2.5 in OME lift.
12-02-2011, 04:03 AM
#7
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Mount Airy, MD
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I have a TF 2.5" that yielded me over 3" (4 door ver). I got front lowers and rear uppers. It rides pretty good, but I know I need to adjust my angles a tad bit more. I am waiting until I install my new Coast drive shafts soon to re-adjust everything.
Everything I read and was told before was to do front lowers + rear uppers. Good luck!
Everything I read and was told before was to do front lowers + rear uppers. Good luck!
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12-02-2011, 03:49 PM
#8
JK Freak
Thread Starter
Uppers and lowers do the exact same thing, just backwards from each other.
Up front, you need to shorten the uppers to increase caster after a lift. Some uppers do not contract short enough to get the caster where you want it, so lowers are the better choice - if you only get one set.
In back, same thing. You shorten the lowers to raise the pinion. If you only get one set, uppers are the better option.
ex-
front upper -
shorten to increase caster/lower pinion
lengthen to decrease caster/raise pinion
front lower -
lengthen to increase caster/lower pinion
shorten to decrease caster/raise pinion
They adjust Caster. Unless you swap in adjustable balljoints, (or bend the c's or housing?) you can not change the camber.
Without adjustble ca's or cams, adjustable trackbars, adjustable balljoints, etc - the only things an alignment shop can do is center the steering wheel and adjust the Toe-In/Out. Go down to the write-ups area and find the DIY alignment write-up. There is an index at the top.
Up front, you need to shorten the uppers to increase caster after a lift. Some uppers do not contract short enough to get the caster where you want it, so lowers are the better choice - if you only get one set.
In back, same thing. You shorten the lowers to raise the pinion. If you only get one set, uppers are the better option.
ex-
front upper -
shorten to increase caster/lower pinion
lengthen to decrease caster/raise pinion
front lower -
lengthen to increase caster/lower pinion
shorten to decrease caster/raise pinion
They adjust Caster. Unless you swap in adjustable balljoints, (or bend the c's or housing?) you can not change the camber.
Without adjustble ca's or cams, adjustable trackbars, adjustable balljoints, etc - the only things an alignment shop can do is center the steering wheel and adjust the Toe-In/Out. Go down to the write-ups area and find the DIY alignment write-up. There is an index at the top.
I have a TF 2.5" that yielded me over 3" (4 door ver). I got front lowers and rear uppers. It rides pretty good, but I know I need to adjust my angles a tad bit more. I am waiting until I install my new Coast drive shafts soon to re-adjust everything.
Everything I read and was told before was to do front lowers + rear uppers. Good luck!
Everything I read and was told before was to do front lowers + rear uppers. Good luck!
Now, what brand of Lower Front and Upper rear do I get? JKS look really nice but lots of $$$. Looking for a "mid-spec" option on this upgrade.
12-02-2011, 05:02 PM
#10
JK Freak
Join Date: Jan 2011
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Thanks for the advice. Nothings bent and nothing is adjustable at this point. Appreciate you setting me straight. My dyslexia aixelsyd always messes with me on this stuff.
Thank you Sir
Ludski, you are the man. Been watching you build, good work.
I do like my new Coast F.Dshaft. I bet I'll end up buying all the adjustments. I can live with what I have, but just want it a little better for the rare occasion that someone else drive it.
Now, what brand of Lower Front and Upper rear do I get? JKS look really nice but lots of $$$. Looking for a "mid-spec" option on this upgrade.
Thank you Sir
Ludski, you are the man. Been watching you build, good work.
I do like my new Coast F.Dshaft. I bet I'll end up buying all the adjustments. I can live with what I have, but just want it a little better for the rare occasion that someone else drive it.
Now, what brand of Lower Front and Upper rear do I get? JKS look really nice but lots of $$$. Looking for a "mid-spec" option on this upgrade.
I vote Currie adjustable control arms, beefy units, Johnny Joints on both ends
and a reasonable price through David @ Northridge 