natenewz

I've got the new front uppers and lowers, and the front track bar installed to the lengths given in the instructions. I don't have either of the springs on, but I have the passenger side shock on. The passenger side is fully drooped. I jack up the drivers side and the track bar contacts the differential when there is still ~4-6 inches between the stock bump stop pad and the top of the bump stop rubber.



I can get a measurement for this distance after work tonight.



I thought that the tire would define the clearance, not the trackbar. I called RK, and they said that I need to put the shock on the drivers side and that it would limit the uptravel before the trackbar hits and that I should size my bump stop to prevent that from happening. However, I was expecting to put 2-3" of bump stop on and to prevent this from happening I would need more then 2-3" of bump stops. Communication with RK was further hindered over the phone because I didn't know the extended and compressed lengths of my fox shocks when I called them and they recommend bilstein 5100s. I would have bought those, but they were out of stock so I got the foxshocks for a 1.5 in - 3.5 in lift. I looked up the extended and compressed lengths:

Part number FOX980-24-887 specs are:
Front shocks
Extended 25.15 inch
Compressed 15.55 inch
9.6 inch travel 2-4 inch lift.

The generic recommended shock lengths from RK are:
Generic Front Shock
Recommendation with 2" bump stops - 16" Collapsed to 28" Extended

So since the compressed lengths are both very close to 16" the shock shouldn't matter right? Can someone help me sort this all out? This is the first lift kit I've installed and I want to make sure everything is clearanced properly for offroading.

BTW, my Jeep is a 2010 Wrangler Rubicon 2 door

Thanks,
Nate

Invest2m4

what lengths did you set the control arms to? Also, what track bar are you running?

natenewz

2.5” Front Lower Control Arm Assembled Length = 23 1/8”
2.5” X Factor Front Upper Arm Assembled Length = 19 5/16”
It's the adjustable track bar that came with the 2.5" RK X-factor kit.

natenewz

I was able to adjust the track bar to make the bend go away from the differential a little bit more. To get it on with it like this, I have to apply a small amount of +z torque (right hand rule, z meaning towards the sky) to the frame track bar mount. With this updated adjustment, at the same conditions I can raise the drivers side of the axle so that there is 3" between the bump stop and the bump stop pad (metal to metal, not the rubber bushing that compresses). 3" is about what I was expecting to use for bumpstops. Does that sound reasonable?

Invest2m4

Your front uppers should be 18 3/4". Lowers are about right, but will need to be dialed in for caster. Guessing that fixing the uppers will fix the issue. With those arm lengths your caster is likely really low.

Invest2m4

Keep in mind that the stock white bump stop almost fully compresses down to about 1/2". The track bar should not contact the diff regardless of bump.

natenewz

Okay thanks, I'll buy an angle finder and check the caster later tonight. Does the caster angle change depending on the axles vertical position, eg. do I need to put the tires and springs on and set it on the ground to check it? The adjustable lowers center the axle in the wheel well front to back, and the uppers set the caster?

Invest2m4

Jeep needs to be fully assembled and on the ground under weight. Yes, caster changes based on vertical position (which is why it goes down as you lift a Jeep).

The front uppers should stay at the stock length (18 3/4") and the front lowers made longer to adjust the caster. With the way you have the arms set right now, you are pushing your axle forward (longer wheelbase). Given that the frame side track bar bracket is fixed, as you move the axle forward you are pushing it into the track bar. Putting the lift on should not impact track bar clearance, unless you push the axle too far forward (as you have done).

So, shorten uppers to 18 3/4, get the Jeep back on the road and then check caster. I highly recommend you go to a good alignment shop and get it aligned.

jsukey

You'll love the lift, once you get it set up right! Mine rides great with the Bilstein 5100 long travels, and it flexes out great! The only issue I've had with mine so far was a worn out front track bar bushing after an all day mudding adventure. I carry a spare with me now. I'm running the RK drag link flip up front now, with the RF tie rod.

natenewz

Those are some pretty sweet pictures. Did you put limit straps on yours to make sure you don't bottom out the shocks?