Lower control arm cam placement

ginger121

New Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2023
Messages
8
Location
Iowa
I have a 98 Wrangler TJ, I've been trying to replace my lower control arms after four wheeling incident that knocked my alignment out on my passenger side, because the bracket that's welded to the axle is bent. I've got it up on a lift I managed to get both lower control arms out, but I did not Mark placement of cams. How problematic is that? Any tips on bending that bracket back straight so I can get the lower control arm back in place where it should have been? Thank you for all your help
 
no witness marks to help you guess the position of the cams? an angle finder on the axle could help with replacing some caster.

bending the bracket could be as simple as boppin it with a hammer. if it's bent bad some heat might help. but proper bracing b4 bashing helps ensure you're moving it at the right point. go only as hard as u need to so you don't crack anything.
once bends occur the metal is less than what it was and some opt to weld on large washers onto both sides to help stiffen things.

pics really help. different strategy for tweeked than it is for wrecked.
 
no witness marks to help you guess the position of the cams? an angle finder on the axle could help with replacing some caster.

bending the bracket could be as simple as boppin it with a hammer. if it's bent bad some heat might help. but proper bracing b4 bashing helps ensure you're moving it at the right point. go only as hard as u need to so you don't crack anything.
once bends occur the metal is less than what it was and some opt to weld on large washers onto both sides to help stiffen things.

pics really help. different strategy for tweeked than it is for wrecked.

I'll get some pics today thank you very much! Clearly I'm new to this LOL
 
I wouldn’t sweat what the cam was set to before, just get an angle finder on it and set the Caster to a number and go from there. If it returns tk center well and doesn’t vibrate then you’re good.
 
Any tips on bending that bracket back straight so I can get the lower control arm back in place where it should have been?

A big pipe wrench has worked for me for this type of thing.

Also helpful: big hammer, big C clamp, maybe a small bottle jack and some various size blocks of wood
 
You might want to consider replacing the LCA brackets with aftermarket, they are much stronger and generally have built in "skids". It will eliminate or reduce the guessing "Did i get it bent back enough etc." If you are running adjustable LCAs make sure they are the same length, also check the front axle for squareness to the frame and rear axle. On a lift it's way easier than the ground. LOL
 
You might want to consider replacing the LCA brackets with aftermarket, they are much stronger and generally have built in "skids". It will eliminate or reduce the guessing "Did i get it bent back enough etc." If you are running adjustable LCAs make sure they are the same length, also check the front axle for squareness to the frame and rear axle. On a lift it's way easier than the ground. LOL

I appreciate your advice! I've got some rugged ridge lower control arm brackets coming that I'm going to weld in place of the old, and of course nothing comes with the hardware so I had to buy the rugged ridge lower control arm cam set. Going to be a little more work but worth it thank you
 
I'll get some pics today thank you very much! Clearly I'm new to this LOL

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IMG_20230122_161940373.jpg
 
@ginger121. Disregard post #6 as it is flawed in several ways.

I ordered a lower control arm bracket kit from rugged ridge also the hardware from rugged ridge with the cam set that goes with it that you have to pay for it separately obviously! I'm just going to start fresh and weld on the new ones but thank you I appreciate it