Hi,
My 97 TJ has a 4-inch lift but apparently no control arm changes were made when it was installed. I'm switching to Core 4x4 adjustables , the whole set.
As background, my completed LCAs had OEM lengths of 15 3/4 & the new arms are set to 16 3/8 (difference = 5/8" ) The length chart for OEM & new matches actual.
Now the UCAs: The chart provided indicates an UCA oem length of 15 in. & set length of 15" for the rear. No change. However my rear UCA OEM length as just removed from vehicle is 13 - 1/4. Thats a 1 - 3/4 " diff. Significant disparity from chart.
So for a set distance for new arms, my gut says keep the UCA at/near 13 1/4 since the specs are saying dont change the UCA length. Also I don't believe my brake lines will accommodate a 1 - 3/4" increase in length to get to the 15". Thoughts, considerations?
Alternatively is there another chart that assumes an OEM length of 13 1/4" that matches my jeep?
Ill try to measure my pinion angle tomirrow (with 1 UCA removed) if it matters.
Thanks in advance,
Blazem
Do you have or did your " whole set" include adjustable track bars?
This will be important moving forward and to help you get set up.
You'll need to ditch the measurement charts for the most part and do the following-
With the jeep supported by the frame-
Remove the control arms one at a time and replace with your new ones. The initial lengths don't matter (within reason) just adjust them to get them in . One at a time. An alignment punch will be your friend. With any luck things won't move around much and they will be close. Snug the bolts, don't fully torque.
Once all 8 CAs are in - lower jeep to rest on the ground ( ride height)
Center the axles side to side by adjusting track bars as needed, push, pull, pry ratchet strap, cuss, have a beer, repeat. Or not, it might be close.
Once exactly centered side to side move on to adjusting axles longitudinally by using the adjustability in the lower arms. Without double adjustable arms this means a lot of up and down and manipulation of the axle. Front and rear to each other (tape measure) and each independently to a common spot on the frame like a skid bolt.
Once arms are in, bolts snugged, axles centered side to side, square to each other, each axle independently square to the the frame report back.
Dont worry about castor or pinon angle until the above is done.
Setting this up will teach you much about our suspensions. Double adjustable CAs make the process much easier and do come at a price but worth there weight in gold.