Suspension Set-Up

[Mike_H]

I have now reached the point of my build where I have replaced nearly every piece of my suspension with aftermarket. Springs, control arms, shocks, track bars, and swaybar end links. What's more is that everything but my rear end links are adjustable.

I thought it might be useful to have a discussion about how to set all those pieces up. I can run through how I'm doing it, but I'm not an "expert" by any means. I'm just a guy who likes to read stuff on the internet then go tinker in the shop.

This is my process:

1. Set lower arm length. This should be set to center the axle bump stop pad to the cup on the frame.
2. Put an upper arm on and get your pinion angle close.
3. Check axle squareness. Measure from the axle to a fixed point on the frame that is consistent side to side. Adjust lowers until the axle is square.
4. Set pinion angle with one upper control arm.
5. Install the last upper control arm. This should be installed so that the bolts slide in easily.
6. Check your measurements, and if they are still consistent, tighten the locknuts.
7. Measure side to side axle position, adjust trackbar to center axle.
8. Adjust end links.
9. Wheels and tires, test drive!

Note:. All these adjustments need to be made with the weight of the vehicle in the axles and close to ride height.

This is just my process, I'd appreciate any feedback that anyone has.

 

[Mike_H]

Hmmm...OK. No one is interested in suspension set up?

 

[Squatch]

Hmmm...OK. No one is interested in suspension set up?

Maybe they're out wheelin', Mike! Sounds like you've been busy as hell. I look forward to hearing how well you like the new set-up once you've got it all dialed in.

 

[twistedlv]

Yeah, I think everyone is out playing this weekend. This whole place is pretty slow.
But I'm interested, as my next project is control arms.

 

[LJGreg]

There is a very good write up I’m the how to that covers the install. This is what I am following.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...-control-arms-on-a-jeep-wrangler-tj-lj.17062/

 

[bobthetj03]

Sounds like a good plan Mike. Also, while you're centering the axles check tb clearances with the diff and gas tank skid. Check your wheel alignment as well.

 

[Mike_H]

There is a very good write up I’m the how to that covers the install. This is what I am following.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...-control-arms-on-a-jeep-wrangler-tj-lj.17062/

I'm following that too, but it's not as complete as it seems...

 

[Mike_H]

Sounds like a good plan Mike. Also, while you're centering the axles check tb clearances with the diff and gas tank skid. Check your wheel alignment as well.

Hey Jim,

Actually having some trouble getting the rear axle centered. Something is binding it up. I'm about an inch off and I can't to get it to shift with a rachet strap. Everything but the track bar is connected. Possible the shocks are binding it?

 

[Boinked]

Swaybar more than likely, at least that was my pain in the rear (pun intended)

You can try and loosen it up.

 

[bobthetj03]

Hey Jim,

Actually having some trouble getting the rear axle centered. Something is binding it up. I'm about an inch off and I can't to get it to shift with a rachet strap. Everything but the track bar is connected. Possible the shocks are binding it?

unbolt one end of the sway bar end link, then do the bouncy, bouncy, back and forth thing and see if it'll center.

 

[Mike_H]

Thanks guys. I'll try that. I'm honestly kinda sick of working on it. It's on it's wheels again, and I took it for a spin around town. Things are good, but the axles still need a little tweaking to get them centered.

The new control arms ride noice!

 

[jeepndogs]

I have now reached the point of my build where I have replaced nearly every piece of my suspension with aftermarket. Springs, control arms, shocks, track bars, and swaybar end links. What's more is that everything but my rear end links are adjustable.

I thought it might be useful to have a discussion about how to set all those pieces up. I can run through how I'm doing it, but I'm not an "expert" by any means. I'm just a guy who likes to read stuff on the internet then go tinker in the shop.

This is my process:

1. Set lower arm length. This should be set to center the axle bump stop pad to the cup on the frame.
2. Put an upper arm on and get your pinion angle close.
3. Check axle squareness. Measure from the axle to a fixed point on the frame that is consistent side to side. Adjust lowers until the axle is square.
4. Set pinion angle with one upper control arm.
5. Install the last upper control arm. This should be installed so that the bolts slide in easily.
6. Check your measurements, and if they are still consistent, tighten the locknuts.
7. Measure side to side axle position, adjust trackbar to center axle.
8. Adjust end links.
9. Wheels and tires, test drive!

Note:. All these adjustments need to be made with the weight of the vehicle in the axles and close to ride height.

This is just my process, I'd appreciate any feedback that anyone has.

This is basically how I set mine up except I did your step 7 after step 2. Since the arms are on an angle the length can change if the axel isn’t centered.