Relocation Brackets vs Long Control Arms

[Lunentucker]

They're not hurt. Just saving some other thing from getting scraped up.
I'm looking forward to seeing those 3/16" meaty brackets mentioned earlier.
Pretty sure one could support the weight of the entire truck and not flinch.

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[PJZ]

I was eyeing these Metalcloak brackets if they need to get replaced

 

[Lunentucker]

I was eyeing these Metalcloak brackets if they need to get replaced

I had to dig a little because it was posted in another thread by @Rusty PW but the Teraflex brackets are beefy and they have additional support braces that you can get to go with them.

https://teraflex.com/jl-jt-sport-frame-bracket-kit-front-control-arms-2-5-4-5-3-5-4-5.html

https://teraflex.com/jl-jt-sport-frame-bracket-hd-reinforcement-plate-kit-2-5-4-5-3-5-4-5.html

 

[PJZ]

Those look better!

 

[chorky]

I had to dig a little because it was posted in another thread by @Rusty PW but the Teraflex brackets are beefy and they have additional support braces that you can get to go with them.

https://teraflex.com/jl-jt-sport-frame-bracket-kit-front-control-arms-2-5-4-5-3-5-4-5.html

https://teraflex.com/jl-jt-sport-frame-bracket-hd-reinforcement-plate-kit-2-5-4-5-3-5-4-5.html

Its a tough debate between the three options. AEV (and MetalCloak?) have stamped/forged brackets. Teraflex are thicker and welded. Depending on the weld it could be stronger or weaker. But that is cool they offer an additional bracket for strength. I wonder how much help it actually provides though?

I would bet the Metal Cloak ones would be best against corrosion and AEV and Teraflex are probably equal

 

[Lunentucker]

Those look better!

Yeah. If I had a do-over I'd probably go that route.

 

[Lunentucker]

Its a tough debate between the three options. AEV (and MetalCloak?) have stamped/forged brackets. Teraflex are thicker and welded. Depending on the weld it could be stronger or weaker. But that is cool they offer an additional bracket for strength. I wonder how much help it actually provides though?

I would bet the Metal Cloak ones would be best against corrosion and AEV and Teraflex are probably equal

Agreed. Metalcloak seems to have the best durable finish and they do make smart good stuff.

 

[Lunentucker]

You know, I was thinking more about the whole side trip we took here about wheeling with brackets.

I don't think you can find a post on these forums of someone complaining about bump steer, wandering, or death wobble while "wheeling".

Numerous reputable companies are making these brackets, and other accessories, to address some very specific issues that seem to be inherent to the Jeep platform. So obviously it's not a snake oil fix for a non-existent problem.

I started the thread months ago to give my own personal experiences and to address some of the questions, and misconceptions, about the brackets. They're not for everyone, but I do know that the vast majority of us spend more time on-road than off, and we appreciate a comfortable and controllable safe ride.

People get their Jeeps right without brackets, and no one's knocking that. Good for them!
But for a nice, economical, and relatively easy DIY fix in a home garage or driveway, the brackets may be all you need. That's what my case was. I wheel some, but I'm smart about it and very experienced on the types of trails we have around here.
I'd admittedly SUCK at Moab, but I know how to tell deep a mudhole is by watching how the frogs are acting, and I'm really good in the snow and ice.
This caster improvement helps tremendously on wet pavement too.

 

[chorky]

You know, I was thinking more about the whole side trip we took here about wheeling with brackets.

I don't think you can find a post on these forums of someone complaining about bump steer, wandering, or death wobble while "wheeling".

Numerous reputable companies are making these brackets, and other accessories, to address some very specific issues that seem to be inherent to the Jeep platform. So obviously it's not a snake oil fix for a non-existent problem.

I started the thread months ago to give my own personal experiences and to address some of the questions, and misconceptions, about the brackets. They're not for everyone, but I do know that the vast majority of us spend more time on-road than off, and we appreciate a comfortable and controllable safe ride.

People get their Jeeps right without brackets, and no one's knocking that. Good for them!
But for a nice, economical, and relatively easy DIY fix in a home garage or driveway, the brackets may be all you need. That's what my case was. I wheel some, but I'm smart about it and very experienced on the types of trails we have around here.
I'd admittedly SUCK at Moab, but I know how to tell deep a mudhole is by watching how the frogs are acting, and I'm really good in the snow and ice.
This caster improvement helps tremendously on wet pavement too.

Did you have issues with your steering when it was stock? My steering, stock, is just fine other than being able to see the gearbox move off of the frame a hair's thickness - so need that sector shaft brace. But curious if you actually had drivability issues with your Mojave?

And why do you say you suck at MOAB?

Good recap though - and important distinction to say why choose X lift over X lift.

 

[Lunentucker]

Did you have issues with your steering when it was stock? My steering, stock, is just fine other than being able to see the gearbox move off of the frame a hair's thickness - so need that sector shaft brace. But curious if you actually had drivability issues with your Mojave?

And why do you say you suck at MOAB?

Good recap though - and important distinction to say why choose X lift over X lift.

Yeah.
I bought the truck with only 1650 miles on it, so I assumed it was all stock, other than the numerous aftermarket goodies that were obvious to me, a Jeep first timer.

It drove and handled awfully.
Took me some time to get up to speed on everything Jeep and to understand what was going on.
Improved stabilizer, tightened the gearbox free play, and then got into his lifts affect geometry and caster.

Had I known that last part up front it probably would've been the first thing I did instead of the last.
So that's why I made the thread. So others could know the benefits of brackets and to address some of the myths about them being a problem when off-roading.

 

[chorky]

Yeah.
I bought the truck with only 1650 miles on it, so I assumed it was all stock, other than the numerous aftermarket goodies that were obvious to me, a Jeep first timer.

It drove and handled awfully.
Took me some time to get up to speed on everything Jeep and to understand what was going on.
Improved stabilizer, tightened the gearbox free play, and then got into his lifts affect geometry and caster.

Had I known that last part up front it probably would've been the first thing I did instead of the last.
So that's why I made the thread. So others could know the benefits of brackets and to address some of the myths about them being a problem when off-roading.

oh thats interesting. I didnt know you were having those problems! Certainly glad I dont but its good its all fixed now!

 

[RodRecket]

Chiming back in that I added the rear upper control arm brackets from TF. A couple of notes... 7/16 is not a common drill bit size and I got caught in my garage with my upper control arm removed and only had a 3/8 or 1/2 drill bit (which by the way is just a C hair too small (1/16 of course)). So I installed everything except the small outside bolt, not integral and will get to it later. Second is TF torque specs call for a lb ft and then degreee or a range. I ended up using the MOPAR factory specs for UCA/LCA (185lbft axle side 200lbft frame side). Haven't gotten more than a test drive in so seat of the pants feels fine, no substantial difference yet (will report back with more miles). I DID notice my pinion angle looks almost spot on neutral (centered?) at ride height, much like the front does. I suspect I'll notice ride quality over bumps at speed.

To this general conversation of using geo brackets my truck is my DD and weekend warrior. By that I mean it takes me to work everyday, hauls mulch and general household projects, tows our teardrop trailer across country, and hits trails in places like Moab and Ouray every year. I would not give up the drivability of my truck with geo brackets for an additional inch of clearance off road. It is very capable as is, not as capable as possible, but enough for me. The stock controls arms work, are quiet, and no maintenance. They are also cheap and plentiful to replace if ever necessary. FWIW I'm heading to Moab in a couple weeks for EJS. Towing the teardrop, wheeling trails rated 5, 6, 6, 7, and then towing the teardrop home (1,300 miles 1 way). I'll have some pretty extensive experience, although bias to my preference, of the AEV lift, geo brackets, ride comfort while towing, and offroad capability after that.

@chorky @Lunentucker

 

[JT1]

Only tested one one trip so far, so I don't have valuable feedback for you im afraid. I'll just say that I would have kept the original one but when flexed hard it hangs lower than the diff so this design fixes that. Also, since I carry a camper in my bed I needed a slightly more rigid one, and this design also fixes the weak point where the OEM one is attached. Seems like running a heavier sway bar got some brackets broken in the past as they aren't strong enough to resist the additional tension.

Anyway, seems like OP wants us to stop reading cause we wheel too much or something so I wont derail this thread more. My two cents though, I don't understand why someone would need to lift their truck, to then try to geo-correct it, if it's not wheeled enough that it matters. Feels like my Rubicon was plenty capable stock for that. And a lift when not needed only has drawbacks?

Good luck ?

I'm on 37's and 3.5" of lift (Clayton, so more like 5 in the front) the long belly on this thing scraped EVERYWHERE I wanted to go offroad. I do still play in the rocks some, but also lots of steep SXS climbs and whoops where we wheel. I can still drop off an 18" ledge and not scrape a geo bracket, and now I don't get high centered on a rail road track crossing, so it works great. Also rides a ton better than before the brackets.

If I was rock bouncing, sure, it makes sense not to use them, but at the end of the day not needing to buy a dedicated trail rig and something to tow it with was the goal, and I have another jeep that goes where I want it to and doesn't suck driving it on the road.

 

[JT1]

I have an AEV370 diesel. Didnt get it to do hard wheeling so in line with the comments here. I did do some tougher trails when it was new and the drop brackets take a beating. Was able to hammer and bend them back into shape. Might be able to weld a piece of plate on there for some protection, but not sure I will. My JKU with an AEV lift brackets looked even worse since it was on 35s.

Have since added the high capacity 3" springs that gave a little extra height front and rear.

Not sure I am adding much to the conversation other than a visual of how they look with some diesel weight smashing them on the rocks

And if you shred them, for a couple hundo you can replace them and its like it never happened.

 

[JT1]

I was eyeing these Metalcloak brackets if they need to get replaced

I'm running them.. pain in the ass to get the upper bolts in, but worth the trouble for sure.

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