tallentn
Active Member
- First Name
- Neil
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2019
- Threads
- 5
- Messages
- 36
- Reaction score
- 30
- Location
- Newport News, VA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2020 JT
- Thread starter
- #1
I figured I would post a comment about this, for anyone else who's in the same boat I was a few weeks back. It seemed like there were varying results regarding the axle position after installing the Mopar 2" lift. Some people reported the axle being visibly off center (I'm imagining 2" or more favoring the driver side). Some people reported driving 5k miles after the lift with no issues at all. It seemed like the consensus was "Try the install and see what happens" with regards to whether an adjustable track bar would be needed to compensate for the additional suspension height. NOTE: I don't have any meaningful pictures available - I was renting bay space and was trying to maximize time efficiency. Sorry.
I noticed during the install that the axle was certainly off-center (as expected), but not terribly. The new control arms, shocks, and sway bars fit in their mounting brackets but there was an obvious difference in angle between the joints (on the part) and the mounting points on the frame. I didn't torque the control arms or track bar down until the Jeep was resting on the tires again (and wow...that was a knuckle buster). After the final torque I could tell the driver side tire was ever so slightly extended past the fender, while the passenger side was equal with the fender edge. The offset was visible, but not more than .5" - if you weren't looking, you wouldn't see it.
Driving it home, my steering wheel was off about 5 minutes too slow (counter clockwise). Prior to the lift it was perfectly centered. I did not feel like the vehicle had a pull in either direction. After about 15 minutes of driving, my Electronic Stability Control warning light came on - I did not see anyone else report that after the lift. I'm hoping/assuming the vehicle is complaining about the axle offset (and not something else I may have screwed up). I ordered an adjustable track bar (decided to try the Yeti XD), and after I get that on I plan on taking it in for an alignment.
For my two cents, after doing this install, I can't see how it would be physically possible to NOT have incorrect geometry without installing an adjustable track bar. Unless you don't plan on stressing the suspension at all (ie, there are no potholes/speed bumps in your favorite parking lot), I would highly recommend purchasing the adjustable track bar of your choice prior to beginning the suspension swap. I imagine it will make it easier to fit the new components into the mounting brackets. If you're gonna wheel, I'd consider it a given that you will need the new track bar. Again, my 2 cents...
Also, If you are considering the particular lift, BAM Wholesale is offering the Mopar 2" w/Bilstein for the lowest price BY FAR - it was just under $1600 (late June 2024) if I remember correctly. It shipped immediately, and arrived in perfect condition. I've never used them before, but they're on my list of vendors to check when pricing major purchases now. In the same vein, had a pretty bad experience with Quadratec on this same item. I see other threads dedicated to the decline in their service so I won't belabor the point here.
I will circle back & update after the track bar install & alignment - I'll see if the track bar clears the warning code after some driving, and/or if my mechanic finds any major issues during the alignment. Lastly.... I was expecting to be slightly pleased with the appearance of the Jeep - and I am MUCH more than that. I've been too sore to climb around and measure the difference, but this is much better than I'd hoped for. I'm a rock crawler, and I wasn't sure if this lift would make enough difference to justify the cost/effort of install...the look of it alone is almost worth it, the ride is VERY stable (nothing over @55 mph yet)...I can't wait to re-wheel some trails to test the difference.
I noticed during the install that the axle was certainly off-center (as expected), but not terribly. The new control arms, shocks, and sway bars fit in their mounting brackets but there was an obvious difference in angle between the joints (on the part) and the mounting points on the frame. I didn't torque the control arms or track bar down until the Jeep was resting on the tires again (and wow...that was a knuckle buster). After the final torque I could tell the driver side tire was ever so slightly extended past the fender, while the passenger side was equal with the fender edge. The offset was visible, but not more than .5" - if you weren't looking, you wouldn't see it.
Driving it home, my steering wheel was off about 5 minutes too slow (counter clockwise). Prior to the lift it was perfectly centered. I did not feel like the vehicle had a pull in either direction. After about 15 minutes of driving, my Electronic Stability Control warning light came on - I did not see anyone else report that after the lift. I'm hoping/assuming the vehicle is complaining about the axle offset (and not something else I may have screwed up). I ordered an adjustable track bar (decided to try the Yeti XD), and after I get that on I plan on taking it in for an alignment.
For my two cents, after doing this install, I can't see how it would be physically possible to NOT have incorrect geometry without installing an adjustable track bar. Unless you don't plan on stressing the suspension at all (ie, there are no potholes/speed bumps in your favorite parking lot), I would highly recommend purchasing the adjustable track bar of your choice prior to beginning the suspension swap. I imagine it will make it easier to fit the new components into the mounting brackets. If you're gonna wheel, I'd consider it a given that you will need the new track bar. Again, my 2 cents...
Also, If you are considering the particular lift, BAM Wholesale is offering the Mopar 2" w/Bilstein for the lowest price BY FAR - it was just under $1600 (late June 2024) if I remember correctly. It shipped immediately, and arrived in perfect condition. I've never used them before, but they're on my list of vendors to check when pricing major purchases now. In the same vein, had a pretty bad experience with Quadratec on this same item. I see other threads dedicated to the decline in their service so I won't belabor the point here.
I will circle back & update after the track bar install & alignment - I'll see if the track bar clears the warning code after some driving, and/or if my mechanic finds any major issues during the alignment. Lastly.... I was expecting to be slightly pleased with the appearance of the Jeep - and I am MUCH more than that. I've been too sore to climb around and measure the difference, but this is much better than I'd hoped for. I'm a rock crawler, and I wasn't sure if this lift would make enough difference to justify the cost/effort of install...the look of it alone is almost worth it, the ride is VERY stable (nothing over @55 mph yet)...I can't wait to re-wheel some trails to test the difference.
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