The Most Effective Steering Wander Fix Cost Me $0 (Updated 1-7-23)

[ShadowsPapa]

I hate to say this but you probably don’t need the adjustable control arms with a 2-2.5” spacer lift

Why would a spacer lift be different than any other type of lift as far as caster? Mine is up 1" using springs and spacers, and my caster was at the bottom. And the more up you go from 1", the more the caster changes with each added inch. The axle is going down regardless of lift type,
Even the 2" mopar lift comes with .25" longer lower control arms.

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[Lunentucker]

From what little I have been able to read in a couple of days correcting the angle back closer to parallel improves the ride by directing forces more rearward than upward, in addition to getting the caster back into spec.

 

[Holes]

Geometry correction brackets do a different job than adjustable control arms. The relocation brackets change the angle of the lower control arm to keep them more parallel to the ground. The adjustable control arms can put caster back in to spec but they won’t change the angle of the control arm. I hate to say this but you probably don’t need the adjustable control arms with a 2-2.5” spacer lift. IMHO you’re better off with the relocation brackets.

In trying to keep components as far off the ground as possible I think I will get control arms over the relocation brackets.
Thank you for the good information.

 

[Lunentucker]

This explains the benefits of the actual geometry correction vs pushing the axle forward and retaining the sharper angle.

 

[Lunentucker]

In trying to keep components as far off the ground as possible I think I will get control arms over the relocation brackets.
Thank you for the good information.

That is the downside of the brackets as they do put components closer to ground to find rocks and stumps.

 

[Slojo]

Steel Gray interiors are cool looking, and my wife is very disappointed I did not buy the Granite Crystal Metallic Mojave with it (you can really notice the gray seats in that color vehicle). Intuitively she understands Jeep life from the looks of my 08 JKU. My intuition was that she would have commandeered the Mojave from me because I have the 08 JKU. With age comes wisdom.

 

[Holes]

Steel Gray interiors are cool looking, and my wife is very disappointed I did not buy the Granite Crystal Metallic Mojave with it (you can really notice the gray seats in that color vehicle). Intuitively she understands Jeep life from the looks of my 08 JKU. My intuition was that she would have commandeered the Mojave from me because I have the 08 JKU. With age comes wisdom.

Indeed.

 

[WhyNotJeep]

The belly of our JTs already are low and long. If you want to do big rocks (Rubicon Trail) you are going to hit things a lot. I am not. I will keep my lift at 2 inches or less, Synergy springs or spacers, and first go with adj CAs. I really want to keep a nice street and highway ride like stock. Might even do shock extenders to keep factory shocks. If I am going to go with Brackets I might as well lift it 3.5 as many do, but not a fan of that.

 

[Lunentucker]

Finally getting a chance to get back and close this story.
I ordered the Rancho brackets and installed them.
I should've taken a picture of when I had one side done, but you know how it is when you're doing things. You just want to get the job finished.
At any rate, the brackets got my control arms back in proper angles and the truck not only handles like a dream, but I can also feel a lot less of the road in the seat of my pants and in the steering wheel. $200 well spent!

I am leaving the adjustment on the gearbox where it is, removing virtually all dead play in the feel at the steering wheel and giving me a wander and drift free driving experience.

So to recap -

Issue - Steering Wander and Bump Steer

Cure(s) -

• Falcon adjustable stabilizer ~50% improvement / cost $427 ($36 after points )
• Remove dead play in steering with gearbox set screw adjustment (around 1 or 2 clock positions) ~85% improvement / cost $0
• Geometry correction brackets ~50% improvement on handling / 70% improvement on ride quality / cost $210 for brackets + $85 for tools at Harbor Freight + some sore muscles and one bruise

 

[Holes]

The belly of our JTs already are low and long. If you want to do big rocks (Rubicon Trail) you are going to hit things a lot. I am not. I will keep my lift at 2 inches or less, Synergy springs or spacers, and first go with adj CAs. I really want to keep a nice street and highway ride like stock. Might even do shock extenders to keep factory shocks. If I am going to go with Brackets I might as well lift it 3.5 as many do, but not a fan of that.

I’ve got the 3.5” rough country spring kit on order. I wanted the spacer kit but the shock relocation brackets aren’t offered with the spacer kit. You have to get their shocks. Nope. So I ordered the spring kit with shock brackets so I can maintain factory shocks. I was going to install a 2” AEV spacer kit, but I knew undoubtedly I would kick myself for not going the extra inch and a half. I doubt I’ll get 37” tires. Probably just 35”. But I like options.
I already have a front and rear track bar from Core4x4.

 

[JRODZ]

This a response to HOLES question about 35's w/a RC 3.5 spring lift. That's what I'm runnin & am pretty happy w/it. It's tall enough for me, doesn't look like everyone else on the road. I've yet to put on my front lower control arm brackets, but hopefully soon. Been waiting for some dry sunny warm days here. The cheaper V3 shocks aren't bad till it's single/minus digits outside. It sat level, the front springs are BIG, so I added 3/4 spacer in the rear. The rear springs are pretty soft, so I'll adding some bags out back to firm it up.

 

[WhyNotJeep]

I just don't want to be patching a bad suspension all the time. Done right once and done. Synergy says their 2 inch springs give a Rubicon a 2.25 lift. They are a 2 rate coils as many are. but the bottom coil is ground flat so there is no bow in the coil. Called Fox,,, their off the shelf shocks are linear/progressive valving. I don't like digressive valving, stiff.
I am putting off the lift for a while till I am sure I don't want 3.5 inch lift. I just don't want to get into pinion angle problems and need aftermarket driveshaft.
I really miss the free spin Yukon hub kit I put on my JK.

 

[Holes]

This a response to HOLES question about 35's w/a RC 3.5 spring lift. That's what I'm runnin & am pretty happy w/it. It's tall enough for me, doesn't look like everyone else on the road. I've yet to put on my front lower control arm brackets, but hopefully soon. Been waiting for some dry sunny warm days here. The cheaper V3 shocks aren't bad till it's single/minus digits outside. It sat level, the front springs are BIG, so I added 3/4 spacer in the rear. The rear springs are pretty soft, so I'll adding some bags out back to firm it up.

That looks nice. Appears to be 35” tires. They don’t swallow the entire rear wheel well.
I’ve got a set of the mopar side steps on the way. Actually expect them today or tomorrow. I wanted something that bolts up to factory mounting locations, and I’m not concerned with rock rails. My wheeling is predominantly up north. Mostly mud or trees. No rocks or canyons to speak of. But, if we move west to Montana...there’s more rocky area there than Minnesota. I guess it all depends on where you go.

How do you like the ride and handling?
We’re not building race cars here. So I can deal with having to be more careful with regards to corners and handling. I just don’t want to manufacture a death wobble into my truck.

 

[Holes]

I just don't want to be patching a bad suspension all the time. Done right once and done. Synergy says their 2 inch springs give a Rubicon a 2.25 lift. They are a 2 rate coils as many are. but the bottom coil is ground flat so there is no bow in the coil. Called Fox,,, their off the shelf shocks are linear/progressive valving. I don't like digressive valving, stiff.
I am putting off the lift for a while till I am sure I don't want 3.5 inch lift. I just don't want to get into pinion angle problems and need aftermarket driveshaft.
I really miss the free spin Yukon hub kit I put on my JK.

As an aside, I don’t think 2” or even 3.5” lifts present too much pinion/driveline angle problems. Yes they change a bit. But I think all will be fine if you aren’t constantly hot rod-ing the truck or being overly rough and aggressive.
Some want that ability. But I think if you take it cautious when wheeling it should be okay.
Just my $.02. ?

 

[Lunentucker]

If you have to get to the steering gearbox several times you'll want to order these.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VRS17JP (Style 23)

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