Adjustable control arms after a lift

[Rooster71]

I installed a 4" lift a while ago that came with a pair of front and rear fixed control arms. I want to put all adjustable arms on it. Any tips on figuring out the measurements? Any good places to take measurements from to keep the axle centered front to back in the wheel wells? What is the ideal pinion angle? I read somewhere that either the uppers or lowers are used to set the angle, but I can not remember which. Just looking for some tips before I just try to wing it.

Sponsored

 

[Stan H]

I installed a 4" lift a while ago that came with a pair of front and rear fixed control arms. I want to put all adjustable arms on it. Any tips on figuring out the measurements? Any good places to take measurements from to keep the axle centered front to back in the wheel wells? What is the ideal pinion angle? I read somewhere that either the uppers or lowers are used to set the angle, but I can not remember which. Just looking for some tips before I just try to wing it.

Do you know the Caster angle that the arms you currently have are giving you ? Is it 5°or 5.5° or what ?
Mine before lift was 4.5 and I adjusted them equally to give me 5.4° caster
Go to Harbor Freight buy what ypu see in the picture. Zerobit on a completely level surface . ( check this by using a carpenters level) then place the magnetic side on the axle on top of the pinion this will give you your caster angle .
Usually between 5-6° is a sweet spot . I have seen some guys with a little more but they was lifted 6"

 

[Stan H]

Now that you have bought adjustables. Measure center of bolt hole to center of bolt hole and match the adjustable to that same exact length. If more angle is desired follow above instruction.

 

[Rooster71]

Thanks a lot. That looks fairly easy. I was expecting it to be a pain.

 

[In3briatedPanda]

Thanks a lot. That looks fairly easy. I was expecting it to be a pain.

it is a pain depending on your control arms. I have to take mine off and to adjust and reinstall, then check alignment again.

Is it hard? No. a PITA and tedious to me? Yes.

I went 6.0 (ish) degrees caster on a mc 3.5 inch lift.

edit; dont listen to me. i have dw and cant figure it out.

 

[Walldo]

Most manufactures will give you a starting measurement in their install instructions. Then you can dial in your caster angle after that.

 

[Stan H]

Most manufactures will give you a starting measurement in their install instructions. Then you can dial in your caster angle after that.

Thstvis correct I do believe Teraflex offered some measurements.

 

[Stan H]

Oh, the way to know you have them the same is to screw them all the way in and then screw each one out the same amount of turns . You can count the threads sticking out also. But count in one complete turn 360° and half 180° then measure both they will generally be center of hole to center of hole exact.
If the arms you have chosen have Johnny joints . Lay them on a table on their side this will center the Johnny joint for a correct measurement .

Sponsored