Question and comparison OEM 2" v. Quadratec 2.5" lift

[TheDerb]

I'm looking at the Quadratec "Maximum Duty 2.5" Coil Spring Suspension kit found here:

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...uspension-lift-kit-gladiator-jt/rubicon-nitro

This kit seems to have everything that the Mopar OEM 2" lift has with the exception of including 2 front lower control arms (which I believe I have found (link below) for $35.00 per, so $70 for the set. ). I understand that the fox shocks in the OEM kit are undoubtedly going to be better, but I am going to take a gamble that says that if you don't include the difference in shock quality, these are 2 very similar kits, and the difference in price is around $1200. I am more than happy to upgrade my shocks later, but as with anything, I don't want to just throw money away, and I am going to get reservoir shocks one day, so no need to spend on a kit like the OEM where I'm going to be getting rid of those shocks anyways.

Can anyone explain why the lower control arms are included in the OEM lift kit but aren't included in this kit (or any other 2.5" sub $1500 kit that also comes with shocks)? And if I would be hurting anything to just buy 2 of these control arms and install them alongside the Quadratec kit?


https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/68322798aa.html

Thanks!

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[whysoserious]

The control arms you spec'd are bone stock replacements. The control arms in the Mopar kit are longer than stock. They adjust for the decrease in caster you will experience stuffing taller springs in your Rubi. With 2.5" of lift, you'll likely want/need longer or adjustable LCA's to correct caster.

 

[TheDerb]

The control arms you spec'd are bone stock replacements. The control arms in the Mopar kit are longer than stock. They adjust for the decrease in caster you will experience stuffing taller springs in your Rubi. With 2.5" of lift, you'll likely want/need longer or adjustable LCA's to correct caster.

The control arms I linked are the ones included in the lift kit. So, will they work?

 

[whysoserious]

I missed that they were the longer LCA's (dang fine print!). They do appear to cross reference to the Mopar kit. So, yes they "should" work the extra 0.5" of lift. That's all predicated on the lift being an actual 2.5".

But I would just be worried about ride quality with the spring/shock combo. That being said, ride quality can be very subjective.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

The reason front control arms are not included with the Quadratec kit is to keep the cost down.

There are quite a few 2.5" kits under $2,500 that include front control arms. Here are a few examples:

https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/jeep-gladiator-25-ride-right-lift-kit-2020-jt-1

https://rockkrawler.com/3-0-adventure-mid-arm-system/

https://metalcloak.com/jeep-jt-gladiator-2-5-true-dual-rate-lift-kit.html

https://www.rustysoffroad.com/colle...tems/products/rustys-jt-gladiator-2-basic-kit

https://evomfg.com/products/jeep-gl...ubicon-mojave-lift-kit?variant=42156081610990

 

[TheDerb]

The reason front control arms are not included with the Quadratec kit is to keep the cost down.

There are quite a few 2.5" kits under $2,500 that include front control arms. Here are a few examples:

I understand this, I was being a Little facetious. I edited my post to say "any other kit that is sub $1500 that also comes with shocks". I was simply saying that most 2.5" kits on the lower pricing end don't come with the LCA's. It appears the answer, as you said, is cost. Which is very strange to me considering the OEM lift kit LCA's are 2/$70. I just feel like raising the price a bit would be worth it at that point.

My question still stands though, and that is "am I going to hurt anything by using the OEM longer LCA's found in the OEM lift kit?"

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I understand this, I was being a Little facetious. I edited my post to say "any other kit that is sub $1500 that also comes with shocks". I was simply saying that most 2.5" kits on the lower pricing end don't come with the LCA's. It appears the answer, as you said, is cost. Which is very strange to me considering the OEM lift kit LCA's are 2/$70. I just feel like raising the price a bit would be worth it at that point.

My question still stands though, and that is "am I going to hurt anything by using the OEM longer LCA's found in the OEM lift kit?"

No harm using Mopar control arms with the Quadratec 2.5" kit.

The Mopar arms are quite a bit cheaper than aftermarket arms. Even bigger price difference when comparing to adjustable arms like most of the nicer kits come with.

I agree it's worth raising the price to include what I consider are necessary parts. But some others prefer to save money on the "kit" and there are many reasons for this. Don't care about caster, buying parts as funds allow and will buy arms later, buying cheaper coils and pairing with nicer arms, etc.

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