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Adjustable Control Arm Set-Up

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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 07:01 PM
  #1  
syndrome_34's Avatar
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From: Fargo, ND
Year: 1999
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Default Adjustable Control Arm Set-Up

I am tackling my first lift on a Cherokee and it has gone pretty smooth so far. Other than breaking a rear lower shock mount and the track bar bolt, I am well on my way. Here's my question:

How do I go about properly setting up the control arms? I have adjustable uppers and lowers, but I am not sure what length to make them.

Is it as simple as centering the axle in the fenderwell and the proper pinion angle?

What is the correct pinion angle for a stock front driveshaft?

Are there any other settings or adjustments I need to be aware of?

Thanks for the help guys!
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 07:10 PM
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my direction gave me measure ment to get started with then a good aligment shopo will fine tune
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 07:29 PM
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The company that sold you the lift should be able to tell you the correct measurements. Keep in mind though the axle will not be centered in the wheelwell opening, it will be closer to the rear. This is becasue as the suspension cycles the axle will move forward (because the pivot point is behind the wheels).

Pinon angle should be kept the same as it was factory- pointed at the t-case.

How tall of a lift is it, and who's brand?
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 07:50 PM
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That makes complete sense concerning the centering of the front axle. It is Rusty's 3" Lift.
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 07:54 PM
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mine also is rutys call them thell give you the measure ments
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 07:57 PM
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I'll definately give them a call tomorrow. Will an alignment shop actually remove the control arms and fine tune the adjustments when they are doing an alignment or should I look for more of a 4x4 shop to do the alignment?
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by syndrome_34
I'll definately give them a call tomorrow. Will an alignment shop actually remove the control arms and fine tune the adjustments when they are doing an alignment or should I look for more of a 4x4 shop to do the alignment?
4x4 shop would be bettrer
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 08:29 PM
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Shoot...I thought you would say that. Now I have to find a 4x4 shop near me...
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 08:36 PM
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From: Greensboro, NC
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most alignment shops are D-b@gs when it comes to removing control arms to adjust them.
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Old Nov 30, 2010 | 08:52 PM
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http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/..._Arm_Chart.htm

you can try this one. I would suggest going to the next .5" higher than your lift. for short arms.

Last edited by ceejay612; Dec 1, 2010 at 09:17 PM.
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Old Nov 30, 2011 | 12:09 PM
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So i have a question. May come sounding like i dont know anything.. But so i set my front end up with my adjestable link arms. And im woundering if i can simply make my upper arms longer so my pinion angle is less, because after i added a spacer to level out my jeep front after adding my built bumper i have drive line vibs for about the first 4-6 miles.. Its about the same exact height as when i did the lift before the bumper. But now i have vibs. Should i just extend the uppers to the pinion is pointed towards the tc? Right now i would say its slightly above level to the ground.

Any imput would be cool. Thx.

If i dont hear back by the time im out of school and off work im going to just try extending them and see what happens.
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Old Nov 30, 2011 | 12:42 PM
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Ya you can do that. You want the length to be such that the lower spring buckets are aligned properly with the uppers and the castor is correct. That will take care of the issues. Castor varies with lift height. Play around with the uppers and lowers till you get the position and the castor correct.
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