Old kid

hey folks. This is my first post here. I recently bought a 1997 Cherokee country 4x4. we put on a 3" trail master lift. My question is this, should the lower control arms be moved to the forward most positions or to the rear most position?

DExj1288

If im reading this right it sounds like you'tre talking about the side that mounts to the body. The front to back adjustment is for caster. You will need to have the caster checked after the lift is installed and adjust it to spec.

Old kid

This. Driver side

Old kid

Passenger side

Old kid

Thanks for replying DE. The above pics are what I'm asking about. To me the driver side is in a different position than the passenger side. Should arms be moved forward or to rear?

jedijeb

You would need to measure the caster angles and adjust accordingly. Lifts will normally cause the control arms to need to be a little longer. I think somewhere on here there is a list of the proper control arm lengths for each inch of lift. The difference is quite small so just moving all the way forward could easily be too far and cause bad caster angle and pinion angle problems.

DExj1288

Yeah, what i was thinking is correct. I would adjust them to the same position on both sides. Since they are both out of spec you're only option is basically just to set them up the same then have it aligned after the lift install is complete. Bad caster angle can cuase some vibrations and some pull in the steering so just be aware of that on your way to get it aligned.


To answer your question there is no clear cut answer as to whether to adjust them to the front or back. That will depend on which way the caster angle needs to go to get it within spec.

Old kid

Awesome. Thanks guys.

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

Whenever I installed lift kits that either had non adjustable arms or utilized the stock ones, I highly recommended installing cam bolts on the axle side mounts for the lower control arms. It's much easier to adjust these then play with the frame pockets. I also usually had to cut the damn bolts out of the lower control arms because they'd be seized in the bushings lol.

http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k100047

00t444e

I have the 3" Trailmaster and I just left the stock ones where they are with no problems. How would you adjust them there is just one bolt on each end that holds them on.

EatonXJ

The control arms are set in different positions to counteract the camber of the road.

DExj1288

There is an adjustment shoe inside the lower control arm pocket. The bolts on the back side of the bracket are used to draw the arm backward, or push the arm forward to adjust caster.

xj_bill

You raised the suspension, which moves the axle rearward in the vehicle, so you should adjust the control arms forward so the axle is centered fore-aft in the vehicle.

Doing this, however, will change the pinion angle to the drive shaft, so you "should" either use cam bolts or buy adjustable control arms so you can adjust the camber and thus the pinion angle.

I have a used set of adjustable arms they just need to be cleaned up and painted, but are mechanically in great shape...PM me if you're interested in saving some money from brand new.