Anyone else running this lift set up? Contracted a new jeep... It's a 6.5 RC lift with the 2 inch spacers up front to correct the sag from the bumper and winch. Its a straight trail rig. When I got it, control arms were max exteded. By max extened... I mean like half an inch of threads in the lower control arms. Pulled everything off. Adjusted the lowers to 18 inches. Uppers are at 17.75. Pinion angle is nicely at 89°. Castor is nicely at 6° but I'm going to have issues with clearance turning, full lock. Going to dig into from bumper, on up travel. If I move the axle back, I'm going to tear brake lines. (i know, move the connection point up, I'm getting there) If anyone else is running this set up, please let me.know your control arm lengths. Or any input really would be appriciated. I'm thinking, lose the spacers. But I'd like for it to sit level. And for whomever is going to say, just long arm it, it's not in the budget right now...

 

6* positive? or negative? I had a lot of trouble getting the right caster with short arms. definitely ditch the spacers and start saving for LA's.

 

Your arms are set way to long for 6.5 lift did you do that on purpose ?

 

Someone had already welded on new lca brackets.more towards the knuckle than stock. All the sizing charts I found were the same, for 7 inch lift, 17 3/8 low, 15.75 up. And for 8 inches, 17.75 low and 16 up. So I figured for a technical 8.5 inches of lift, plus the mounts being approx 3/4 to an inch further out, an even 18 on the lowers. Ive never really dealt with setting the axle like this before. So I don't know as far as positive and negative on the castor. But I was also told for a straight wheeler, pinion angle is more important. So the pinion is set exactly zero degrees, plus or minus one. Think just shorten them both? Lose the spacers, control arm drop brackets...? I hear good and bad... This set up has to work this year, and by next weekend. Decided were going to take mom to Southington for mothers day haha

 

Thought you were 6.5 total ...opps

 

Uppers should be shorter id say which will rool axle back some maybe helping with clearence issue. Cad brackets will help greatly only issue then will arms be short enought .

 

No... Supposedly a 6.5 lift, with 2 inch spacer up front. So rear 6.5, front 8.5. Numbers match measureing from axle tube to frame. Match as in those are the lift numbers, that's where it does sit. The guy I got it from added the spacers to accommodate for the sag from the winch and bumper weight I guess. So do you still think.it's too long, also adding in that he moved the brackets on the exle outwards about .75 of an inch?

 

I think uppers are to long yes .

 

Are you coils bent slightly like these are ?

 

If I shorten the uppers, the pinion angle gets goofey and it's going to eat u-joints. Right now, pinion angle is like 89°. Close enough to perfect for me. As far as the coils go. They are not even close to that. My other jeep does though, awful. My own faults though. Anyhow.. that picture could bring up more questions ha, crossover like that....? I was thinking the JCR kit. Different jeep though... Gotta get this one figured out first. And also, quick side note.. I was told to stay away from hiem joint steering... Eh? Whoops forgot, focus focus!

 

Should be no bend in springs is my point have you reffered to this chart for angles ? 8.5 lifts about 85 degrees not 89 . Im at 84 no u joint issue over 4 years .........http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAlignment.htm

 

As for steering Im running ORO a little costly but not many steering systems bolt right on for tall lifts .

 

Think I'll try shortening the uppers. It amazes me how much a half an inch of adjustment makes. I'll jack it up and tear it all apart again tomorrow. Reset it, flex it around and get back to you. Thanks for the help man

 

Its easier to do arms not jacked up then theres no tension to deal with. Using jack to piviot housing from under steering joints.

 

Pics of this 89* pinion angle. That is pointing straight up lol.