huntrrrrr

Hi,
(wasn't sure if I should post this in the lift thread or not. Feel free to point me in the right direction!)

So I've had a rubicon express 4.5 super flex kit installed on my xj for a few months and recently started wondering if my axle is sitting to far back... I will post pictures in the morning of its position.

When I installed it I got it aligned at ORW and they never mentioned anything but to me it seems like the tire is set to far back in the wheel well. The coils seem bent and the top of bump stops (the part at the top of the coil) rubs the coil springs. More so on one side than the other......

Im wondering if anyone else has had issues with the rubicon express short arm kit sitting to far back? the uppers are adjustable but I dont see any way of adjusting the lowers to push the axle forward. Any suggestions? Could it just be a bad alignment??

SteveMongr

That is the nature of a tall lift on short arms. And as suspension droops, the axle will continue on its rearward arc.
The arms of your current setup are too short. Use the lower adjustable arms to set wheelbase (center wheel in wheelwell), use adjustable uppers to set caster/pinion angle.
Drop brackets would greatly improve the ride if you are keeping short arms.

huntrrrrr

So would it be worth it to get the drop brackets? My lower arms aren't adjustable either so I'd have to get new ones. At that point should I just go to long arms....?

Fred/N0AZZ

Like Steve said you need Adj. U/LCA's to do it right or better yet as you suggested long arms.

Battle

Did you buy the kit new? Those control arms are way too short and Rubicon Express are usually better than that.

huntrrrrr

Yeah I'm actually pretty annoyed now. I bought the kit back in December so I doubt there's anything I can do about it now.....
Are they supposed to be longer?

Cane

the best way to know is to ask them first, then compare to the length of yours, and judge then.

im throwing a random number, but let's say they tell you it's supposed to be 25" and yours are 20", I'm pretty sure they will replace them. if it's the right length though, then there's nothing you can do about it, other than to spend on new arms.

i know RE are known to have higher lifts than advertised, so i'd also check what total lift it gave you. if 4.5" ended up being 5.5, then you don't have to look further, you'll have to let it settle and judge then. if you don't wanna wait, like it was said, sell these ones and get adjustable or go long arm

andrewmp6

Drop brackets and maybe adjustable control arms but i would think hard about a long arm kit tho.

huntrrrrr

Okay so does anyone have recommendations on long arms? Guess it's time to start doing research on long arms...

caged

did you buy the kit new? because my R.E. 5.5 inch kit came with fixed control arms at stock length but uses the drop brackets. perfect combination for that length control arm.

if you bought it used, maybe the guy kept the drop brackets or sold them separately to someone else.

as for long arms. there are plenty out there to choose from. for the most part, you can't go wrong with either, but... there are some out there that thought they could reinvent the wheel. stay away from those ones, they lack the strength in the mounting points or they hang too low.

i like clayton or staangsfab but others such as rock krawler and BDS seem to be ok too.

Fred/N0AZZ

Here is a pic of mine with 4 1/2" lift adj. u/lca's short arm but centered in wheel well this is a 33" tire here.

andrewmp6

If money is no problem i would use https://www.tntcustoms.com/jeep_part...ng_arm_upgrade or https://www.claytonoffroad.com/ and you 3 links now http://www.bleeoffroad.com/ http://cavfab.com/

SteveMongr

^ Excellent observation.
The CAD (control arm drop) will relocate the axle to proper position, the mounting location for control arms are forward of stock locations. And the arms will be horizontal to ground, further increasing their reach and improving overall performance. Cost about $225.

huntrrrrr

I bought them new so it would have been 4wheel parts that kept them wouldnt be the first time lol.

Oh well. I'll start thinking about long arms after I do my rear axle swap. Just sucks to have paid so much for a new lift kit to replace it a few months later.

SteveMongr

Depending on the current caster angle (alignment), you may be able to use factory shims and caster adjusters to move lower arms forward.