Hello Group experts,
It was time to address the suspension components on my 1999 Cherokee Limited 4WD. My goal was to lift moderately by about 1.75" and replace all major components with those which I researched to add up to roughly the desired lift height. The Jeep sits on ProComp wheels, which are wider (backspacing) than stock with original tire sizes.
I started with the rear suspension installing the following: shocks (Bilstein), leaf springs HD (Crown), shackles (Tomkin), extended bump stops (Daystar).
Continuing with the front: shocks (Bilstein), coil springs (Synergy), track bar adjustable (Rough Country), extended bump stops (Daystar). For both upper and lower control arms I invested in double adjustable aluminium arms by Metalcloak.
During installation I noticed brake lines corrosion, and I eventually

replaced them with stainless steel extended ones (Rough Country).

Selecting double adjustable control arms seems to be a good choice because it made it less painful to install all parts and get axle and wheels somehow aligned. But this leads to my question. I measured the length of the stock control arms from eye to eye to have a reference. However, by lifting the body, shouldn't the length be slightly longer than the original/stock length? How do I figure out the correct length for the control arms to not mess up the geometry of the Jeep?
Any advise is highly appreciated.
Thank you.
JB

 

The lower control arms will generally set where your tire sits in the wheel well. Set them to whatever you would like...there is no real calculation. At a generally stock height, centering the tire is good. If you're lifted quite a bit...centering them at ride height won't let your tire be centered at full stuff/flex, so you may want to pull the tire back in the well a bit.

The upper control arm will then be adjusted to set your caster angle. It can move your wheel a bit...but only marginally.

After that...then you need a professional alignment done. They will use the mounting points to do a final adjustment to make sure your angles are perfect.

 

Thank you for your comments! I conclude that keeping the length of the lower control arm to stock length will move the wheel slightly closer to the cabin if the Jeep is lifted (ride height), which shortens the wheelbase. I may just add a little bit to the length of the lower control (to center in the wheel well as you mention) arm and then think about the caster angle.

 

Like stated, a professional alignment is the correct answer here. Take it to a true 4 wheel drive shop and they'll do a proper front end alignment with respect to the rear, meaning they will adjust the track bar to ensure your front axle is centered perfectly and will also adjust your tie rod and drag link to bring your toe angle back to where its supposed to be as well as setting your wheelbase and castor/pinion angle with the control arm adjustments.

Most people wouldn't bother for just 1.75" of lift but seems like you're looking to do this proper and get everything dialed in. No sense in putting the nice parts on if they're not setup just right.