Rotating front Axle
Thread Starter
Old Skewl CF like a Sir
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 3
From: Fort Myers, FL
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output OBDII
Alright, I know what needs to be done, I just have run out of ideas on how to do it.
My front axle is pivoted forward, awesome drive line angle, but it's at the point the springs have a slight curve. I have full upper and lower adjustable control arms, but they kind of defy the purpose. I can set the lengths, but the axle has no way of getting to where I need them. Ive tried ratchet strapping, using a jack and stands, even ran a tow rope to the other Jeep and tried pivoting it.No luck.
I thought this was gonna be a quick fix, but it's really beaten me over the last couple months. Short of disconnecting the entire front suspension, I'm out of ideas.
Rustys adjustable upper & lowers, RC 4.5" springs, 2" coil spacers, RC trac bar.
Any ideas or insight is appreciated.
My front axle is pivoted forward, awesome drive line angle, but it's at the point the springs have a slight curve. I have full upper and lower adjustable control arms, but they kind of defy the purpose. I can set the lengths, but the axle has no way of getting to where I need them. Ive tried ratchet strapping, using a jack and stands, even ran a tow rope to the other Jeep and tried pivoting it.No luck.
I thought this was gonna be a quick fix, but it's really beaten me over the last couple months. Short of disconnecting the entire front suspension, I'm out of ideas.

Rustys adjustable upper & lowers, RC 4.5" springs, 2" coil spacers, RC trac bar.
Any ideas or insight is appreciated.
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,181
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From: meriden Ct
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Im confused. are your springs curved because the axle is not inline with the spring pocket? or is it actually rotated. mine have a curve but its because the arms are too short and the axle is to far back to be inline.
If you have adjustable arms just lengthen the lowers to rotate the pinion down. you can put a bottle jack under the steer arm to help rotate.
I have a feeling the axle is not where its supposed to be though. more than the rotation.
with that much lift the arms should be set pretty long. also let the axle droop some to take most of the spring preload out when trying to move it.
If you have adjustable arms just lengthen the lowers to rotate the pinion down. you can put a bottle jack under the steer arm to help rotate.
I have a feeling the axle is not where its supposed to be though. more than the rotation.
with that much lift the arms should be set pretty long. also let the axle droop some to take most of the spring preload out when trying to move it.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 575
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From: ohio
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 i 6
I dont know if i really understand what your saying but....Are you setting the lca for a 4.5" lift? If so you would have to lengthen them to account for the 2" spacers.the uppers might need a little also but I wouldn't mess with them if your trying to roll the axle back. Definatly will help by taking the weight off the axle to help place it where you want it.
Patrick use the supplied stock bottle jack to push the axle into place to line up. Does that make sense?
I used the stock jack to push my axle away when I extended my LCAs.
I used the stock jack to push my axle away when I extended my LCAs.
What does your caster angle measure? This is important cause it affests how your vehicle drives... Best way to rotate your axle like you are talking about is to remove your upper control arms adjust them for the proper length.. then use a bottle jack to get it to connect. hope that helps
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,135
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From: Gilbert AZ/Las Cruces NM
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 upgraded
Hate to say it, but you need to lengthen both the upper and lower arms.
I had to extend mine pretty far to get them where I needed to: (2" wheel base stretch)
I had to extend mine pretty far to get them where I needed to: (2" wheel base stretch)
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 15,581
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From: some small town oregon
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,181
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From: meriden Ct
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
the entire axle looks pretty far forward. even with the axle twisted up some it wont correct that, you need to shorten both upper and lower, and shorten uppers a little more than lowers.
Thread Starter
Old Skewl CF like a Sir
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 3
From: Fort Myers, FL
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output OBDII
Thanks for the insight!!!! I knew I was closr, just couldn't put my finger on which way to go. And Freegdr, thanks for the PM buddy.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
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From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
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