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Big driving improvement after LCA swap

Warz2k4

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I have a 2020 Sahara with Gladiator Rubicon Fox shocks.

Stock Sahara springs and Rubicon wheels/tires (285,75,17)

Would I benefit from swapping to Mopar LCA's for better handling at highway speeds? (TSB completed)
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rickinAZ

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I have a 2020 Sahara with Gladiator Rubicon Fox shocks.

Stock Sahara springs and Rubicon wheels/tires (285,75,17)

Would I benefit from swapping to Mopar LCA's for better handling at highway speeds? (TSB completed)
Maybe.

The Sport/Sahara/Rubicon all have the same 24.0" long front LCAs, but the Rubicon is taller, from the factory, so its caster is compromised. Using Rubicon shocks may create a similar disparity for you. Download a free angle finder for your phone and measure to check. There are instructions on how to measure on this forum.
 

18BlackJLRU

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I got my LCA replaced with the 68322798AA on my stock Rubicon this morning, my caster went from 4.81/4.93 to 6.07/6.30.

With the new steel steering box and the longer LCA, it almost handles like a regular car… I’m happy !

Since the front LCA hole/bolt/frame had some play, we did a full front end alignment.

I was surprised that the technician’s computer had different torque specifications. In lieu of the 190 ft-lb as stated in the Mopar 2” Lift Kit instructions, he had something like 103 ft-lb plus 145 degrees, it was the first time that I saw such specs. His torque wrench also had the settings for the ft-lb and the degrees. So he had one beat when he reached the correct ft-lb and another one when he reached 145 degrees after the 1st beep.

Here’s some pictures showing the difference in length between the old and the new LCA:

Jeep Wrangler JL Big driving improvement after LCA swap BB84A247-CD85-4283-AC94-30D83500DEE0


Jeep Wrangler JL Big driving improvement after LCA swap 55A02DC6-9054-4744-ACA7-E5D2396811A4
 
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wandrur

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I just did this swap this morning. While I haven't test driven, I gained anywhere from 1-2.5° judging from a bubble level on my phone (1°) or the magnetic angle finder set against the flat spot on the driver side of the pumpkin (2.5°). According to the angle finder, it's at a perfect 90 now, which means I should have 6° of caster.

Test drive imminent.
 

BigBruse

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I just did this swap this morning. While I haven't test driven, I gained anywhere from 1-2.5° judging from a bubble level on my phone (1°) or the magnetic angle finder set against the flat spot on the driver side of the pumpkin (2.5°). According to the angle finder, it's at a perfect 90 now, which means I should have 6° of caster.

Test drive imminent.
Awesome do you have the link you got the. From?
 

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zrickety

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10 days at the dealer - 2021 JLURD.

2 alignments done on my own (unbeknownst to me the Jeep had such a cancer)

no dead spot but a pretty annoying right pull

pictures of me driving a straight line having to apply pressure to the left to keep it straight

READ the dealer tech comments. My blood has been boiling since.

case escalate to Jeep wave case manager - comments back are “according to the dealer vehicle as per specs, drives normal”

First wrangler for me. Regretting my 66K MSRP vehicle.

@JeepCares has been responsive here on the forum but so far based on what I read and feedback from dealer - I’m on my own to fix an engineering flaw.

hundreds of comments of drivers with same issue resorting to upgraded steering stabilizer shock, mopar LCA’s from the 2” mopar lift kit.

frustrating.

and read again the tech comments. It’s pathetic. “Vehicle not meant to drive straight the whole time “

0D3A102C-B78B-4413-8227-7BD4E5686B1B.jpeg


E44D319D-8E89-49F5-8EAB-76D2D6D0C99B.jpeg


5D79A9E0-15F2-488A-B1B2-7A1C9D9EF0E1.jpeg


1EECCFC0-F8CF-41A7-9503-80DBB0E9313F.jpeg


A5B87B69-BB9B-45DB-B7AB-91354F6E69A5.jpeg
I know I'm late to reply, but you can easily correct this by adjusting the drag link with hand tools. I used a paint pen to mark where everything was, then made small adjustments and tightened fasteners back to the markings. Does not affect alignment but will correct your steering wheel.
There are great videos that show this on youtube.
I think there is some preload we must overcome with the Chinese steering boxes.
Hope this helps.
 

Gripster

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I installed the longer Mopar LCA over the weekend and after driving today on the freeway for 70 miles, I can say the Jeep drives great now. I dont think it is just in my head either. Wife will be happy.
 

wandrur

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After a few days of commuting, I can say the Jeep tracks straight better than it did. But the thing still dances at bumps and wanders at curves, so the next thing will be to install the Synergy brace.

This is so frustrating.
 

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ELJeffe77

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So is this installation something that can be done at home fairly easily by somebody with not much mechanical experience?

edit: coming from an Audi Q5, JLU delivery is next week. Looking forward to getting myself and the Jeep dirty
 
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dapipp

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Yep, as long as you have a torque wrench and some muscle.
 

Kraty1

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Yep, as long as you have a torque wrench and some muscle.
that might be the understatement of the century, although I guess you’re right since I did get it done without an impact. Those bolts are no joke!
 

thecritter

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Does anyone recall the socket/wrench sizes needed?
 

ELJeffe77

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Yep, as long as you have a torque wrench and some muscle.
Awesome. Thanks. Just didn’t want to have to adjust it after it’s installed. Thanks 🙏
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