Caster angle help

[focofourxfour]

Hey all,
I’m about to install a 2.5” lift on my jeep this weekend and am looking for some help on correct caster angle when installing. I purchased some front lower control arms as well that are slightly longer than stock in order to match my lift. Will this alone give me a correct caster angle? Or will I need it to be adjusted? This is my first time installing suspension components on any vehicle and am looking for some wisdom before doing it. Any help and suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks

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[Roky]

Hey all,
I’m about to install a 2.5” lift on my jeep this weekend and am looking for some help on correct caster angle when installing. I purchased some front lower control arms as well that are slightly longer than stock in order to match my lift. Will this alone give me a correct caster angle? Or will I need it to be adjusted? This is my first time installing suspension components on any vehicle and am looking for some wisdom before doing it. Any help and suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks

Are you installing the Mopar lift, or something else ?

 

[rkwfxd]

Probably.

2021 Rubicon. Caster was 5* stock. I added the slightly (1/4") longer MOPAR LCAs from the MOPAR lift. Caster was at 7*. Then I installed a MC 2.5" GC lift with all adjustable arms.

In their instructions they recommend leaving the LCA at the factory length and shortening the UCA by 1/2". I set my new adjustable lowers to + 1/4" like I had with the MOPAR LCAs and then I shortened the UCAs 1/4". My theory was that rather than lean the front axle back, I'd like to just rotate it but keep the 1/2" total difference that MC recommends. So now my caster is 6*

My guess is that you will end up at 5* which is what my Rubi was bone stock.

 

[rkwfxd]

Also, get your hands on a 1/2" cordless impact driver. Those front LCA frame bolts are a BISH to get out.

 

[JEEP4U]

Utilizing stock axles....................A compromise between pinion angle and caster is needed.

 

[focofourxfour]

Are you installing the Mopar lift, or something else ?

2.5” Rubicon express which comes with coils, sway bar links, extended front lower control arms, and i am putting in fox performance shocks and an adjustable front track bar.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Utilizing stock axles....................A compromise between pinion angle and caster is needed.

Not at all on a lift less than 4". At 3.5" of lift I run 7⁰ of caster and the driveshaft is fine. In 2wd with the fad, the driveshaft doesn't even turn. Even in 4hi at 70mph in the dirt there's 0 driveshaft vibration.

 

[focofourxfour]

Utilizing stock axles....................A compromise between pinion angle and caster is needed.

explain in layman’s terms please. i’m no mechanic lol

 

[Roky]

2.5” Rubicon express which comes with coils, sway bar links, extended front lower control arms, and i am putting in fox performance shocks and an adjustable front track bar.

The lcas are fixed in that kit so it will depend on if you get the 2.5” of lift or more than advertised. You should just install it and check caster after. If you’re still low on caster, you can buy some adjustable uppers or lowers and dial in more caster.

If you get exactly the 2.5” and the control arms are at least 3/8” longer than stock (24”) then it should drive ok…..

Just make sure you measure the height before and after so you know how much lift you actually get…..with coils it’s rarely exact advertised height, to many variables…..

 

[jeepingib]

The problem with fixed control arms are that you are stuck with what you have. Stock Rubicons typically ship with only 5° of caster, and that is not nearly enough. Many of the fixed arm kits maintain that angle or increase it only slightly for their lift height. As caster relates to the stability, and ability to return to center, it is imperative that you have a proper setup.

Install your lift. Drive it for a few days. See how it feels. If it feels flighty, measure your caster. Then start shopping for adjustable control arms.

 

[focofourxfour]

The problem with fixed control arms are that you are stuck with what you have. Stock Rubicons typically ship with only 5° of caster, and that is not nearly enough. Many of the fixed arm kits maintain that angle or increase it only slightly for their lift height. As caster relates to the stability, and ability to return to center, it is imperative that you have a proper setup.

Install your lift. Drive it for a few days. See how it feels. If it feels flighty, measure your caster. Then start shopping for adjustable control arms.

yeah I was originally going to get adjustable arms but from what I had read the fixed arms with the extended length would be fine, but of course i could be getting more lift. I just got the fixed ones because it was a pretty great package deal. What caster angle should I be looking to get after install and adjustment?

 

[jeepingib]

yeah I was originally going to get adjustable arms but from what I had read the fixed arms with the extended length would be fine, but of course i could be getting more lift. I just got the fixed ones because it was a pretty great package deal. What caster angle should I be looking to get after install and adjustment?

I would like to see high sixes. 7 is still quite acceptable. Below 6.5 is too low.

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