Longer LCAs worth it?

[JJ_WA]

When I ordered my Willys XR in December '22, I read a lot about getting the longer LCAs and the improved handling of the Jeep, so ordered a pair. After nearly 5,000 miles I haven't felt a compelling need to put them on. The Jeep's been handling fine at both low and high speeds, and the very minimal off-roading we did at Yellowstone. Even She who must be obeyed likes the handling when she drives it.

For those who have made the switch, have you felt it to be worthwhile? They've been sitting in my garage, gathering dust.

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[DewHawk]

When I ordered my Willys XR in December '22, I read a lot about getting the longer LCAs and the improved handling of the Jeep, so ordered a pair. After nearly 5,000 miles I haven't felt a compelling need to put them on. The Jeep's been handling fine at both low and high speeds, and the very minimal off-roading we did at Yellowstone. Even She who must be obeyed likes the handling when she drives it.

For those who have made the switch, have you felt it to be worthwhile? They've been sitting in my garage, gathering dust.

My last 4xe Rubicon I installed the mopar lift LCA’s as a test to see if I’d notice a difference. Mind you I threw on AEV’s spacer lift and 37’s too. I didn’t notice a difference positive or negative but on stock height and tires I can imagine the highway stability being marginally improved. It definitely can’t hurt to try them. ?‍

 

[JJ_WA]

Thanks, @DewHawk. My XR has the factory (slight) lift and 35's. I might do the swap in the Spring.

 

[The Fixer]

Here's my experiences with the Mopar longer LCAs. My son and I installed 4-door Rubi takeoff springs (60/61 and 90/91) and shocks on my 2-door JL along with 33's. I drove it for a couple years that way, then added the Mopar LCAs last summer. They helped reduce the amount of steering input and twitchiness out of the frontend at highway speeds, but I think that's probably more related to the short wheelbase.

I only say that because my son's JLUR has the same springs and it doesn't feel twitchy at highway speeds. And my wife's JLU now has Rubi takeoff springs as well (59/60 and 90/91) and it drives the same as it did before.

I know the extra caster won't hurt it, but is it really necessary? Seems like it might make more of a noticeable difference with a lifted 2-door.

 

[At Risk Ute]

I noticed a positive difference on my two XRs. More planted in turns and bumps like expansion joints. Surprisingly easy install.

Would love to know how much Jeep saved not putting them on at the factory.

 

[Plumbean]

My JLUXR wandered a bit at highway speed before I swapped them out for the longer LCAs from the Mopar lift. I've been happy I did it.

 

[At Risk Ute]

Here's my experiences with the Mopar longer LCAs. My son and I installed 4-door Rubi takeoff springs (60/61 and 90/91) and shocks on my 2-door JL along with 33's. I drove it for a couple years that way, then added the Mopar LCAs last summer. They helped reduce the amount of steering input and twitchiness out of the frontend at highway speeds, but I think that's probably more related to the short wheelbase.

I only say that because my son's JLUR has the same springs and it doesn't feel twitchy at highway speeds. And my wife's JLU now has Rubi takeoff springs as well (59/60 and 90/91) and it drives the same as it did before.

I know the extra caster won't hurt it, but is it really necessary? Seems like it might make more of a noticeable difference with a lifted 2-door.

Perfect description! Less twitchy with the longer ones.

 

[Roky]

When I ordered my Willys XR in December '22, I read a lot about getting the longer LCAs and the improved handling of the Jeep, so ordered a pair. After nearly 5,000 miles I haven't felt a compelling need to put them on. The Jeep's been handling fine at both low and high speeds, and the very minimal off-roading we did at Yellowstone. Even She who must be obeyed likes the handling when she drives it.

For those who have made the switch, have you felt it to be worthwhile? They've been sitting in my garage, gathering dust.

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it…… but as good as it feels now, it will still improve with the lcas….

 

[The Fixer]

I noticed a positive difference on my two XRs. More planted in turns and bumps like expansion joints. Surprisingly easy install.

Would love to know how much Jeep saved not putting them on at the factory.

Good point, the XR does have even taller springs than a Rubi so the caster has to be pretty low from the factory. If an XR is almost as tall as a Mopar-lifted JLU they should put those LCA's in from the factory.

 

[jmr]

I put them on my '22 Willy 2 door and they did help the wandering at highway speeds. I've ordered the Mopar LCA for my '24 JLUR even though it drives better than the 2dr Willy did.

 

[hoag4147]

When I ordered my Willys XR in December '22, I read a lot about getting the longer LCAs and the improved handling of the Jeep, so ordered a pair. After nearly 5,000 miles I haven't felt a compelling need to put them on. The Jeep's been handling fine at both low and high speeds, and the very minimal off-roading we did at Yellowstone. Even She who must be obeyed likes the handling when she drives it.

For those who have made the switch, have you felt it to be worthwhile? They've been sitting in my garage, gathering dust.

JJ- just wait and put adjustable LCAs on when you go higher for the 37s you will be putting on soon ?

 

[JJ_WA]

JJ- just wait and put adjustable LCAs on when you go higher for the 37s you will be putting on soon ?

With my accountant (She who must be obeyed) keeping a close eye on expenditures for the Willys, I'll have to run the 35s down to the nubs before I can talk about upgrading the tires. That, and she is somewhat vertically challenged, so although she's limber and lithe, it's a bit of a climb into the Jeep~

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

My XR drove very good before the Mopar LCAs swap, both local and highway speed. I was just looking for small projects. Honestly it feels a bit better, I still have a slight pull doesn’t bother me. Tracks a bit better. To me it’s not too obvious or that much of a difference. No regrets anyway. You can tell the caster angle difference. If you don’t consider additional lift, the factory LCAs are fine as long as it tracks well to your liking. If you will go taller, adjustable LCAs may be the way to go.

 

[TheBirdie72]

Rubi suspension on two door sport with 33’s here. I sprung for the adjustable LCA’s and had them dial castor in at 6.5. It was a noticeable improvement in handling. Much less highway wandering & steering correction. And good to go if I go higher/bigger down the road.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Thanks, @DewHawk. My XR has the factory (slight) lift and 35's. I might do the swap in the Spring.

The LCA were a significant improvement on my 2 door, much less wandering and easier to drive. It makes sense that your longer wheelbase is more stable, but you won't regret doing them.

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