Mopar LCA swap

[stumblinhorse]

Question: I’ve been thinking about getting the Clayton 392 Performance Coil Package to replace the stock XR springs. They claim the 392 XR will get 1/2” to 3/4” increase. Another member installed the springs and did mention it’s about 1-1/2” raise without winch. In this case, should I still go with this Mopar front LCAs? Or time to look into adjustable LCAs? I’ve been very careful about any suspension tweaks. And don’t plan on any further lift. Any insight is appreciated!

My take is this. The mopar 2” lift LCAs should have been on the stock 392. Anything taller will need even additional length. Adjustable LCAs are simple and allow for a truly dialed in set up. You can adjust side to side, you can dial back if pinion if needed to save your driveshaft. Whatever way you go, if you lift more than stock 392, you will need something. Brackets are easy and quick, but you will always wonder if adjustable LCAs would have made it better…. Also with so many choices for adjustable LCAs you get freer articulation and serviceable joints.

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[m3reno]

I have a stock Sport Altitude, would there be any benefits by me changing to longer LCA?

 

[ArmyRN]

I have a stock Sport Altitude, would there be any benefits by me changing to longer LCA?

Yes. Because you know you won't be able to leave well enough alone. Next you'll be wanting to add a 1" spacer front and rear "just to see how it looks". And then you'll want to upsize your tires now that you have a bit more fender clearance

That's how it starts.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

My take is this. The mopar 2” lift LCAs should have been on the stock 392. Anything taller will need even additional length. Adjustable LCAs are simple and allow for a truly dialed in set up. You can adjust side to side, you can dial back if pinion if needed to save your driveshaft. Whatever way you go, if you lift more than stock 392, you will need something. Brackets are easy and quick, but you will always wonder if adjustable LCAs would have made it better…. Also with so many choices for adjustable LCAs you get freer articulation and serviceable joints.

Thanks a lot for your insights!

 

[wranglerbro]

Thanks a lot for your insights!

FWIW, The extended Mopar LCAs are absolutely worth it in the near term given their low cost. I just installed them, along with some geometry correction brackets, and a 3” lift running 37s. I’m very happy with how the Jeep now tracks down the road and my caster greatly improved.

 

[BUSHRVN]

I have a stock Sport Altitude, would there be any benefits by me changing to longer LCA?

My Sahara High Altitude is stock and changing them made a very significant difference in handling, for the better of course. Do it, you won’t regret it.

 

[STW]

The Mopar lift LCAs made a very noticeable difference in my stock 2dr Rubicon on 33s. The tiny length difference made me skeptical so I was surprised how it slowed down steering and made turn initiation require more definite steering input.

I didn't have any problem with the stock JLR steering people complain about. Mine felt stable and tracked straight. It was sort of quick steering, maybe a little darty, but was so much better than my TJ steering that it was hard for me to find any fault. I'd done a 2000 mile road trip on the stock LCS before changing them, and that trip was mostly on freeway using 80mph. No complaints.

I only got the Mopar Lift LCAs because they were on sale, I needed to add something to justify shipping for another Mopar part, and because people were saying they were needed to calm the JLR steering.

I installed them when I installed 1/2" spacers in front (to correct for winch sag) since I'd have it all apart anyway.

On 33s I did not like the result at all. The slowed-down steering and extra turn initiation required was not an improvement for me, and I was considering switching back to stock LCAs.

But then for other reasons I decided to install 35" tires and that made all the difference: the combination of 35s and Mopar lift LCAs sped up the steering a little and made turn initiation lighter. As goldilocks would say, stock LCAs were a bit too quick steering for 33s and Mopar lift LCAs a bit to slow, but with 35s were just right.

Individual jeeps seem to have variation in how they steer, and then drivers have widely different preferences and expectations. So this goldilocks result may apply only to me and my JLR.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

Got the numbers today for my stock 392 XR, for anyone who’s interested. I’ll order the Mopar LCAs to have a better caster angle. Thanks for all the wisdom here. My rig drives very well from day one and a year later now. I’ll be looking forward to the better manner.

 

[Willys_Wonka]

I got a set of Mopar LCA’s going on once 35” tires are installed in the next two months. Already did a rubicon spring swap and plan to install 1” coil spacers to finish off the lift along with a Speedo recalibration to 35x11.5x17 tires. It seems these mopar LCA’s will be a good fit for my intended set up, but what about also upgrading to an adjustable track bar? Do I need it? Total lift after the springs and spacers will be about 2.25”.

 

[AdamG]

I got a set of Mopar LCA’s going on once 35” tires are installed in the next two months. Already did a rubicon spring swap and plan to install 1” coil spacers to finish off the lift along with a Speedo recalibration to 35x11.5x17 tires. It seems these mopar LCA’s will be a good fit for my intended set up, but what about also upgrading to an adjustable track bar? Do I need it? Total lift after the springs and spacers will be about 2.25”.

The short answer is maybe. The long answer is if after the lift you want to get one to center your axle, you order it, it’s at your house in 4 days, and on your Jeep in 30min and can be done in the driveway without any lift needed. Super easy install. And there’s no issue driving with an off-center axle for a little while.

 

[Willys_Wonka]

The short answer is maybe. The long answer is if after the lift you want to get one to center your axle, you order it, it’s at your house in 4 days, and on your Jeep in 30min and can be done in the driveway without any lift needed. Super easy install. And there’s no issue driving with an off-center axle for a little while.

I’ll probably default to my 4x4 shop, but any track bar recommendations? I’m also adding TF shock extenders.

 

[AdamG]

I’ll probably default to my 4x4 shop, but any track bar recommendations? I’m also adding TF shock extenders.

I bought the JKS because I haven’t heard any issues, the shop that did my regear said it absolutely wouldn’t interfere with the diff covers, and it was on sale.

 

[Jtphoto]

My take is this. The mopar 2” lift LCAs should have been on the stock 392. Anything taller will need even additional length. Adjustable LCAs are simple and allow for a truly dialed in set up. You can adjust side to side, you can dial back if pinion if needed to save your driveshaft. Whatever way you go, if you lift more than stock 392, you will need something. Brackets are easy and quick, but you will always wonder if adjustable LCAs would have made it better…. Also with so many choices for adjustable LCAs you get freer articulation and serviceable joints.

My experience is adjustable LCA are good for what they are designed for but cannot replace the geometry correction of brackets. Both together is an ideal set up.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

I’ll be doing the swap tomorrow. Two questions after I went through this thread:

1. When breaking loose the 4 bolts/nuts, should I use breaker bar and a socket on the bolt side or nut side?

2. when torquing to 190, should I torque the bolt side or nut side?

I will use a ratchet with another socket on the other side to hold the bolt or nut, I just don’t know which side. Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Jtphoto]

Doesn’t matter how you loosen or tighten The nuts but torque should be done on the nut preferably.

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