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WJ control arms swap questions


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So I had 265/75-15 tires on 15x7 Cherokee wheel, and they would rub the LCAs on full lock. I now have my new 31x10.5 on 15x8 Ravines, and it still rubs. The truck came with what looks like a RC 3" lift because it had silver shocks and springs, and tubular lower arms like in the photo. The uppers are stock. When I got it aligned, the guy told me I had too much caster (didn't say positive or negative) and said that at least it will track better at highway speeds. Well, I don't do highways because the steering is somewhat numb on center and I constantly have to correct. All joints and moving parts are either new or top shape. So I decided to order WJ LCAs to solve the rubbing issue, started doing research on different forums, and seemed simple enough. The WJ UCAs is where it gets blurry; some people say they hit before full droop, others say no problems. Some say it works fine in a MJ, but not an XJ, and finally that it works fine with stock up to 2" kift, but not on 3" or over. Can somebody shed light on the subject? Also, people said it helped correct caster on lifted vehicles; anybody have real numbers to share? Thanks!!!!

84-02_xj_3in_add-a-leafs_fixed_arms_-_670xn2.jpg

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WJ arms are the same length eye-to-eye as stock MJ arms, so the same lift guidelines would fit: 0-2".

 

it is possible that they will hit some bracketry because they are beefier than stock.  I simple trimmed a little here and there to get max droop.  is it necessary?  nope.  it'll be just fine without trimming because I don't think this level of droop generally happens offroading.  I did this all in the garage making guesses.  :L:  never did get to test the truck out. :(  

 

here are some shots of the little bits I trimmed off the ends and the locations of where they were touching. 

 

 

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192125872.jpg

192125883.jpg

192125877.jpg

192127069.jpg

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you should measure your truck to confirm what you have in the way of lift.  the factory procedure is in the link in my signature. :L:  at 3" the uppers are very close to their max.  as more lift occurs they can pull the upper part of the axle rearward and you'd gain caster angle.

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3 hours ago, Pete M said:

WJ arms are the same length eye-to-eye as stock MJ arms, so the same lift guidelines would fit: 0-2".

 

it is possible that they will hit some bracketry because they are beefier than stock.  I simple trimmed a little here and there to get max droop.  is it necessary?  nope.  it'll be just fine without trimming because I don't think this level of droop generally happens offroading.  I did this all in the garage making guesses.  :L:  never did get to test the truck out. :(  

 

here are some shots of the little bits I trimmed off the ends and the locations of where they were touching. 

 

 

192125869.jpg192125890.jpg

192125872.jpg

192125883.jpg

192125877.jpg

192127069.jpg

Are they really the same lenght eye to eye? Some people said the uppers where like .25" shorter IIRC, helping them correct caster? Also, does that mean that the lift VS control arms length chart only apply to aftermarket adjustable arms?

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I've got no experience with the WJ uppers.  :dunno:

 

as lift goes up, you want the arms to get longer.  both upper and lower, but not necessarily at the same rates. 

 

how much lift do you have?

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35 minutes ago, Pete M said:

I've got no experience with the WJ uppers.  :dunno:

 

as lift goes up, you want the arms to get longer.  both upper and lower, but not necessarily at the same rates. 

 

how much lift do you have?

Just came back from measuring, I'm pretty much at 10" even from the top of the axle tube to the frame rail. The stock UCAs are at 15", and seem halfway through their travel at the body-side mount as the truck sits. The aftermarket LCAs measure in at 16.25".

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how much adjustment is left in the factory spot? (it scoots the lower control arm rear hole forward/backward)

 

you can also adjust the steering stops by undoing the screw and putting a washer behind it. :L: 

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On 6/26/2021 at 8:12 PM, Pete M said:

how much adjustment is left in the factory spot? (it scoots the lower control arm rear hole forward/backward)

 

you can also adjust the steering stops by undoing the screw and putting a washer behind it. :L: 

It's at about 3/4of the way forward right now.

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