Rubicon Express control arm drop brackets question

[OldSch88L]

I've been driving on my 4.5 inch lift for a while now, and the front geometry isn't happy, and I'm getting a lot of front driveshaft vibrations. I've got 16.25 inch LCAs maxed out forward with alignment shims to try to center the axle in the wheel well, and stock uppers. Still not quite centered, and way too much positive caster now. So, I'm not quite willing to fork out the money for a complete set of front adjustable control arms, but I'd be willing to live with a set of drop brackets. I was looking at RE's brackets, but they recommend it at 5.5" lift or more. Something to do with them also moving the axle slightly forward... Some of you here used them from what I read, but all had over 5" of lift. Anybody tried it with Rubicon Express' 4.5" lift coils? I'd be more partial to RE rather than Rough Country, as it's cheaper because the braces are sold separately...

[watchamakalit]

I chose to run core 4x4 adjustable arms with my 4.5 up front. They weren't terribly priced and allowed me to obtain correct geometry.

[OldSch88L]

30 minutes ago, watchamakalit said:

I chose to run core 4x4 adjustable arms with my 4.5 up front. They weren't terribly priced and allowed me to obtain correct geometry.

And how do you like the ride? A lot of people seem to prefer the drop brackets for comfort because they bring the arms back pretty much horizontal, like stock... Of course I'd like full adjustability to set up the truck exactly like I want, but on the other hand, it'll never be a hardcore offroader. In my part of the world, offroad trails are mostly forest trails, dirt, mud, sometimes power line trails, but no serious boulders or rockcrawling- that's not the point of my truck. It'll be more for medium offroading with local Jeep clubs and facebook groups once in a while during summers, as well as being my summer daily driver, and with our legendary third-world grade Quebec roads, comfort is also important for me!!!

[watchamakalit]

My mj was a daily driver, even after the lift. It is stiffer than my old factory suspension but definitely not too harsh to drive. I was pleased with it. It rides like a truck not a Cadillac is about the best I can explain it.

[Tex06]

On 8/5/2023 at 7:55 PM, watchamakalit said:

I chose to run core 4x4 adjustable arms with my 4.5 up front. They weren't terribly priced and allowed me to obtain correct geometry.

I've got the Core adjustables up front and drop brackets on a 4-4.5" lift. Rides good, even on these rough New Orleans roads. 

 

Not quite as smooth as much buddy's long arm setup but close.

[watchamakalit]

12 hours ago, Tex06 said:

I've got the Core adjustables up front and drop brackets on a 4-4.5" lift. Rides good, even on these rough New Orleans roads. 

 

Not quite as smooth as much buddy's long arm setup but close.

Did you try your setup before the drop brackets?  I didn't have any trouble obtaining correct geometry without them on mine.  The core adjustables have a drop built into them.

[OldSch88L]

Well I finally gave in and bought a complete Rubicon Express upper and lower adjustable arm set... The same website where I bought most of my lift parts, PartsEngine.ca, had a 10% off sale, so that was the kick in the butt I needed hahaha!!! Still waiting on the delivery.

[Tex06]

On 8/12/2023 at 3:52 AM, watchamakalit said:

Did you try your setup before the drop brackets?  I didn't have any trouble obtaining correct geometry without them on mine.  The core adjustables have a drop built into them.

Nope, drop brackets came with the truck from the P.O.

 

Geometry is correct, bottom arm sits nearly parallel with the ground. Just not as smooth over rough terrain as the long arm setup.