Solving Caster Problems on Lifted Jeep Wranglers & Gladiators
Problem: Too Little Caster Can Lead to Drivability Issues
Whether you need extra lift to get over rocks on the trail or just want to put bigger tires on your vehicle, adding a suspension lift kit is a common upgrade for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners. After lifting a Jeep, you may experience drivability issues - the ride may feel off and it can seem like it’s wandering all over the road.
The problem? Too little caster. Caster is the forward or backward angle of the steering axis as viewed from the side of the vehicle. Caster helps your vehicle stay on a straight course and aids the steering wheel to return to a straight position after a turn.
When you lift a vehicle with a taller spring, the angle of the control arms is altered. The longer spring causes the angle of the control arm to be pushed down. This results in an arc that causes less caster on the front axle. Too little caster can have a negative impact on the steering and handling of your Jeep Wrangler.
Solution: Rancho® rockGEAR® Control Arm Geometry Correction Brackets
After lifting a Jeep Wrangler’s or Gladiator’s suspension, the goal is to get the geometry as close to stock as possible. From the factory, a Jeep’s control arms are close to parallel. Look to Rancho® rockGEAR® control arm geometry correction brackets to solve the problem when the angle of the control arms change.
Rancho geometry correction brackets maximize the performance of your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator by keeping the control arms at factory angles to deflect road harshness, reducing brake dive and allowing for proper caster angle after the addition of an aftermarket lift kit. Made of high-strength, low-alloy steel for long life and dependability, these brackets have a durable black E-coat finish that resists rust and corrosion.
The one-piece welded design eliminates need for adjustable control arms or cam bolts for caster correction. Once installed, the brackets bring the rear of the lower control arm down and also bring the upper control arm down. This gives a similar angle separation to stock, resulting in more positive caster. Rancho offers geometry correction brackets for the Jeep Wrangler JK and JL and the Jeep Gladiator JT.
Rancho RS62103 Geometry Correction Brackets for Jeep Wrangler JK
Compatible with Jeep JKs outfitted with 2-in.-to-4-in. lift kits that utilize the factory upper and lower control arms, Rancho RS62103 rockGEAR geometry correction brackets feature a one-piece welded design that bolts up directly to the factory locations with no assembly required. They feature four fixed adjustment locations for each height with option for additional caster.
Rancho RS62118B Geometry Correction Brackets for Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT
Compatible with Jeep JL and Gladiators outfitted with 2-in.-to-4.5-in. lift kits that use the factory upper and lower control arms, Rancho RS62118B rockGEAR geometry correction brackets have a one-piece welded design that features three fixed adjustment locations for each height with option for additional caster. Easy to install, the one-piece welded design bolts up directly to the factory locations with no assembly required.
Learn more about performance shocks, find your performance suspension part, or find where to buy your shock or suspension part today.
The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.t.