Control arm drop brackets vs poly caster correction bushings

[Black Rhino 13]

This is what I compiled so far. Corrections are appreciated.

Slee: 4*
Metal Tech: 3.5*-4*
Ironman: 5*
Landtank: 5* + Double Cardon Driveshaft

I don't know why Ironman's lift doesn't mention DC DS. I guess it's left up to the owner. Slee's 4" lift comes with a DC DS.

I like the idea of the DC DS and of adjusting the rear upper control arms to allow for correct rear DS angles. It's a bit more money than the MAF drop brackets but that gets back to ground clearance and slider issues.

I guess I'll switch to plates and later do DC DS if necessary.

 

[rockrod]

I noticed that after I removed the brackets and installed the iron plates, it appears I gain another degree or two of caster. With the brackets, the pinion pointed right at the t-case output so there was no angle on the pinion side u-joint.

With the plates, the pinion is now points about 2 degrees lower towards the ground. I am only running out 3 inches of lift in the front, so I probably need to raise the front a little higher so that the axle will rotate point the pinion at the t-case output.

It's all a game though, while trying to maintain the correct pinion ujoint angle that is compatible with a front CV, you may have to give a little on the caster.

I have not had my truck on an alignment rack as of yet so this is purely speculation.

One other point of note - the caster plates also seem to have induced a slight shimmy under braking. I believe this is a result of the caster not being within spec. There was no shimmy prior to the plates or with just the drop brackets.

Bottom line - the brackets are going to provide the best handling because the keep the arc of travel as close to factory design as possible.

 

[Black Rhino 13]

*sigh*

In hindsight, I would just buy the Slee 4" kit.

At this point it's going to be trial and error. I use my sliders too much and go over things so I like the arms up at the frame.

 

[landtank]

My caster plates were designed around a 4" lift but also to align for a DC shaft so the final solution should be vib free. You can still get some vibs from the rear shaft and it's my recommendation to lengthen the lower control arm so you can still run the stock rear shaft.

My plates rotate the axle on it's center so the arc that the axle travels through is the same after installing my plates as it was when stock.

And with the current design there is no tie rod contact issues with the front arms.

I don't know if this helps but I wanted to point out what some of the differences are that set my plates apart from the rest and how I set up the trucks I lift.