Question on adjustable trail arm and panhard bar

[molanginaeda]

I’m planning for this upgrade. I’m already running Ironman4x4 FCP 2” lift kit with SPC UCA. Got a question on how to make correct adjustment on the trail arm/panhard bar. There is no installation instruction hence hoping to ask if anyone can help.

 

[CharlieS]

I assumed that you just adjust until the wheels are centered side to side.

 

[RET2]

I assumed that you just adjust until the wheels are centered side to side.

@TeCKis300 posted regarding this and possibly needing a corresponding bracket?

 

[TeCKis300]

Stock, the rear suspension doesn't have any adjustability. Doesn't need much really unless mods take things outside of the operating envelop or doing custom things. Or an accident has tweaked something.

The kit the OP has will allow him to adjust for things like axle pinion angle, thrust angle, centering, wheelbase... lots of possibilities with that many adjustable links. Could potentially get things more wrong than right too.

For a typical 2-2.5" lift, I'm not sure I'd do much other than set them to about stock lengths. To @CharlieS 's point, yes you could center the rear axle a bit more at ride height. Just know that's going to also change the furthest deflection points as the suspension cycles, and the axle position may be impacted at full compression/extension too.

What @RET2 is commenting on I assume is some vender will step up with a panhard relocation bracket in the future as they're available for the 80 and 100-series. Something that can really help quiet down bump steer of a lifted rear axle.

 

[Dixon Santana]

Note on the panhard/track bar. The jam nuts like to loosen up after long periods of driving over washboard roads creating an audible noise while making turns. Keep an eye on it and bring a wrench with you on trips with long stretches on dirt roads. Red thread locker did the trick after the first two times.

 

[molanginaeda]

Stock, the rear suspension doesn't have any adjustability. Doesn't need much really unless mods take things outside of the operating envelop or doing custom things. Or an accident has tweaked something.

The kit the OP has will allow him to adjust for things like axle pinion angle, thrust angle, centering, wheelbase... lots of possibilities with that many adjustable links. Could potentially get things more wrong than right too.

For a typical 2-2.5" lift, I'm not sure I'd do much other than set them to about stock lengths. To @CharlieS 's point, yes you could center the rear axle a bit more at ride height. Just know that's going to also change the furthest deflection points as the suspension cycles, and the axle position may be impacted at full compression/extension too.

What @RET2 is commenting on I assume is some vender will step up with a panhard relocation bracket in the future as they're available for the 80 and 100-series. Something that can really help quiet down bump steer of a lifted rear axle.

Thanks for the helpful info.
So if I set all adjustable link to stock length, it would have no impact to my current setup.

 

[CharlieS]

If you set the adjustable link to stock length it isn't buying you anything over stock (might as well run a stock part). The idea is that the adjustable link lets you adjust the length to even out the location of the rear wheels to compensate after lifting the suspension. Due to simple geometry, as you raise the body, with a fixed length arm you skew the axle to one side.

 

[molanginaeda]

I’ll report back after I received the product.

 

[82SC]

I’m in the same boat
Ironman said to install them all at stock length and when you get an alignment they will make the adjustments if needed.

I plan to try to go to a 4x4 specialist as I’m sure most places won’t really look at pinion angle and thrust and axle centering.

I’m pretty sure as long as the lift isn’t crazy it will be close to stock but I like having the option as some have said the fcp can lift your car a lot more then anticipated. Escpecially if you not fully loaded with your eventual armor and not carrying all your gear year round.
I’ll also report my experience.
ordered my stage 3 with the recent sale.

 

[4wheelgreg]

I just ordered a set of Chaos rear links for my 200 build , they are a bit pricey , I like the adjustable lower links that Metal Tech one of our vendors offers was the runner up to the Total Choas rear adjustable links .
For me offers the ability to stretch the wheel base a bit , also having the driveline in phase was a big plus for me .
Having adjustable lower links can adjust your pinion angle , usually only a degree or 2 to keep those joints happy depending on how much lift you have .