Long arm & UCA install

[JONNYD]

I am currently running about 5.5" on my '01 XJ. I didnt have all my parts when doing the lift, and it is currently setting on an old set of LCA's (from previous lift) and stock UCA's. I have a Teraflex long arm upgrade and a set of adjustable UCA's. I know if I were just swapping in the LCA's, I woudlnt even have to lift the thing off the ground, just do one LCA at a time (maintains pinion angle). I, however, want to swap the UCA's and alter the pinion angle slightly. Any suggestions on an order of operations that isn't going to make it a pry-bar-o-rama to get the arms in? After reading around this site I plan to start with lengths of 15.75 for UCA's and 32.88 for LCA's. I do have a full car lift available...

 

[Dirk Pitt]

I would establish wheelbase with lowers and adjust pinion angle with uppers.

 

[ColoradoXJ13]

use a floor jack under a large pipe wrench grabbing the C-arms (knuckle) to keep the pinion angle from getting way out of wack when your uppers are off.

 

[JONNYD]

use a floor jack under a large pipe wrench grabbing the C-arms (knuckle) to keep the pinion angle from getting way out of wack when your uppers are off.

Good idea. I never thought of this one. Wish me luck, I am going to attempt it friday after work.

 

[JONNYD]

I just found more info... Right now my pinion is too flat. I need to keep the LCA's about where they are at and lengthen the UCA's. How does this sound:

1. Swap LCA's at current pinion angle. (one at a time).
2. Swap UCA's at current pinion angle. (one at a time).
3. Place bottle jacks under spring perches to relieve load from UCA's.
4. Remove both UCA's.
5. Slowly lower jacks under perches until pinion angle is correct.
6. Adjust UCA's to new length and replace.
7. Tighten down all bolts.

This should all be able to be done without raising/supporting the vehicle, but since I have access to a lift I will probably put the lift about 1/8" from the "frame" just in case.

Thank god I have been spraying all these bolt with PB blaster for about a month. They should come out (fingers crossed). Anybody have experience with this swap? Suggestions?

 

[XJ_ranger]

I just found more info... Right now my pinion is too flat. I need to keep the LCA's about where they are at and lengthen the UCA's. How does this sound:

1. Swap LCA's at current pinion angle. (one at a time).
2. Swap UCA's at current pinion angle. (one at a time).
3. Place bottle jacks under spring perches to relieve load from UCA's.
4. Remove both UCA's.
5. Slowly lower jacks under perches until pinion angle is correct.
6. Adjust UCA's to new length and replace.
7. Tighten down all bolts.

This should all be able to be done without raising/supporting the vehicle, but since I have access to a lift I will probably put the lift about 1/8" from the "frame" just in case.

Thank god I have been spraying all these bolt with PB blaster for about a month. They should come out (fingers crossed). Anybody have experience with this swap? Suggestions?

make sure your UCA's are the same length - count the rotations while lenghtening and keep them the same...

 

[ColoradoXJ13]

also, make sure to check your caster angle afterward, if it is too far off from spec, you will have all sorts of other problems...