I've searched a good bit on this and haven't found exactly what I am looking for, so bear with me here:
I have a 2017 JKUR, currently with the Mopar 2" lift 35's - Falcon Shocks, Nexus Steering Stabilizer and TerrorFlex Monster Track bar - forgive me for the terrorflex - I didn't know any better - it's getting replaced. I also bought the Falcons early on but am quite honestly happy with them.
A recent wheeling expedition resulted in a badly bent front axle. I'm going to be replacing the front axle with a ProRock 44. I am also upgrading the suspension while I have it in pieces. I wheel on a mix of technical trails, desert runs, etc. I'm not big into hardcore rock crawling. I had settled on Clayton Off Road's 3.5" Premium Lift with Control Arms and Front and Rear track bars (get rid of the terrorflex). As I started to research drag link flips I learned that 3" of bumpstop extension is required for the flipped drag link to clear the frame when bottomed. Makes sense, except that essentially means with me adding 1.5" of spring and associated travel, I lose it (and more) by needing longer bump stops, which seems to suck. I have raised my center of gravity without the added benefit of additional suspension travel.
I understand all the geometry issues between the track bar and drag link and the frame clearance issues. I understand a drop pitman arm increases stress on the steering box itself and apparently what's available isn't of great quality. What I don't understand is how there isn't a better solution than this? I must be missing something. It just doesn't seem acceptable to have to bumpstop the heck out of your Jeep with the flipped drag link. If you're doing a 6" lift it's not a big deal, but it seems like the 3"-4" crowd get's screwed.
My question is, why:
A) Can't anybody make a quality drop pitman arm? That:
B) Is providing maybe only 1.5" of additional drop and
C) Is working in tandem with a flipped drag link that is shaped to clearance the frame at that intersection point to not require additional (or so much additional). A bend similar to how trackbars are shaped to clear our diff housings. Metallurgy has come a long way, we can make impressive shapes that retain strength.
This seems way too easy and the Jeep aftermarket (and all of us owners) are way too smart to just go "oh well, I lose that travel". So what am I missing?
I have a 2017 JKUR, currently with the Mopar 2" lift 35's - Falcon Shocks, Nexus Steering Stabilizer and TerrorFlex Monster Track bar - forgive me for the terrorflex - I didn't know any better - it's getting replaced. I also bought the Falcons early on but am quite honestly happy with them.
A recent wheeling expedition resulted in a badly bent front axle. I'm going to be replacing the front axle with a ProRock 44. I am also upgrading the suspension while I have it in pieces. I wheel on a mix of technical trails, desert runs, etc. I'm not big into hardcore rock crawling. I had settled on Clayton Off Road's 3.5" Premium Lift with Control Arms and Front and Rear track bars (get rid of the terrorflex). As I started to research drag link flips I learned that 3" of bumpstop extension is required for the flipped drag link to clear the frame when bottomed. Makes sense, except that essentially means with me adding 1.5" of spring and associated travel, I lose it (and more) by needing longer bump stops, which seems to suck. I have raised my center of gravity without the added benefit of additional suspension travel.
I understand all the geometry issues between the track bar and drag link and the frame clearance issues. I understand a drop pitman arm increases stress on the steering box itself and apparently what's available isn't of great quality. What I don't understand is how there isn't a better solution than this? I must be missing something. It just doesn't seem acceptable to have to bumpstop the heck out of your Jeep with the flipped drag link. If you're doing a 6" lift it's not a big deal, but it seems like the 3"-4" crowd get's screwed.
My question is, why:
A) Can't anybody make a quality drop pitman arm? That:
B) Is providing maybe only 1.5" of additional drop and
C) Is working in tandem with a flipped drag link that is shaped to clearance the frame at that intersection point to not require additional (or so much additional). A bend similar to how trackbars are shaped to clear our diff housings. Metallurgy has come a long way, we can make impressive shapes that retain strength.
This seems way too easy and the Jeep aftermarket (and all of us owners) are way too smart to just go "oh well, I lose that travel". So what am I missing?
But that's exactly what I'm trying to do! Overthink it! You may be very right and I may be miles up the wrong tree...and I will likely arrive precisley nowhere with a flipped track bar and 3" bumpstop extension. But while I'm up in the tree I'm going to kick it and see if anything falls out.