Rubicon Express Control Arm Drop Brackets - RE9800

These arrived yesterday afternoon and installed that night. The box was damaged, but in an Amazon box so I double checked all the hardware to make sure everything was there. I opened the box to find every bolt and washer out of its bag. Luckily the instructions include a checklist of supplied hardware, some of which was not needed. Since this is the first review on this product, here goes.For those with a lifted 2007+ Jeep Wrangler (JK) or Wrangler Unlimited (JKU). Installed on a 2013 JKU with a ~4" lift and stock control arms. Install was simple with basic hand tools and a level work area. I think the hardest part was finding the tools needed to do this! The install only took about an hour or so. The instructions are vague and there are no torque specs listed for the control arms or the brackets but the lowers are 125 lbs/ft and the uppers are 75 lbs/ft per the shop manual. REMEMBER TO TORQUE ALL THE HARDWARE!The ride was harsh before these were installed due to the control arm angle. First test drive and I was impressed with the way the Jeep handled dips and speed bumps. Cornering seemed to improve as well. Due to a lifted Jeep, the alignment is now off because I changed the caster angle. As always, anytime you adjust one part make sure you double check everything else. Remember that pinion angle takes precedence over caster at all times. There are only 3 upper control arm mounting points, so find one that doesn't have any vibration and keeps the pinion in line.This bracket is identical to AEV.

Amazon same day delivery is awesome!AEV instructions A+Rubicon Express Instructions DBoth AEV and RE drop brackets are the same design. RE included instructions were what seemed printed 3rd generation copies and pretty much sucked. Very small print. So i downloaded AEV's instructions. Theirs were much more detailed which included clear pictures, also included recommendations to use red Loctite on lower control arms. RE's did not. BOTH RE and AEV instructions did not show a visual picture of using included washers nor was it mentioned in the verbiage. The RE were $99 and AEV were. $105. So save yourself $6 and get the RE but use AEV instructions. However, the installation is pretty straight forward. Took me about 2 hours but may take longer without air tools.I went with the RE over the Rancho because the RE & AEV have 3 different mounting holes so that you can dial in the drop brackets based on your current lift height.I gave 4 stars because of the instructions.

After installing a 2.5 Terra Flex lift on my 2 door JK, the steering was VERY live. It would dance all over the road like a ballerina. I wanted this to calm down and help with the ride. I have been very "Skeptic" of how much it would change the ride. I did not want to spend $200 on a "Maybe". I got these for $89. If I went off road or was hard on the jeep I would suggest a stronger solution.These go on easy, installed them on the with it on the grown (no jacks). Chocked all the wheels and went at it. Used the AVE directions as Rubicon's directions SUCK. You will need to cut the bolt on the passenger side, dont know who has the energy to pry the exhaust out of the way. Save your self the dime, visit Ace and buy a new bolt for both sides. M12 - 90MM long - 1.50 thread will match the factor bolt.If you have a little time. A torque wrench, and want to save some money. It is an easy 2 hour install and is worth it.

These will work but I was not impressed. I would like to see stronger material for the brackets and maybe see the sides tied together better.The kit comes with some bolts, too many of the large size and not enough of the small size since you have to destroy one of the factory bolts to remove it. The bolts that come with the kit are different size and not fine thread compared to the factory bolts so that sucks. The nuts included are not locking nuts so I put on loctite and that sucks. The instructions are horrible... I could create better instructions in about an hour. there is just no excuse for the sad instructions. I like the drop bracket concept but would look for a better product.

So these parts were SUPER HARD to visualize in the box and in the instructions but putting the pieces together makes a super sturdy metal box that brings my control arms down to keep the proper geometry on the Jeep’s tires and the chassis itself. Centers the wheels in the wheel well and helps keep your alignment guy from screaming at you. From the engineer at Rubicon Express, this isn’t something I had to have putting on their 2.5” kit but he said I’d be glad I did. And the easing of the stresses on the lift components and steering components would be noticeable giving me a smoother ride and longer life on the end links not having parts binding and stretching and rotating connections. He was right. Fantastic product and I’m very impressed how well it works. I found it interesting to know that I can use this kit on 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5” lifts so that will save some money if we ever decide to go up further.

Installed these while also putting a 2.5" lift on my 2014 JKU. I did not need to cut a bolt out, my exhaust was not in the way. I used AEV's instructions to install, and also didn't used the extra M14 bolt supplied for each side, I used the stock one I took out for now. RE instructions aren't absolutely awful, but they aren't very detailed if you have not a clue what you are doing...They are the same grade so It shouldn't matter. The upper control arm for the drivers side uses one of those tap nuts are whatever they are called, and is a pain to reinstall in the same spot it was taken out once the brackets are on. Ended up using a sharpie to hold it and put it through the hole in the frame onto the bolt. The passenger side you could reach up and hold it with your hand. Drivers side the exhaust placement makes it tricky.I have never driven my Jeep without these with the lift so I can't tell you the difference, but my Jeep drives great and feels almost like stock. So I am certain they are doing there job.