Installing Control Arm Drop Brackets on My Jeep Gladiator! Are They Worth It?

JL/JT Teraflex Drop Brackets: amzn.to/34RscgA
JK Drop Brackets: amzn.to/3fVmcJT
Its time for round 2 of the Jeep Gladiator build! I've been running the Clayton Off-road 3.5" Overland suspension lift kit for a while now, and it is an amazing kit. But like any short arm lift kits, there is room for improvement...
Control arm drop brackets are one of the most overlooked suspension upgrade in my mind. They get a bad rap because of the "Low ground clearance" and "You don't need them with adjustable control arms".
Yes, they do lower the ground clearance... Yes, you don't need them if you have adjustable control arms.. But in the right application, they can be an extremely beneficial upgrade to anyone with a lift kit.
I did a poll on my Instagram. I asked people whether they prefer rock crawling vs trail riding. Out of 10,000 people who answered, 70% of them said they prefer trail riding..
Control arm drop brackets may not be the best for hard core rock crawling. However for those jeep owners who use it as a daily driver and weekend trail machine, they can be an affordable way to improve ride comfort and handling.
Long arms are the best way to go, however its not always the best choice for everyone. Expense, labor, handling characteristics with a 3 link etc.. I love the 3 link long arm on my JKU, and it does great offroad. But for the Gladiator, i think these brackets are more than enough for me.
Thanks for watching, stay tuned for more Jeep Upgrades and wheeling trips coming soon!
Crocs: amzn.to/3x1gXhC
These TeraFlex JL / JT: Front Control Arm Sport Frame Brackets are a must to correct caster angles and restore factory geometry on JL Wrangler/Unlimited models with 2.5-4.5” lift kits and JT Gladiator models with 3.5-4.5” lift kits. Additionally, these Sport Frame Brackets reduce brake dive and improve overall ride quality resulting in a smoother ride.
Install these bolt-on brackets between the factory frame mounts and the stock front upper and front lower control arms. Can also be used with our adjustable Alpine IR or Alpine Short Control Arms.
FEATURES/BENEFITS
• Corrects caster angles and restores factory geometry on JL Wrangler/Unlimited models with 2.5-4.5” lift kits and JT Gladiator models with 3.5-4.5” lift kits
• Reduces brake dive and improves overall ride quality resulting in a smoother ride
• Relocates front upper and front lower control arm frame mounts
• Welded and powder coated steel brackets
• High-quality OEM grade coatings on all components to prevent rust and corrosion

[@JKGearandGadgets]

What are your thoughts on drop brackets? What do you mostly use your Jeep for?

[@michaelw2304]

I like the broom stick visual.

[@michaelw2304]

Also, I wonder if you can install Rusty off-roads lower control arm skids to those drop brackets to help protect them more?

[@nicolasmacdonald3161]

Are these the equivalent to the "Rancho Geometry Correction Brackets"?

[@photoapeal]

I use my Jeep Gladiator with 3.5 lift & 37” tires to get over those darn speed bumps at the mall.

[@photoapeal]

As far as upgrades how about a Magnuson Supercharger? Gives you 22% more power than a Hemi V8 swap & 58% more than stock. Probably should be done by a knowledgeable shop unless you really know what you’re doing.

[@davidwybierala9998]

Ben, I can’t say enough. It’s AWESOME to see you getting back into videos like this. Videos like this are why I subscribed and you have the perfect video personality to convey this stuff efficiently and without leaving me guessing. Thanks for everything you and Cassie do

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thank you!

[@keifermorken2974]

I Have the AEV ones on my Gladiator, Definitely worth it.

[@hthib9132]

I have the EVO Geometry Correct Brackets (Drop Brackets) installed on my lifted Gladiator and it is the best upgrade I've made to date. This is a must for a daily driver...

[@johndoe007inDC]

Dude, I love it when you do vids like this. Simple upgrade to compensate for something that was changed. Thank you!

[@MattyBee_gardener_landscaper]

Dude, I loved your genius layman’s explanation of the force vector changed with the sine of the control arm angle and inspired broom stick demo. 👏👏👏

[@Marytheprettyfairy]

I'm so glad you did this suspension! I was looking to do Tera on my Gladiator and this helped so much!

[@goodfellowoffroad6253]

We went all out and made a long arm kit for our Gladiator - rides like a dream no matter what we put it through. It's 85% daily driver, 10% dirt road/camping driver, and 5% rock crawler. I'd love to switch those numbers up a bit but life is busy. I don't think I'd ever go with drop brackets on the Gladiator though since there's enough under there to get hung up on already - much easier option that long arms if it never sees rocks though.

[@fotostephen]

i just had them installed on my 07 and they made a huge change in how my jku handles

[@cyclone427np]

I learn so much from your channel. Thank you Ben!

[@clifblake]

Bought lower and upper control arms for my 3.5 lift. Just bought these brackets because of this video. Thank you for what you do, you have taught me a lot !

[@tales4adventures976]

Loved the video! Great explanation and even some surprise mudding. Gives me things to consider on my Gladiator build.

[@DixieOverland]

*Stands in front of muddy Jeep* "I try my best to avoid the dealer as much as possible." LOL

[@greyghostjku5033]

Nice good job can’t wait for the trails👍

[@GatorOverland]

DUDE!!! BEN you nailed this!!!! ive been running a similar configuration on my ultimate mopar hybrid lift for about 20k miles, its literally a night an day difference off and on road (even some rock crawling in the texas hill country)... i do a video clip explaining nearly this exact set up a couple times a week on the jeep groups. This sums it up perfect. Thats awesome to see it further enhances even a top dog lift like clayton. Per usual, well done sir.

[@dmwil1]

The new steering box makes a difference. I did it on my JL and my brother did it on his JT and while both had decent steering before, both are noticeably better now.

[@gunstrucksbbq]

My Teraflex ST4 kit came with these brackets and a similar set for the back. Also front and rear brackets for fixing trackbar geometry. The kit rides as good as stock.

[@TheRambler-pz1gx]

2016 JKUR MOPAR 4" lift kit Rancho fully boxed LCA drop bracket 37" 12.5 R17 tires I rarely smack the drop bracket. Jeep drives awesome!

[@davepetroski1523]

I put the Rusty's steering components on my Gladiator. His stuff is massive and made really well. No complaints so far and couldn't beat the price.

[@CraigSimons]

I had the same radio issue with a failed update. I used my TazerJL mini to force a full reboot, and the radio finished rolling back the failed update. Two days later it tried to auto-update again, but this time it succeeded and has been good to go since.

[@dmwil1]

GREAT video and explanation of what these do. I've got a set of AEV drop brackets waiting for installation on my JK with a Dualsport lift. If they work well, I'll get a set for my JL with Mopar lift.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I am planning on running a set of drop brackets with my 2" spacer lift that I will be adding to my JT soon! I had a set that came with my 4.5" AEV lift that I installed on my '16 JKUR and they did great!

[@shedever_designs]

VERY NICE GLADIATOR. Love it.

[@jlautomotive6349]

Another great video!!! Can’t wait to see the front end upgrade install!!! That gladiator is incredible and is absolutely my dream truck but I would do the Mojave and not the rubicon only because we don’t really have any rock crawling around here…

[@Rick-4552]

I can tell you that drop brackets made a huge difference on my 16 2 door JK

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opCaaKSuh52jo5afhd

[@joshua3340]

Did you get front and rear or just front brackets?

[@Rick-4552]

@@joshua3340 front rancho drop brackets

[@AustinH7]

What kind of difference?

[@Rick-4552]

@@AustinH7 steering is not twitchy and all over the place

[@guidryjoey8855]

Finally finished up installing the rc control arm brackets. And my adjustable trac bar since instal of the 2.5 level. I was amazed how far the axel was push out the driver fender well on the driver side after install it once every was on set on the ground and got tightened up and axel bxk center seeding wheel is center. It rides like factory. I’m on 30x20x9 wheels-12 offset 35x12.5x20. Ironman MT

[@Bevensssssss]

Cool vid keep up the good content

[@oithachiei01]

I watched this in 1.5x. Saved myself some time. Good vid. Thanks

[@betweenthepines4000]

I have 2” up front and I noticed some slight harshness at highway speed bumps. My next upgrade for sure

[@Hong.9tro]

LOL! That broomstick! 🧹

[@millstonejeepworx]

Ben, great video. I'm sure you have plans but I have to say. I have the synergy tie rod, draglink, and sector shaft brace on my JT. It has worked great. I'm yet to have my steering box replaced but plan on it soon because I'm going to install the Apex Ind steering pump booster and cooler for the JL and JT. This will also allow me to port the power steering box and run a hydro assist off the stock electric pump set up. With 40s planned in the near future it will be needed.

[@RocklanderUSA]

Great vid!

[@mikehoffman3690]

Nice video Ben. 🤟

[@shooterg2071]

I just installed the PSC big bore steering box (steel). And hydronic assist. Steer smarts yeti aluminum link and tie rod... love it. Don't tell me there is a recall on jt for the aluminum steering box...for a steel one...and finally I'll be able to mount my tire underneath!!! Thanks! Awesome videos as always

[@jefftenhave8038]

I put the Rancho Geo brackets on all our JKs and JLs.

[@thatmand4542]

11:16 yup that was my exact reaction when i went offroad and i accidentally on purpose went mudding and uhhhm i wasnt to proud when i had to wash the truck

[@lonewulf0328]

You wont regret getting that steering box TSB done. All the slop in my steering is gone after they installed mine a month or so ago.

[@austincableguy]

So glad you made this video. I was just about to post on the facebook group and ask your opinion. Currently running 3.5" lift still on stock control arms but I have drop brackets. I have ordered Clayton arms and was debating leaving the drop brackets on or taking them off.

[@rcsskier]

Thanks for the video! I had the EVO drop bracket up front and felt it made a big on road difference. Have you looked into the Metal Cloak rear drop brackets? I would really like to see how that works for you as I am toying with the idea of a long arm kit for my new build.

[@mickeyreese9906]

I added a RedHead Steering box. They take your stock Steering box and drill out the bushings and add needle Bearings. Please let me know how you feel about it . I see a big difference in the side to side play at the Steering box and pitman arm.

[@frankmoralesiii6908]

Great Channel with great ideas. I am planning to put bumper and winch on my 2021 Rubicon Gladiator. Lifting the Jeep, and bigger tires hmmm... maybe next year when I have more $. I am having a conundrum on running boards/ side steps. What is your take on them?

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

Thanks for another great video!. Just getting started on our new to us gladiator. What is the offset and back's spacing of those Wheels, if you don't mind me asking. Also you're gearing with the 37s?

[@jayday3139]

Will you be keeping the synergy steering box brace on after getting the new steering box?

[@invictuscenturion8468]

Debating on doing the Clayton 2.5 lift or the 3.5 on my JT. Only running basically 34 inch tires (sport S axels 3.9 gears.) not sure yet. Thx for the video

[@themanthelegend7048]

So I agree with these if you run like a 33 or smaller. But if you lift and put bugger tires, the tires certainly help.

[@adamseaman7306]

Just got a JTR and was looking to upgrade my steering after adding 37’s. Great timing. Can’t wait to hear more. Thank Ben. Cheers!

[@sdechc_jku2900]

About the mosquito problem… try finding some mosquito coils. They burn like a wick but they work really well at repelling mosquitoes. Especially if u use a fan to blow at the door. 👍🏼

[@KTMcaptain]

More angle means the axle has to move forward in order to compress because the link is longer. So it resists compressing and transmits it to the cab. If it’s flat then it’s already in the longest position and compression will make the axle come closer to the body under compression.

[@vincentpoole7588]

JGG. Good presentation of this version of an inexpensive way for Jeep owners to accommodate a 2-3" suspension lift ! Do the brackets return the caster angles back to factory specifications dude ? V.

[@Fit4Life921]

I'm curious if you got a formal alignment after this or just the ol' angle finder method?

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Love those rims. What brand/model are they? Beadlocks?

[@philliplehn3600]

I think my JL with a 2.5 inch lift will benefit from these. It was much better without the lift. Adjustable lower control arms fixed the caster angle but the ride quality went south over sharp bumps at 80 km/h. I have same caster angle 5 degrees before and after.

[@jtjeepdad4526]

When you do your steering install would be interested to hear about 'to flip the drag link or not'. 3.5" lift seems to be an ambiguous zone of whether it's advantageous.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I would not do it on a jl/JT until 4”.

[@patan77]

I installed them on my old jku and never ever had death wobble. They are great if you have the original arms. And cheaper.

[@redsyphon]

The dealer will likely need to replace the head unit. But, you can pull the fuse for the unit to prevent it draining the battery. I think it's #97 on the JLs, but double check.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah I’ve just had the fuse pulled until I can make a trip to the dealer

[@LuisGuerrero-gs1jf]

With all the upgrades you have done on the JT, what is the verdict on the best ones so far? Looking to finally start modding mine, but having a hard time deciding what's more important. I got the steering replaced and flashed via the TSB, but steering is still loose would you still recommend the falcon steering stabilizer? Nonetheless, thanks for the videos, extremely entertaining and informative!

[@DAWN_TRUCKING]

A little off topic from the video but how is the gladiator for family comfort and interior space? Looking into getting one for a daily to save miles and my tow rig

[@ShaneSellsRealEstate]

I can't believe it took you so long to get those caster brackets. That is like the 1st thing I did because the ride quality was horrible. I'm running 7 degrees caster and rides so much better. Also, that rear track bar looks great.

[@Nitrothis]

Hi Vince. I wonder after you installed the drop brackets, did you adjust the upper and lower control arm length back to the factory length? I'm running a 3.5" lift with adjustable control arms which are set to the length recommended for the lift. I'm looking to install the drop brackets to improve the ride quality but curious if I need to adjust the control arms back to the factory length. Thanks in advance.

[@marcinpuszczao9418]

When they install the gear box tell them to put loctite on the pitman arm bolt!! It came so loose I almost drove my JT into a ditch. It loosens over time.

[@jeromejccheung7032]

Have you tried to get the update online via UConnect and then trying to update via a flash drive and the USB port? If that doesn't work, you might need a new unit. Happened to my brother's Charger. Get it fixed while under warranty!

[@Rook87]

I see that index finger on the broom example.

[@twodutch1969]

What is your take on the J10 or M715 nose on the new Gladiators? 👍🏻😎

[@ryoc2138]

I have Clayton 1.5" springs and upper control arms in the front, which actually raised the Jeep about 2"...would the drop brackets help the ride quality of my Jeep?

[@faronkendle201]

Ben did you try to reboot your radio by pushing and holding in the Volume and Browse | Enter buttons for like 5 seconds? As always love yours and Cassie's videos. Keep up the great work!

[@bluestreakpearl5.713]

I’m looking into a set for my JKU, I have adjustable uppers and fixed length lowers on my 3.5” kit. Will these work together?

[@michaelw2304]

I am going to guess the new steering components are from RPM?

[@ghernandez6457]

Will this increase gas mileage too since there is less resistance from the tires trying to go over stuff?

[@JTRSpartacus]

How are they holding up. I bashed up the AEV brackets on my JKU pretty badly. They worked ok but looked terrible. They hung down and caught on rocks all the time. Good video. #JTRSPARTACUS

[@joepickett4551]

Would adjust control arms be ok for 4in on a jk sport

[@JustinKingOffroad]

I had drop brackets on my JK and took them off, i kept hitting them lol. i guess i'm one of those wheelers lol!!!

[@JEEPIMPACT]

How important are the rear ones??

[@casey197930]

Man..whish you'd have gotten the Reinforcement bracket, haven't found one video. I've got about 90% of my rt3 alpine lift in but was hoping to see a video on the bracket.

[@alexisperez6411]

What’s the height of the jeep I want that same suspension!! I already have those tires.

[@aaronhucke6249]

Great video. I had installed an AEV lift on my JLU which included front drop brackets. I followed up with a set of Clayton Lower control arms, and running them with my drop brackets. It’s great for all the reasons you gave. Do you think you could post a how to video for measuring caster angle, toe and doing our own alignment?

[@rosco1883]

I know this is a year old bur I was just wondering if this helps with articulation? I am already able to bottom out my shocks with the MC lift I have. Also wondering if this would help with the rear as well. By the way I have a jl not jt.

[@drago7191997]

What’s the point of a spare? it’s to get you out the trail right! I run at 35 under for clearance reasons and once I’m off the trail I go get another 37 tire🤷🏼‍♂️ works for me.

[@MS-kh2je]

Geo brackets are no lower hanging than long arms yet are only behind the front wheels while long arms are low hanging all the way back to their new mounts

[@chuckisbusy]

So drop brackets are for 3.5” or higher… cool! I don’t need it my 2.5” lift. Ben, what happened with your coil pack problem? I know your talking about the new apex steering boost valve…

[@Fit4Life921]

how much caster did you go to?

[@The501SWAGG]

Hey man love your channel always some great information! Quick question did ever take it to get your TSB done ?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep! Amazing difference with the new steering box

[@The501SWAGG]

@@JKGearandGadgets did you end up putting back the synergy sector shaft brace ?

[@taadventures6312]

I have a 2021 JLU. 3.5” teraflex lift on 35’s x 20’s. My caster is at 3.0 right now. Will these help my caster get back to factory castor like 5 or so. Thank you.

[@jetskiracer222]

I have the new steering gear box and software update, night and day difference!

[@patrioticshepherd5704]

What is the brand on the new steering box he is talking about? Is it from Mopar?

[@jetskiracer222]

@@patrioticshepherd5704 it's what we put in at the factory now.

[@antonioV96]

I only ever see kits for the front. What’s the equivalent for the rear? I keep blowing through drive shafts on the rear of my JK

[@chrisc353]

how much of you 3.5" lift did you just negate by putting those drops on?

[@MrBdiddyp63]

With the drop brackets realigning the axle, did you have to shorten the arms to stock length? I always thought they were designed to correct caster with stock arms.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I shortened them some, but not all the way back to stock length.

[@SargeISF]

Ben, I have a 3” lift on my JL that came with solid control arms. If I install these on my JL, do I need to get adjustable control arms?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Most likely yes, depending on how long the fixed arms are they might be too long with the drop brackets.

[@MikeJones-oo8sv]

I have a stock 2023 Gladiator Rubicon would LCA brackets keep it from wandering at high speeds? I have had Jeeps for 30 years and the Gladiator wanders way more that my JK and my lifted TJ did. Thoughts?

[@jonluchessi1643]

Do you think those brackets would be good for Overland trips I do a lot of backcountry travel towing a small modified off-road teardrop trailer, no rock crawling but long trips, I like a tall lift, 4 1/2 to 6 inches mainly so I have lots of approach angle and departure angle especially with the gladiator being so long I’m wondering if these brackets would just make my ride more pleasant but stay durable? Thanks for your videos👍

[@recklessoverland]

Looks like the rain has finally cleared texas lol I thought I brought it with me from nc 😂

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opCaaKSuh52jo5ajif

[@JordanArsenault92]

How are you liking the core4x4 control arms on the gladiator and how are they holding up being a daily? Thanks

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I haven’t had those in a long time. They were good control arms though

[@PowasaurusRex]

Is that a 7 foot or 8 foot tall garage door?

[@jasonwhite3098]

Great video..Did you go to the WNC jeep fest?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I did not, sadly with work I have not been able to travel much at all lately

[@elginwang1572]

Hi curious what's that rock bar thing on your dash? What's its function? What's the name for it? It looks cool.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Vector offroad e dock. You can mount things to it, and my favorite part is how it makes the storage tray up there a lot more useful

[@KevinJE86]

I'm going to guess you "bricked" the Uconnect system. Good luck. Gotta get some brackets ordered now.

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opCaaKSuh52jo5af t

[@jasonbrehm1996]

What inner fender are you using with the Falcon shocks?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Factory inner fenders. Just have to cut them

[@JP-tl8rr]

Great video, i have been building my Gladiator based on yours, i did the TSB and it helped some but the Gladiator still wanders some which in the Gladiator forms i see a lot of guys still complaining about the play in the steering. One suggestion that does pop up is to drop the air pressure some. What’s your opinion?

[@brianmuckey1962]

What year is your Gladiator? I have 2021 Gladiator Mojave that doesn't wander however it had really touchy steering, you flinch you went that way. I went from the factory 33 inch tires to 35 inch helped alot. Factory suspension height. Considering raising but afraid it might start wandering.

[@JP-tl8rr]

Hi Brian, i have a 2020 Rubicon. No lift except for the teraflex 1.5 inch leveling kit on the front and running toyo 37’s, i know what you mean about the touchy steering. Some have lowered the air pressure and said that seemed to take care of the wandering. I have read a lot of gladiator guys & gals still have some sort of wandering even after the install of the steel steering.

[@brianmuckey1962]

@@JP-tl8rr thanks for the response I'm thinking of 37 inch tires with a 3 inch lift. Nice to hear what other people do

[@ANDRESPEREZ-zp2gl]

Would you recommend terraflex or metal cloak drop brackets ? And should I get front and rear ?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I had the MC brackets on my JKU a long time ago and they didnt seem as well built as these.

[@ws56c62]

Hey there! Great channel. I got a 2021 EcoDiesel JT. Clayton ride/right 3.5”, 37/20’s. Stock gears, need to upgrade gears to pull Popup trailer when hunting. Suggested gears size and brand??? Thanks again! Stu

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Have you tried pulling it yet? With the diesel you might not need gears. If you have and it feels sluggish, I would say 4.56

[@ws56c62]

@@JKGearandGadgets Thanks for rapid reply!!! oh yes, I have pulled it several times and way to much shifting to the tranny! What brand of gears do u recommend? Dana? I know you have done this before, just can not remember the episode. Thanks again !!

[@SkyHawk2849]

So basically on my daily driver that doesn't see any offloading these brackets with adjustable control arms would be good? I'm thinking of the Evo 2.5 lift. Or adj control arms would be fine?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I wouldn’t use these brackets with a 2.5” lift