All inclusive Long Arm upgrade thread:

There's a new cheap option in town (Rough Country), plus plenty of other options that have cropped up over the years

= good time for an all inclusive thread on them. :chillin:

Radius Arms

The new guys, Rough Country:

http://store.4wheelingplus.com/proddeta ... d=PERF689U

Pretty complete looking radius style,

uses 4 "X-Flex Joints designed by Rough Country" (looks similar to the other guys, probably just as good, but I'd rather see a proven joint).

X-member looks like it pretty much hangs as low as the other guys, but as a plus, it has a T-case skid that seems to be removable.

A 3-piece X-member would be better (to allow the tranny to be dropped), but it's really hard to complain at this price ($599 at the first place I found).

Rusty's

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.m ... ode=rustys

The old 'inexpensive' option.

I'm not a huge Rusty's fan, but it comes in straight arms, or bent for clearance (similar to T&T's) for $790 (first price I found, at Rusty's site)

Rubicon Express

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-lift- ... arm-xj.htm

The Standard (IMO),

proven arms, proven joints, elaborate X-member & mounting system, tranny section removable without removing suspension mounts.

Available everywhere, ~$1050 seems to be the common price.

T&T Customs

http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/pro ... roduct=705

I won't lie, this is one of my favorite kits,

The biggest negative is you have to drop the suspension mounts to pull the tranny.

I had thought the T-case skid was also integrated,but it looks like it is removable:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/xj-l ... on-904694/

Jason has this at $764.96 this weekend,

that seems to be a very good price.

Claytons

http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info. ... cts_id=110

The 'other' industry standard.

Arms are considered by many the strongest available, they use 'Johnny Joint' brand joints,

have (IMHO) one of the best attaching methods (weld the X-member ends on, center section unbolts for tranny service).

The mounting itself is kind simplistic compared to the others tho (no frame inserts, or backing plates),

and it would be tough if you wanted to move the X-member for a different tranny later on.

Price is $854.10 directly from Claytons (there is a sale this weekend), might be cheaper through a dealer, but this is the first price I found.

OK, there you have the Radius Arm Style kits I'm aware of, I'll post the (true) 4 links, 3 links, and 3 link semi-radius setups next.

Feel free to post better prices on these if you have them, or to add anothe Radius style I might have missed.

Also, if this was a heads up competition between these 5, I think I'd be leaning towards the new guys,

hard to knock the $600 price (I bet you could shop around & do better too).

True 4 link

BDS

http://bds-suspension.com/products/acc_longarm.php

I had a tough time finding a price for just the upgrade kit,

list price is $1,041.88 with flex bushings, or $1,013.24 with poly bushings

Out of everything I've posted so far, I'd take this kit, and cut out the middle (make it bolt in) for tranny access, and be a happy man. :chillin:

Here's one I missed, thanks SuperWade2:

Poly Performance

The other 'new guys' to XJ long arm kits (available 12/31/09)

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Jee ... 16607.html

Kit looks top shelf, if a little expensive.

True 4 link, .25" wall DOM arms, 'real' Johnny Joints, and all the parts are available separately (brackets $300 lowers $460, uppers $360). No X-member included, but individual/ beefy link brackets allow you to do your own thing, and have the tranny/t-case removable.

$1128 from Poly Performance

Full Traction

I'm still looking for 'just' the upgrade kit on this (less springs/track bar, etc).

Skyjacker Rock Ready

More mid-arms than actual long arms, not a bad design, but the gigantic heims tend to wear out.

I'm also looking for this kit in it's 'upgrade' form (less springs/track bar/etc/etc).

I know it can be ordered as just the cradle & arms, because they offered it to the Jeep Speed guys in this form.

Rock krawler triple threat.

http://www.xtremeterrain.com/triplethre ... awler.aspx

I'll admit, I know very little about the new RK stuff,

I knew, and understood their old old 3-link version, but didn't even know they had come out with a 4 link till I went looking for their 3 link. :dunce:

Basic kit, no X-member, solid core arms.

First place I found had it for $999

edit, Mesa says $999 is list price, they offer it for $929.95:

http://www.mesa4x4.com/dynamic/part_det ... K-XJTTLAUG

Teraflex

http://shoplive.rompalicious.com/terafl ... googlebase

$544.95 at the first place I found.

Only reason I'm including this is it is a longarm kit, and it is a true 4 link (since it retains the stock length UCA's), but super long lowers with stockish uppers isn't something I'd ever want to run (apologies to anyone with this kit. :D )

'True' 3 link & Semi-radius arm 3-link

Rock Krawler

http://www.discountjeepparts.com/produc ... s_id/27372

3 link setup eliminates the binding created by running a true 4 link setup.

I've never run this setup, and have my reservations about running just a single UCA.

Plenty of people have successfully run 3 links on XJ's,

and this is the most commonly run off the shelf setup.

Like all RK stuff, it uses solid links (instead of tubing).

$750 at the first place I found.

I also missed Poly's 3-link :doh:

Poly Performance weld together 3-link

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Jee ... 16607.html

This really is a kit. :D

You weld together your own links, and build/bend your own track bar (it includes heims/brackets & the tubing for the track bar, unlike the other kits, so figure that in the total $$)

You can also order longer links (base kit = 36"), have the arms heat treated, or get rear spring brackets with this kit for more $$.

PP makes nice stuff, so quality shouldn't be a question, it uses .25" wall lowers, and (real) Johnny Joints like their 4 link kit.

$1200 directly from Poly Performance

IronRock Offroad

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant ... y_Code=PFX

Another kit I know very little about,

here's a 13 page thread on NAXJA if you want to read the whole thing:

http://www.naxja.net/forum/showthread.php?t=985234

It's a single radius arm (with flex joints) on the drivers side to set pinion angle, and a single LCA, without the upper to eliminate binding on the passengers side (also with flex joints).

I like it because it has the benefit of pinion angle change with droop (also changes caster tho) like a typical Radius arm, without the binding associated with it (Radius arms bind more than true 4 links),

but (as the above RK 3-link) you are relying on a single UCA mount to keep your ft axle where it belongs.

It also has a (removable) X-member that seems to hang down a little more than some others,

but it could just be the angle of this pic:

The Caster-adjusting-do-hickey is unique to this kit too:

It's $599 from the manufacturer (+$100 if you want adjustable arms)

General info on all

Keep in mind with all the longarm setups,

most of these brackets & braces were designed around XJ frame rails, so our extra X-member mounts will most likely be in the way

(thanks 89eliminator!)

89eliminator confirmed that the Full Traction 4 link frame mount needs to be modified to fit an MJ. :cheers:

OK, what did I miss, any other longarm options? Cheaper prices than I listed? Important points I skipped over?

I thought it would be nice to have this all in one post,

feel free to add more facts & info, support, or debunk anything I typed,

give it the or :roll:

:waving:

 

 

 

 

T&T Customs

http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/pro ... roduct=705

 

 

I won't lie, this is one of my favorite kits,

 

The biggest negative is you have to drop the suspension mounts to pull the tranny.

I had thought the T-case skid was also integrated,but it looks like it is removable:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/xj-l ... on-904694/

 

 

Jason has this at $764.96 this weekend,

that seems to be a very good price.

Who is Jason & how much is the complete T&T LA kit?

 

 

 

 

T&T Customs

http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/pro ... roduct=705

 

 

I won't lie, this is one of my favorite kits,

 

The biggest negative is you have to drop the suspension mounts to pull the tranny.

I had thought the T-case skid was also integrated,but it looks like it is removable:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/xj-l ... on-904694/

 

 

Jason has this at $764.96 this weekend,

that seems to be a very good price.

 

Who is Jason & how much is the complete T&T LA kit?

Jason is the owner of Jeepinoutfitters.com, the link in my post directly under "T&T Customs"

edit:

5.5" complete kit is $2,200:

http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/pro ... roduct=681

7.5" complete kit is $2,300:

http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/pro ... roduct=682

but those are for XJ kits (different rear springs)

It looks like T&T is having a sale this weekend, their list prices shown are slightly higher than that one from Jeepinoutfitters.com

PolyPerformance?

4Link $1120

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Pol ... 20915.html

3Link - $1200+

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Jee ... 16607.html

PolyPerformance?

 

4Link $1120

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Pol ... 20915.html

 

3Link - $1200+

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Jee ... 16607.html

Doh!

That's one of the reasons I thought of doing this thread. :doh:

Thanks. :cheers:

awesome thread.

i know that you would need to modify the frame mounts on the FT 4-link for a MJ.

GREAT IDEA!!!

If I did a long arm. (I HAVE been thinking it over :brows: ) I wouldn't even think about a 3 link for a street driven vehicle. I also wouldn't look any farther then the CLAYTONS kit...

CW

I think that new rough country kit looks super nice for a radius set up. It would be a REAL tough decision for me between the BDS 4 link (I prefer a true 4link) and the new RC LA kit.

GREAT IDEA!!!

If I did a long arm. (I HAVE been thinking it over :brows: ) I wouldn't even think about a 3 link for a street driven vehicle. I also wouldn't look any farther then the CLAYTONS kit...

 

CW

Why not? I have the RK 3 link setup, and it handles great. I don't have a hell of a lot of road miles on it... but from what I have driven it on the road it does fine and handles like a lifted jeep.

this is an awesome thread! i think it should be stickied, and there should be a short arm thread just below it.

GREAT IDEA!!!

If I did a long arm. (I HAVE been thinking it over :brows: ) I wouldn't even think about a 3 link for a street driven vehicle. I also wouldn't look any farther then the CLAYTON'S kit...

 

CW

 

 

Why not? I have the RK 3 link setup, and it handles great. I don't have a hell of a lot of road miles on it... but from what I have driven it on the road it does fine and handles like a lifted jeep.

I know some people like it. Unless everything else in the suspension is near perfect, its a DW magnet. I have personally seen four 3link kits that brought the MAJOR SUK, to the vehicles that they where mounted on. Let me clarify, OFF ROAD they are just fine, actually articulation better then many setups. But ON ROAD, DW and quirky handling was the norm, not the exception.

IMHO, 3 link suspension is just not enough for the other variables associated with a lifted, large tired off road jeep. If it was so good, ANY one of the major manufacturers would have it on there factory vehicles...

I know some people like it. Unless everything else in the suspension is near perfect, its a DW magnet. I have personally seen four 3link kits that brought the MAJOR SUK, to the vehicles that they where mounted on. Let me clarify, OFF ROAD they are just fine, actually articulation better then many setups. But ON ROAD, DW and quirky handling was the norm, not the exception.

IMHO, 3 link suspension is just not enough for the other variables associated with a lifted, large tired off road jeep. If it was so good, ANY one of the major manufacturers would have it on there factory vehicles...

This has nothing to do with 3 links. Worn out front end parts will cause DW and quirky handling regardless of whether it is 3 link, radius arms, 4 link, etc.

FWIW I will not run anything on my rigs other than 3 links in the front. The road/off road handling is amazing and it is simple and light weight. Keep in mind, I don't run a Dana 30 (they have crappy ball joints) and I build all my suspension myself.

The only off the shelf kit I would actually consider out of all the kits posted would be the Rock Krawler. ;)

I run the RK 3 link kit on the front of mine. I have had it for about 4 years now with over 10k miles on it. I haven't had a problem yet, the only time I had any sort of wobble was when my ball joints were worn out, I haven't ran a steering stabilizer since i installed it either.

Also, I found it a lot cheaper than the price listed above. I bought the 3 arms, joints and frame mounts for about $300 from DC4WD.com, but then again, this was a while ago when I got it. I also picked up their track bar to have the complete setup.

I run the RK 3 link kit on the front of mine. I have had it for about 4 years now with over 10k miles on it. I haven't had a problem yet, the only time I had any sort of wobble was when my ball joints were worn out, I haven't ran a steering stabilizer since i installed it either.

 

Also, I found it a lot cheaper than the price listed above. I bought the 3 arms, joints and frame mounts for about $300 from DC4WD.com, but then again, this was a while ago when I got it. I also picked up their track bar to have the complete setup.

And DC is now out of Business at last check... I got a lot of my TJ stuff from him as well...

nice writeup :cheers:

Has anyone contacted Full Traction to see if their kit is available as a LA upgrade?

i did once, they told me i have to buy the whole kit.

i did once, they told me i have to buy the whole kit.

Wha?! , that's so lame!

i did once, they told me i have to buy the whole kit.

Wha?! , that's so lame!

yes it is. either way though you would have to modify the frame mounts for it to fit a MJ

i did once, they told me i have to buy the whole kit.

Wha?! , that's so lame!

 

yes it is. either way though you would have to modify the frame mounts for it to fit a MJ

Do you have to notch out for the crossmember? I don't remember the difference between the MJ and XJ crossmember.

i did once, they told me i have to buy the whole kit.

On some of the other longarm threads out there, people have posted mixed reviews on this.

Standard advice if you want just 1/2 the kit (like all us MJ folks :D ) is to call, and ask.

If they say no, wait a week, then call back & ask.

Sounds crazy, but a few have reported that, depending who you get on the phone, you actually can get 1/2 a kit.

YMMV.

good info. :D I'll move this over to the DIY forum later on.

i did once, they told me i have to buy the whole kit.

Wha?! , that's so lame!

 

yes it is. either way though you would have to modify the frame mounts for it to fit a MJ

Do you have to notch out for the crossmember? I don't remember the difference between the MJ and XJ crossmember.

now i never actually tried putting a FT 4-link on so this is what i read on other forums, but the frame mounts hit the cab supports on the MJ so they need to be notched.