88XJSteve

This is a question for all of you guys who are lifted...

Which is better a long arm or short arm lift?

What I want is some real good flex and to not pay a whole lot for a lift I.E. Rubicon Express. I was thinking of the rough country X series lift 6.5" its only 900$ compared to the 6.5" long arm lift which is 1500$

So basically which lift will yield an individual some real good flex? Short or long arm?

Thanks for all input

Scotty16

I like my short arms...but then again, I don't really do too much as far as flexing(daily driver) but I get a fair amount of flex out of my 4.5 inch short arm kit.

ProudXjOwner

if flex is what you want than you have to go with long arms

88XJSteve

That's what I heard actually that if you want flex then get long arms but at the same time I'm also hearing short arms will give you good flex also, so that's why I want to hear more opinions/facts from everyone here.

Irongrave

short arms will flex very well though the limit for a short arm lift is about 4 inches with out drop brackets. once you get about 4 inches on short arms the angle the arms are at starts getting steep thus causing some drive ability issues. I understand wanting to do things for the lowest cost but the RC kit has "brake line relocation brackets" where as the RE kit comes with extended brake lines.

GrapeApe

As stated anything over 4-4.5" of lift should really be long armed. The ride is very harsh with short arms and tall lifts. If you can afford to go long arm do it.

kennedy07jk

I have a rc 6.5 on my cherokee, rides better than my high dollar 4" lift on my jk , flex is good still shoving my 35s into my trimmed fenders

SeriousOffroad

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/let...ng-arms-33331/

caged

drop brackets will give short arms comparable flex to a long arm setup. they also help with keeping the control arm geometry close to stock for a smooth ride.
however, if you want lots of flex, you need lots of lift. so anything over 5.5 inches, you really should go long arm. then you can flex like the pros.

rubicon express is about the most well put together kit available. sure they cost a little more than other kits, but as mentioned, you get proper pieces instead of leaving you to fend for much needed parts. it's complete.

if you can afford long arms, then get them.

OnlyInMyXJ22

Long arms for flex, driveability, and a million other reasons.

89eliminator

x2. they make long arms for a reason.

ktmracer419

one of the last reasons for going longarm should be the flex. you can make a shortarm flex plenty

RE-Xpert

A short arm suspension can have great flex but the quality of ride for the daily driver is still not as nice as the L/A. Flex is going to be dependant on shock length, brake lines, steering components, axle movement forward and backward, lift height, tire size, etc. The L/A will keep the wheel more centered when moving up and down allowing for more articulation before interfering as well as a much better ride because of the length of the control arms and the mounting points; drop bracket and a short arm suspension will also keep the wheel centered more like a LA and will give you a ton of flex (this is the most popular system in Jeepspeed with limited travel) and be more a little more affordable. I personally like the LA for the comfort of the ride and the added ground clearance but from what you are asking I would say to look into a drop down bracket with a 4.5 short arm; drop down systems work pretty darn good. Just remember that when you get crazy articulation you need to match everything else to it... drive shafts, brake lines, steering components, etc. hope that helps a little with your decision.

96_xj

Drop brackets are a great idea for short arms. This is my short arm lift mounted in stock location. Shocks are my limiting strap at the moment.




with my short arms i have an RTI Index of 1158 on a 20* ramp and 792 on a 30* ramp. My ride is a little bit rougher than a LA set up. Drop Brackets would increase my flex and smooth out my ride. But my short arms work for me.

RE-Xpert

yep, short arm gives awesome flex when set up right and is the most affordable. S/A is a great way to get out there and do it. great pics 96-xj!