Long Arms or Bilsteins?
 

So I was planning on puttiln long arms on my xj to get a better ride and flex but I was also reading that Bilsteins or other high end shocks really make a difference with ride. Which one will make the ride smoother? I'm assuming the shocks but I figured I'd ask.

Also what length shocks would I need for the front and rear? I have a 4" lift but might take it up to 6"

New shocks will contribute to a better ride on the road, and you can only flex as much as your shocks will let you. So if you can max out your shock without the suspension binding, you will need a longer shock for more flex. Long arms will only give you more flex if you get a shock with more travel.

another cheap alternative would be drop brackets to get the control arms closer to stock angles. Idk if they yours are that bad but dont expect a lifted jeep to drive like a caddy

ya but longarms will improve the ride WAYYYY more than new shocks
and provide more flex. true shocks CAN act like a limiting strap, but at that amount of flex, youll stretch/tear a brake line before you reach your shock limit.
besides shocks arent that tough, they'll give at some point, ask me how i know (check my build thread, i popped the eye right off my shock hehe)

i vote longarms, youll be alot happier i the long run....
oh and look here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tru...ng-arms-40199/

LOTS of good info

If you have the money for a long arm then I would go for it. The only issue is as stated above, you will want new longer shocks for the long arms to flex more. If you plan on going to 6" I would get long arms. I am at 6"s with short arms and it's stiff as hell, doesn't bother me but I know the ride would be a lot better with long arms.

I agree that LA will improve vehicle ride. the comment about shocks being limiting straps is not correct. ALL shocks. high end and even low end shocks, are NOT meant as limiting straps. you WILL destroy you shocks by bottoming them out and over extending them over and over again.

regarding what length. do not trust what ever the manufactor tells you will work wit your lift. flex it out and measure your compressed and extended lengths! :thumbsup:

i never said they are MEANT as a limiting strap, obviously you shouldnt over extend your shocks, like DUH. :pinch:
and hes right about measuring for shocks first, i wish mine were longer, but went with the shocks that came with the kit. im on short arms tho so...

then why did you say this? just copying what you typed. dont want to lead someone on thinking their shocks are limiting straps just like you said.

i apologize for making the assumption that everyone has some common sense, obviously i'm mistaken.
why anyone would think your SUPPOSED to use a shock as limiting strap is beyond me, i was simply stating that they CAN and DO act as a limiting strap.
move along....

lol wow. Again NO and they CANT be use as limiting straps. you WILL destroy them. lol :thumbsup:

DID YOU READ THE REST OF MY POST
no **** you'll destroy them, look in my build thread, been there done that....
like i said, i wish i had longer shocks, cause mine act as limiting straps
and nowhere in there did i state you SHOULD or CAN use shocks as a limiting strap
i was simply refering to the fact that too short of shocks CAN and DO act as limiting straps

you said this ^. dont offer advice if you dont know what you are talking about. :thumbsup:

dont want to lead someone and them destroy their shock because you said the above :thumbsup:

it wasnt advice, it was a statement. :thumbsup:
im done with you :guns:

Wow, I got it! I was laughing the first time you said it, I was thinking back when one of my shocks on my CJ-7 became a limiting strap, it pulled the top mount out of the frame.
I also broke a mount on a 65 Scout back in the late 70's when a shock compressed all the but there was still wheel travel to be had, so the Scout was standing on the shock!