Alright guys I currently have a 3-3.5" lift, and it calls for 16-16.25" length control arms. Well I've always thought moving the front axle forward would be beneficial....
So I was wondering if I should use the JK rear uppers. They are 17.35" long so they'd be about an inch longer than needed. But what are the pros and cons? I'd probably need adjustable uppers to fix the pinion angle but anything else I should worry about?

 

coil spring angle

 

Here is a chart to help you figure what length your arms need to be at certain heights. Control arms lengths are important for castor and location of axle in the wheel wells. At 3", you will be ok with stock arms, just expect the axle to move back toward the cab a little and some minor bumpsteer.

Control Arm Length Application Chart
For Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

Lift...........Lower Control Arms/Upper Control Arms
********Decimal**Fraction**Decimal**Fraction
Stock........15.75.......15 ¾........15.00.......15
2"�.............15.92.......16............14.88... ....15
3"�.............16.09.......16............14.92... ....15
4"�.............16.33.......16 3/8......15.03.......15
4.5"�..........16.47.......16 ½........15.11.......15
5"�.............16.62.......16 5/8......15.21.......15�
6"�.............16.97.......17............15.44... ....15�
7".............17.36.......17 3/8......15.74.......15�
8"�.............17.81.......17�........16.09...... .16
9"�.............18.30.......18�........16.50...... .16�
10"...........18.82.......18�........16.96.......1 7

 

I know the length needed, my questions were mainly pros & cons of moving further forward?
Coil spring angle seems like it could be a concern..

 

arm lengthshttp://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/..._Arm_Chart.htm

 

On my first XJ, I slapped a set of 4.5 coils with 3" lift LCA. I thought I was ok and good to go until I was on the trail. I noticed my axle would drop back towards the "cab" as oppose to the axle drooping down. Another thing, after I installed my longer LCA, I noticed the ride was not as stiff and compact. Geometry and the physical position of the axle seem to loosen up a "bind" or relief that was not there with the shorter arms.
The 10 15 degree difference in angle greatly improved daily driving as well.

 

Ya going over speed bumps now feels like crap in my jeep, and I think its because I have stock arms still. I can physically see my wheel is about 1-1.5" further back in the wheel well, like more towards the cab..but in my buddies 96, hes got stiffer coils, 360/80 valved fox 2.0's..so his is stiffer & on short arms, his feels like butter!
I'm thinking maybe longer arms would be beneficial..

 

Yes Sir..