Are long arm and 4 link suspensions the same thing?

 

No you can have short arm 4link ie: stock setup. The "long" in long arms refer to the length of the arms. You can have a 3 link long arm. I suggest you research a bit.

 

Essentially, yes. One uses short arms and long on the other.

 

A long arm kit is really a radius arm set up since the upper control arms attach to the lower arms.A 4 link all 4 links have their own attachment points on both ends.

 

Every kit has their advantages.

 

This is not entirely true. Most "off the shelf" kits are radius arms, because they are easier to design. But there are companies who make 4 link and 3link kits. Which could also be long arms. Honestly, long arms aren't a real thing. It is either a radius arm setup, a 3 link or a 4 link. "Long arm" is just a marketing term, because the arms are longer than Stock, so you get a better ride/flex.

 

Too many people buying the kit that has the advantage of being cheap. I say if you are going to spend the money you may as well same a few hundred bucks more and buy a kit that will outlast the jeep.

 

They can be, but not all the time. The factory suspension setup is a 4 link. That is referring to the amount of control arms. Two uppers, and two lowers.

Long arms, like stated, refer to the length of the arms. They usually mount back near the trans crossmember.

Some long arm kits retain the factory 4 link style, others use 3 link by only using one upper arm. Many use what's called "radius arms" meaning the upper links connect to the lower links and the lower links to the body.

Many will argue that a 3 link is the best setup for wheelin because there is much less bind in the joints.

Radius arms kinda suck because the castor changes as the suspension cycles up and down, but they work just fine. I have them on my xj.