Modified XJ Cherokee Tech XJ (84-01)
All modified tech questions. If it modifies your XJ beyond stock parts ask it here.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

changing short arm lift to long arm

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 05:31 PM
  #1  
rshackleford's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default changing short arm lift to long arm

99 XJ Classic, 138,000 miles

I installed a Rusty's 4.5" short arm lift however I am not really happy with the articulation in the front suspension. I am wondering if I can swap the front control arms out for a long arm kit without changing the springs or anything else? Also, if I do that will it help the articulation in the front suspesion?
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 06:23 PM
  #2  
99 Purple XJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 2
From: Long Island N.Y.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
Default

Yes you can do a straight long arm swap its totally worth it better front flex better ride and all around best upgrade ive ever done personally
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 06:45 PM
  #3  
wiggles's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,897
Likes: 2
From: shawnee,ks
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Just get a la upgrading kit, all sorts of companies offer them. Great flex and the only thing you change is the control arms
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 06:46 PM
  #4  
TheCK4x4's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,842
Likes: 2
From: Loveland CO
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: l6
Default

Originally Posted by wiggles
Just get a la upgrading kit, all sorts of companies offer them. Great flex and the only thing you change is the control arms
And sometimes a crossmember
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 06:54 PM
  #5  
wiggles's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,897
Likes: 2
From: shawnee,ks
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

The upgrade kit comes with a new crossmember
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 06:56 PM
  #6  
TheCK4x4's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,842
Likes: 2
From: Loveland CO
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: l6
Default

Oh ya forgot ....haha
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 09:15 PM
  #7  
rshackleford's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.
Any recommendations on a good source for the long arm s?
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 10:03 PM
  #8  
mithuth's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: Warren, PA 16365
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

I've been looking at this too. Subscribed for more info.
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 10:04 PM
  #9  
wiggles's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,897
Likes: 2
From: shawnee,ks
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I'm going with iron rock offroad when I upgrade but there are many others like rock krawler, rusty's, rough country and many many more
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 10:10 PM
  #10  
mithuth's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: Warren, PA 16365
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

I was just looking at the IRO, but it looks like a 3-link setup... any pros/cons of that?

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=PFX
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 10:13 PM
  #11  
wiggles's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,897
Likes: 2
From: shawnee,ks
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

More flex! Most people would say a con is that if a joint fails on the right arm that it would be bad but with regular maintenance it should be perfectly fine
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2012 | 10:15 PM
  #12  
nismo5's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 553
Likes: 1
From: chico,ca
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

also dont forget you have to cut off your factory lower control arm mounts to go long arm so once you go to the dark side theres no coming back
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2012 | 08:47 AM
  #13  
rshackleford's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

Originally Posted by mithuth
I was just looking at the IRO, but it looks like a 3-link setup... any pros/cons of that?

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=PFX
This looks interesting. I assume the UCA mount on the axle on the passenger side is not used with this setup?
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2012 | 09:00 AM
  #14  
ktmracer419's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,869
Likes: 14
Default

iron rock isnt a real 3 link. you couldnt pay me to run it. weak caster adjuster, just a 10mm uca bolt. rubber bushings. it works for lighter wheeling but its just a radius arm with a very scary weak link. and prone to axle hop.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2012 | 09:03 AM
  #15  
ktmracer419's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,869
Likes: 14
Default

i know they use flex as thier main selling point. but the truth is any longarm or drop bracket setup will flex more than is necessary when the rest of the suspension is setup for it.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:07 PM.