It's not the fact a 7/8 would break.. it's the wear factor. Tiny race compared to 1.25". Small upgrade. Simple price increase.

Not saying it's crap because of 7/8 heims. I am saying it would not be something desirable to rigs where I play.

That along with the fact of fitment of the cross member for the long arm kit the stiffener's with some cross members create a problem with different brands.

After a lot of tossing up, I think I'm going to go with the complete kit from Clayton. It's gonna be tough watching all that money disappear from my account, but from what I've heard the quality of Clayton's product is worth it. The kit comes with a 1/4 inch uni-body brace. Will that be enough for added strength, or should I order some additional frame stiffeners?

Stiffeners first. I run a Synergy 4-link. I'd recommend those OR Clayton.

I'm gonna change the direction of this discussion a bit. I openly admit I'm a newbie at this, so my initial thought was oh I want to do a long arm kit with as much lift as possible (I was looking at the 6.5 inch kits). After reading some more threads and hearing what some veterans have to say, it is obvious that is a bad idea and I will not be going with that much lift anymore. With that being said, would a 4.5 inch long arm kit still be too much lift? I would like to run 33s and if at all possible I really don't want to have to tear up the body with a bunch of fender trimming. Any advice?

Also, for reference, I live in eastern north carolina, so the only trails around here are pretty flat trails with some mud/water crossings, but me and my buddies only do that if we are making a quick trip. This is really being built more for weekend trips to Uwharrie and the north carolina/virginia mountains, so rock crawling is my primary focus

Eh. I am not a fan of heims either but the fact that he will provide JJs is a plus for me and is the reason why I will be going with his kit.

Heims if used and abused in dusty or salty weather conditions just flat wear out quickly.

Where in NC are ya? I am in Raleigh and frequent Uwharrie.

bingo, at least in regards to lowers. might as well pop in the 1.25 right from the start. plus, not sure whose bungs he uses but I know the ruffstuff 7/8" ones are tiny (I've seen them yanked out, even with good welding. although that's with some hoot-dangin involved). smaller rod too, running it with a lot of thread showing increases the risk of bending which is absolutely possible. it's all in the set up, it's all what you wheel, 1.25 just sounds like cheap peace of mind to me. at least on the lowers (not sure what the b lee kit uses all around)

IMO do the stiffeners first ! forms the right base to build on. you won't regret it.

why does no one ever mention the Full Traction 4-link kit for the XJ...?

I used to mention it all the time. awesome kit for the price, but I never saw anyone buy it. get that and beef up your stock cross member with some 3/16 plate and you've got a bad*** little suspension

that's what i plan on running after frame stiffeners and after i save up some money.

I built my XJ with a long arm in the plans and a max of 4 1/2" of lift, I have completed everything except for the long arm at this time. I now run 33" and (35" tires off road only) with a min. of trimming required for VG flex on the trails I do not do rock crawling as such.


4 1/2" is the min. height to take advantage of most long arm setups made there are a few for a 3" lift but very few. I ran 33's with a 3" lift with a trim of the fenders and bumpstops installed so its possible also.

I run a 3" right now w/ 33's, but I trimmed. I'll eventually go to the 3.5" full traction 4-link and stick with 33's. it should be perfect for what i do. You might look into the Rubicon Express 4.5" Long Arm if you don't want to trim.