Gee oh Dee

For those that have fabbed up their own long arm setup (arms, mounts, crossmember):

How did you determine your overall length of the arms?

Is there a geometrical reason to make them a certain length?

I underatand a flat CA gives best ride quality, so length and mounting location will be related to lift height.

I'm sure articulation plays a huge role, making sure the axle travels in the most straight up and down motion possible, which can be tough because the arms make them travel in an arc...

But I'm going with a 3 link, so bind shouldn't be a huge issue...

Any thoughts or feedback will be greatly appreciated...

Gee oh Dee

Now don't all answer at once!

ta2tony

I don't know anything specifically about long arms, but math would tell you in theory the longer the better. I can't imagine there is a certain length that provides optimum articulation. The longer they are the less they have to move to provide a smooth ride, the less caster is affected by axle position, and obviously more range in travel from one side to the other.

My suggestion would be to decide where you want them to mount on the frame rails first, then measure from there to the LCA axle mount.

PS-Additionally, they should be as close to level as possible.

ktmracer419

There is no magical length that works better than others.

Put them where you can fit them.

As far as I'm concerned if you can keep an acceptable control arm angle through the entire range of travel you are good to go. I had 20" arms with 10" of travel and had zero complaints about it. At ride height my angle was just a few degrees shy from flat. Didn't pull the axle back enough when drooped to bother me or cause any issues, I would have gladly run more travel in the front with those arms if I had a reason to.

Just find out where you can fit them, and just keep in mind that the longer they are the more susceptible to being hit they are, and the more susceptible to bending they are. Both of those aren't really an issue if you build them strong enough though and don't mind dragging your arms on the rocks.


also, I am a huge fan to raising the axle end mounts, more ground clearance and a better control arm angle for next to nothing.

Gee oh Dee

I'm building a non-disco axle to swap in place of my disco axle, so this may be entirely possible. From the beginning I've always looked for better clearance, so I'll really lok hard at doing this.

I just don't want to bite off more than I can chew, this is my very first attempt at any of this, so I'm not rushing or anything haha.

94XjSport94

And aftermarket mounts are stronger than the thin flimsy stock mounts.

Gee oh Dee

Got a recommendation on supplier for mounts?

I was thinking Ballistic, but am open to suggestions...as long as its not Ruff Stuff.

94XjSport94

There are plus or minus infinity company's that sell mounts and fab parts like that lol. I would try and buy everything from one place though.

Bossokee

Like KTM said, one thing you should seriously take into consideration when deciding where to mount is ground clearance. I went wheeling with someone's WJ on longarms once and he got hung up on them pretty good a couple times. That was on an IRO long arm kit.

ktmracer419

whats wrong with ruffstuff?

94XjSport94

Think he's talking about the price

stang65

are you looking to push the front out a bit ot lengthin the wheel base also?

Gee oh Dee

Messed up situation and long story.

They screwed up a very simple order of mine, and I got pissed.

Because I was upset and had no reservations about asking what they hell they think they are doing...I was accused of some really stupid things, and words were put in my mouth.

But that isn't a quality issue, and I've been told their customer service is great. I just got treated poorly and won't shop with them.

If I must I can elaborate, but I doubt thats necessary.