How? >Fitting 31s without lift, low COG
Seasoned Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Oregon
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 I6
You are correct here. Your shocks are your limiting factor. There is a way to change this (not a simple bolt on). Like you said, if you go with a longer shock, you will need a longer bump stop which limits up travel. But at the same time, a 1" longer compressed shock will net you a total of 2" more down travel. So how do you get a longer shock in without needing a longer bump stop? Move the shock mount. Either the lower mount needs to get mounted lower or the top mount needs to mount higher. I will be doing a write up on mine when I try to squeeze a huge shock on a low lift (3.5"). This will net me max up travel (for my current tire, fender bump stop combo) yet will also net me max down travel since the shocks will be a lot longer then your typical 3" lift shock. Best of both worlds.
For the long arm vs short arm deal. You really would not benefit from a long arm kit since you dont have much down travel and not much of a lift. For anyone using longer shocks resulting in a lot more down travel (regardless of lift size), a long arm will help keep the wheels centered when moving down. I was trying to find a picture of someone flexing out a short arm kit to the max. The wheels almost ended up folding under the fender due to the bad angle. A long arm would keep the wheels almost centered and have a lot better angles. So to me, a long arm is better no matter what the lift size is. Just depends on how much down travel you have to be able to justify it.
For the long arm vs short arm deal. You really would not benefit from a long arm kit since you dont have much down travel and not much of a lift. For anyone using longer shocks resulting in a lot more down travel (regardless of lift size), a long arm will help keep the wheels centered when moving down. I was trying to find a picture of someone flexing out a short arm kit to the max. The wheels almost ended up folding under the fender due to the bad angle. A long arm would keep the wheels almost centered and have a lot better angles. So to me, a long arm is better no matter what the lift size is. Just depends on how much down travel you have to be able to justify it.
I think I do have the fever! so many great ideas. I think I just out grew this tread.I should probably go check out the longarm treads.
im now looking at 33s + longarm + low COG.
but I like what Charley says - it will probably cost double.
thanks again guys! for so much info
why argue? its just peoples opinions. I read it all. 
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Well sure a longarm could make sense with low lift and LONG shocks, but (as you said) the shock mounts would have to be moved. Given that this is the fellas first build (and his $3500 budget) I was assuming he wants (needs) something reasonably easy, affordable, and a sure thing for his capability level, and would get pretty good results. I wasn't trying to give him advice for an extreme build. Realistic achievable goals lead to getting results on a budget. If he bites off more than he can chew, he might run out of money and/or not get a satisfactory result.
Is it a good idea for a beginner with limited knowledge and budget to attempt to relocate shock mounts and put on long arms? I was giving him safe advice that I knew he would be able to accomplish, afford, and give him good results. So in that regard, I think my advice was practical.
If you're going to pull out all the stops and build extreme LCOG, then of course you can do more than I've done and more than I advised him to do. However, it should to be considered what he's likely able to accomplish for his first-ever build in his budget.
I want him to be able to succeed in his undertaking. I'm sure everyone else wants that too. Towards that end, please consider that it's his first build and what his budget is.
Is it a good idea for a beginner with limited knowledge and budget to attempt to relocate shock mounts and put on long arms? I was giving him safe advice that I knew he would be able to accomplish, afford, and give him good results. So in that regard, I think my advice was practical.
If you're going to pull out all the stops and build extreme LCOG, then of course you can do more than I've done and more than I advised him to do. However, it should to be considered what he's likely able to accomplish for his first-ever build in his budget.
I want him to be able to succeed in his undertaking. I'm sure everyone else wants that too. Towards that end, please consider that it's his first build and what his budget is.
Last edited by Charley3; Feb 28, 2017 at 11:50 PM.
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