I have a 1993 XJ high output....its old, alot of miles, and is ugly. But runs great, gets me throught the ohio winters, and I love it. Im putting on a add a leaf, 2.5 inch blocks, 2 inch shackles in rear for lift. And I have 4.5" Coils for the front....now what is the big differences between all the arm setups? I get on rustys to look and see regular arms, adjustable arms, and expensive long arms. I also see that the rough country 4.5 kit only comes with lowers, so is that all im going to need? If i spend 500 on long arm upper and lowers, what are my advantages? Anyone with some info would help, im bout to order transfer drop kit and control arms...Thanks!

 

Welcome to the Site.

Long arms will help with ride quality. some people run them some people dont.

Short arms are always best to get adjustable if you can afford them. That way you set the correct pinion angle and set your tires correctly.

at 4.5" stock upper arms will get you by. any higher you need new upper arms, again preferably adjustable.

If you can fork out the money now and get long arms. RC makes a decent kit and includes the skid plate for the tcase.

If you cant next tier down is adjustable short arms.

and then Below that is a set of fixed length arms.

As far as the rear goes. Try to stay away from the blocks. If you can Leaf packs are your best option. and is what I would recommend highly. CHeck out the for sale section here for some of the parts you need.

Also remember to get longer brake lines. You can use a factory 95 YJ/wrangler line in the rear for an extended brake line. In the front you can use 97 chevy 1500 2wd brake lines. Both are over the counter parts and cheap.

 

Once they are on do you adjust them yourself to snure the correct pinion angle? How would adjusting them change your tire on way or the other? I think long arms are a little too expensive and im not worried about the ride....im more worried about reliablity and flex than riding good. Yes I have heard of stay away from blocks but i know of several people that has had them forever with no problems...and they are cheap. I am wanting to keep this a budget build...and spendind 250 on leaf springs is a little hefty

 

and wouldnt getting short arms made custom by rustys be the same as buying adjustable lowers? They will both be set properly, and never moved....sorry for all questions and all im learning lol

 

Basically it comes down to every lift spring is different as demonstrated HERE.

You are not going to know how much actual lift you get until they are installed and you can fine tune. Once they are tuned they are set and never changed. You can get Fixed arms and alot of people run them. But with fixed alot of the time you dont get the johny joint either.

 

Alright. I think im gonna order adjustable lowers...If i had adjustable uppers as well what would be advantage?

 

adjustablility

The option to set everything perfect. and the Johny joints again... lol

 

Alright. I think im gonna start with lowers first...and will consider the entire leaf pack. Expensive but the right way to go. Thanks man...i will hopefully be posting pics on here soon of the build!

 

It was said already and you may have already made up your mind but I would really re-consider doing an add-a-leaf and blocks as most guys regret that decision. For the rear look up the junkyard thread and you will find ways to get about 3"-4" of lift from other vehicles.

 

i dont see junkyard thread...a buddy of mine said s-10 leafs will get 4 inches...?