So I finally lifted my xj about 6 months ago but deployed as soon as I got it done so now its sitting in storage. Since I have a lot of time over here to dream about stuff to do to my jeep and scanning the catalogs I realize that I should have gotten the LA right off the bat. So now im looking for LA upgrade kit, also I was wondering the whole 3 link deal? I've always delt with leafs so the whole LA and 3 links and what not are new to me. Are 3 links still road driveable? So pardon me if I ask stupid question lol like I said coils are a fairly new game to me. I have a 4.5 RC with 33's SYE, Tom woods shaft, CA drop kit, and adjustable Trac Bar. Also what about a coil conversion in the rear? This will turn into a dedicated trail rig but have to DD for now and I wheel pretty much every weekend. Thanks for the input.

Tyler

scratch the coil conversion in the rear, decided against it for now

3 link is better then a y-setup, you don't lose camber as you hit bumps or have suspension travel. I have run 3- link for a long time and love it

I have a 3 link on my Xj.. They flat out work. Ride really nice on the road, but you will need a sway bar to be stable on road. Off road limit straps are a must.

I recommend the Rock Krawler 3 link. Infact I just order a custom setup.. that is 4" longer then stock for my truggy build.

Ya a true 3-link has no binding, unlike 4-link and y-setups. Im runnin the rock krawler 3 link up front and it flexes amazing. Limiting straps are a must to keep your coils seated.
Below is a picture of me flexing with my 3-link, keep in mind im on 35's and compare the rock to the semi truck tires in the background

yeah I am running the iron rock offroad fixed three link long arm upgrade, it's fantastic and drives like a champ on the road. Flexes like nobody's business in the hills. and still crawls at the mall lol. I've got the setup on about 7.5-8" of lift

Ok so it sounds like the 3 link is a go then. Also I'm wanting to go a little bigger, spacers and shackles or just straight up new springs? I know ideally new springs but is there any legit pluses of goin with springs over a budget boost?

I would do a shackle relocation bracket. Call Liqiud Iron Industries. As for the benefit.. it will ride better and flex better. especailly considering that XJ leafs are pretty flat.

I think Rk Is the only true 3 link available ready to bolt in. I think the IRO is a radias arm 3 link.

How would the 3 link style handle lite rally driving? I frequently drive fire roads and use my XJ to get to fishing spots, I get inpatient driving slow. Does the one upper arm ever seem to lose adjustment or take on too much stress?

if you plan on "going fast" then i would go with a 4-link with trackbar.

^Re-read what they're saying...3-link does not mean Y-link. The IRO system is a Y-link radius arm setup and doesn't bind as customzj73 noted above. The draw backs I've noticed from my IRO system is the strength of the standard bushing. If you go three link I highly recommend a Currie jonny joint for either assembly. I plan to install one later this fall as it requires modification to the pinion adjustment bracket on my Y-link. The problem is that you're asking that single bolt to control axle wrap. It's been argued over and over if it can handle it, and I'm not here to discuss that, but I will say a factory bushing will compress enough to note noticeable warp. I daily my XJ at 4.5" with the IRO system, a double shear track bar, JKS disco's and 32's and its very stable; for a lifted XJ... 4-link is definitely a better bet for speed and strength.



its a solid axle... how could you not lose/gain camber on a bump? Did you mean caster? Sweet ZJ btw.

Ya I meant caster my bad I always get the two mixed up, well if you really think your gonna be rallying the **** out of it on washboard roads then I would say 4 link for sure. Not saying a good setup 3-link can't handle it but I wouldn't trust that kind of abuse on one bolt. But I will say I do 30-35 on really rough dirt roads very often. But why go any faster then that on a dirt road with a DD?

Oh and thanks unimog

Oh yeah I was talking about lite rallying... spirited dirt driving. I'm never gonna be doing more than 35. I'm probably leaning away from 3 link style just cause of that one top arm taking all the stress. I don't think I could trust it for those sudden bumps or braking in washboard.

What about the OPs question about coil spacers... Anyone have insight I'm curious as well?