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Hello Team XJ, I need some help. I Have a 2000 XJ that I bought used for a fair (for Southern California) price and just like every hobby in my life, I went from a simple inexpensive build to a "holy crap, I might as well go all in" build. My Son and I have put a lot of hours into this fixing leaks, SYE, cowl induction, lift kit, Raptor Lined roof........... seriously, the list the list goes on and on. It has been a blast wrenching on this thing with my kid and (knock on wood) everything has gone relatively smooth. We are putting in a Dana 30 high pinion axle up front and a Ford 8.8 out back with ARB lockers and chromoly shafts all the way around. My question, after all this, what company long arm, three link or four link (I'm open to either), upgrade kit should we go with. Before anyone says it, I have been all over google doing the search thing. I have center frame stiffeners coming from JCR that will be burned in next week so cross member mounting might be an issue?? Our current setup is a Rubicon Express Super Flex 4.5 short arm lift. A few of the suggestions I found online aren't even produced any longer. So can someone help a guy and his kid out and toss us some suggestions/opinions on what long arm kit (with frame mid stiffeners already installed) to go with? Thanks and here are a couple pics before and after of where we are at.
Last edited by earsmccoy; Aug 1, 2019 at 10:48 AM.
Reason: added text, spelling
Yep, Clayton is one of the ones that I was looking at that are no longer available. Unless the links I have are wrong It looks like IRO might be the prevailing winner
Awesome looking project but I'm even more excited that you and your son are doing it. That's the best times I ever had with my Dad and then with my son. Carry on with the good work.
No frame stiffeners but have been thinking maybe this winter would be a good project been having a lot of fun with it and while its still straight thinking it will be a good idea!
I personally have a rockkrawler 3 link that I really like, not too sure if they make it anymore though, I bought it off craigslist for dirt cheap brand new in the box still. But my original plan was to do cavfab, heard a ton of good things about the quality and craftsmanship of their products
Awesome looking project but I'm even more excited that you and your son are doing it. That's the best times I ever had with my Dad and then with my son. Carry on with the good work.
Happy Jeepin
TexasTaz38
Yeah, It is great working on it with him. We are having fun with this and he seems to think that he is working on "his" XJ. I try to get him involved as much as possible but also try to handle most of the frustrating stuff myself. He is 13 so I have to walk that fine line of keeping him involved and interested and not bored and frustrated.
And the winner is........................... "Iron Rock Offroad"! Well at least I hope it's the winner, we will find out once we install it. Thanks for everyone's help and kind words. I was also looking at CavFab (as well as just about every other set up) but decided to pull the trigger on the IRO three link. The stiffeners are delayed a bit so it wont be going on until the stiffeners are on. One of the holes in the frame rail has to be tapped to install the three link kit. Does any one know if the holes are already there on the JCR frame stiffener or am I going to have to figure out how to drill it?
You will be happy I think ride is great and off road is also great if I had to say anything bad it would be to me the rear springs have relaxed a little more then I think they should but then again I have been running it a little hard flexing and also pulling the SXS and after about 8 months I moved the rear shackles ahead one hole and seem to be good again maybe that is norm for a soft rate spring but that is the only complaint I have!
You will be happy I think ride is great and off road is also great if I had to say anything bad it would be to me the rear springs have relaxed a little more then I think they should but then again I have been running it a little hard flexing and also pulling the SXS and after about 8 months I moved the rear shackles ahead one hole and seem to be good again maybe that is norm for a soft rate spring but that is the only complaint I have!
Thanks for the reply, Ronnie! Im actually running the 4.5" Rubicon Express short arm kit with their leaf springs on it. Everything on my rig will stay Rubicon (shocks, springs, etc) except the three link kit by Iron Rock. Time will tell how the RE leaf springs hold up over time.
Long Arm Help
