long arm vs. short arm
#1
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Model: Cherokee
long arm vs. short arm
So i am going to be build my XJ and i would like some opinions on what you have done and what has worked, what you would change and why.
Here is the plan.
4.5 inch lift with long arms on 31's for now and 33's down the road. I will be using a Clayton cross member and making the rest of the kit. Well i wont be but it will be made for me.
I will be running Dana 44 front and rear.
I will use this as an exploration rig, hunting, fishing, camping and things like that. I am not big into rocks but i will do them on occasion. I want it to ride smooth on the road but be capable off road.
Here is the plan.
4.5 inch lift with long arms on 31's for now and 33's down the road. I will be using a Clayton cross member and making the rest of the kit. Well i wont be but it will be made for me.
I will be running Dana 44 front and rear.
I will use this as an exploration rig, hunting, fishing, camping and things like that. I am not big into rocks but i will do them on occasion. I want it to ride smooth on the road but be capable off road.
#2
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.6 I6
Just installed my 4.5 short arm lift and honestly it rides alright but if I would have chosen long arms, it would probably be less bumpy. I'm either going to do drop brackets, which may be good for you, or save up for long arms. If you arnt playing in the rocks, drop brackets will make you ride wayy better for a smidge of the cost of long arms.
#3
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Sounds like a solid plan. Should be more than enough for what you want it to do. How well it rides will just depend on how well everything is built and the angles and seperation of the arms but I'm sure you have done, and will be doing research to get that all set up right.
Are you doing full width 44s or will they be narrow track? Only reason I ask is if you want to keep the factory width, I would stick with a 29 spline 8.25 rear end out of a 97(?) Or newer xj. They're basically the same strength but the 8.25 would be bolt in and is also VERY easy to convert to disc brakes.
Are you doing full width 44s or will they be narrow track? Only reason I ask is if you want to keep the factory width, I would stick with a 29 spline 8.25 rear end out of a 97(?) Or newer xj. They're basically the same strength but the 8.25 would be bolt in and is also VERY easy to convert to disc brakes.
#6
CF Veteran
I owned a '98 short arm XJ on 32s & a '89 XJ LA on 35s at the same time & the '89 rides SO much better.
Long arms all the way.
Long arms all the way.
Last edited by Big David; 01-06-2017 at 06:23 PM.
#7
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Sounds like a solid plan. Should be more than enough for what you want it to do. How well it rides will just depend on how well everything is built and the angles and seperation of the arms but I'm sure you have done, and will be doing research to get that all set up right.
Are you doing full width 44s or will they be narrow track? Only reason I ask is if you want to keep the factory width, I would stick with a 29 spline 8.25 rear end out of a 97(?) Or newer xj. They're basically the same strength but the 8.25 would be bolt in and is also VERY easy to convert to disc brakes.
Are you doing full width 44s or will they be narrow track? Only reason I ask is if you want to keep the factory width, I would stick with a 29 spline 8.25 rear end out of a 97(?) Or newer xj. They're basically the same strength but the 8.25 would be bolt in and is also VERY easy to convert to disc brakes.
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#8
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Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Through my research,
New short arms + control arm drop brackets isn't very much cheaper, if any, than long arms.
I'm adding CAD brackets to mine but I already have short arms so it isn't costing me much.
I say if starting new, go long arms.
New short arms + control arm drop brackets isn't very much cheaper, if any, than long arms.
I'm adding CAD brackets to mine but I already have short arms so it isn't costing me much.
I say if starting new, go long arms.
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#12
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i did custom built long arms off of the tnt flat cross member, turned out nice w/ a great ride. 5 " lift w/ 33's street/ 35" offroad.