Long arm is much better but is usually more expensive, when you lift the jeep you separate the axle further from the vehicle. It dosent make a difference in the rear on an XJ because it has leaf springs in the rear, but in the front the STOCK or STOCK replacement control arms begin to have a sharper angle with the ground, this makes them not want to work as well. Control arms are designed to work best when they are as parallel as possible with the ground. In addition the long arm allows for better articulation meaning you dont get tossed around as much when 4 wheeling. I want a Long arm in the front of mine now too, one problem is that you usually have to do a bit of welding and mod to get a long arm in. Rubicon might build U a long arm kit if you tell them that U were going to go with the Iron Rock. The Iron Rock kit looks good. The only thing I see better about the Rubicon is that the mounting system for their long arm uses a skid plate to mount the long arm. Either way they'll get the job done, does Iron Rock use RUBBER bushings? Polly wear out fast then U get noise. I would also strongly recommend getting a set of these for the back end.
http://rubiconexpress.com/BuilderPar...DS&part=RE1467
Specifically steel ones so they dont crack, they made a huge difference in drive line vibrations. I would also change out your rear lower universal joint on the drive shaft and possibly the front as well. The change is driveline angle puts a lot more work on them, make sure there greasable unlike the stock ones.

 

Re is closing

 

First Off, Just looked the Iron Rock over, Im confused as to why it only comes with one true long arm? Id be interested to hear their response? Also make sure U get full replacement leaf pack in the rear the stock leafs were killed at 30k on the XJ. If you like to load up and go camp or pile a bunch of friends in or tow stuff get the new pack. The add a leaf will work but you'll start to hate it, trust me. Also trust me when I say dont substitute shocks. What ever those things they call shocks that they sell are, you'll be kicking your self in the but. So far the best I've found are the EMUs or every one know Bill Stein's are good.
Ya they cost a bit more but like I said mine are still kicking *** 3 years after putting them in, most guys tell me they hate their Rugged Ridge, Pro Comp, Rough Country, Super Lift ECT in less than a year. One thing about the EMUs is they use a steel boot protector around the stansion of the shock this completely protects them from crap getting in the shock to F them up, rubber boots always fall apart.

 

sooo, is there going to be a huge going out of business sale?

 

Well for what I do I think the short arm will do fine cuz I'm more on road then I am off but when I am it's usually flat trails and some dirt hills...is there a kinda like Build your own lift kit?? Where you can kinda part it together...or atleast pick the shocks?