RE 5.5" Long Arm or 4.5"

[bchulett]

Hello group.

I've had a 3" Rancho suspension on my '91XJ Laredo for some time now and I want to give it a third life.... currently has 150K miles.

1. Interior is like new... recently replaced many parts.

2. Exterior is currently getting new parts/paint.... mostly bumpers, fog lights and trim.

3. Engine/trans... runs excellent.

4. All electrical stuff works.

5. I'm original owner.


My Dilemma:

The suspension is old and I want to trick it out. The new suspension systems available seem more sophisticated since I installed my Rancho 8 years ago.

I'm at a loss which direction to go....


My Questions:

1. Considering the age of the drivetrain, would a RE 5.5 long-arm using 5150 Bilsteins be too much for this old Jeep?

2. How much would a long-arm change daily driveability?

3. Any significant alignment or steering problems with a long-arm?

4. Anyone know where I can see a pic of the RE 5.5 long-arm?

4. Should I just settle for a RE 4.5" and call it a day?


Thanks for your insight.

[RCP Phx]

Thats kinda like comparing apples to oranges!I just took my RE 4.5"(netted 5") kit off.It drove great with just a little harshness due to the control arm angles.At lifts above that you have to do something,either drop brackets or long arms,etc..I chose to go long arm and it is alot better driving now.Although I built mine I did use RE uppers and RE Spherical joints so it would look very similar to mine.I would like to see one of thier kits!
http://members.aol.com/rpayne9421/images/mvc-007f.jpg

[bchulett]

Thanks for the pic....

This link shows a review on the RE TJ Long Arm Kit..... if you click on the "Components" link on this page.... and then click on the "control arms" reference links.... you will see that your custom control arms are very similar. In the description, they reference these TJ Long Arms also being used for XJLA's.... interesting!

http://www.rubiconusa.com/store/product.asp?productnum=RE7205

How does your XJ ride and drive now.... compared to when you had the RE 4.5" system? Did you have any steering or alignment issues?

Thanks,
Bob

[RCP Phx]

I love it,it drives awsome.Im still only running about 2.5* of caster and I need a bit more toe.

[Bentonedge]

i know i have nothing to compare the 4.5 to the long arm but every little bit of information i have read has said taht the long arm kiks make the jeeps ride better then then most lifted trucks. i do nto even have a jeep yet and io know that i will be doing a long arm set up after i play around with the front leaf springs idea. i think it is really worth the extra sweet ride.