Short arms, vs. long arms, vs. RE drop drackets

[Toyman]

I have a 99 XJ and I'm looking at going with a bigger lift, up to about 6.5" total consisting of 5.5" RE springs and a 1" spacer up front. I'll be running 34" LTB's for off road, 32 A/T's on highway. As the topic indicated, these seem to be the different routes to go for control arms.

I have thought about the drop bracket kit form RE, but $315US for brackets with support braces, I don't know. They improve the wheel travel from what I hear, but will they be worth it?

I like the long arm idea for added travel, but don't want the long arms to catch and get hung up on shit or bash 'em of rocks and bend them. I like the Rock Krawler set up and Clayton's Offroad, but big $$, especially for Clayton's. Nice stuff though.

Any one on here have the RE 5.5" short arm kit that comes with the drop brackets? Interested to know on this as I have the arms for the 5.5" kit, but no drop brackets

I have also thought about making the fixed arms extended by welding in some Grade 10 bolts and a jam nut, but heard the on-road ride from the short arm set up is shit compared to long arm. This would be the cheapest route, but would like to hear what other people think.

My rear lift will consist of 4.5 - 5" leaf spring with the revolver shackles (1.75" lift) for added flex. This is going to be a daily driver with A/T's for the street.

Thoughts and experience on the above questions are welcome.

[gcurtis]

I'm at 5.5" with short arms and drop brackets. Something to think about is, since I'm wholy Johnny Jointed, my extended travel causes my upper control arms to hit my drive shaft at certain angles and really nail it.

I love the ride and clearance, but this is an issue.

[Kittrell]

I think you did very little research before you came and asked a question.

[NHextremeXJ]

TNT Customs.......search em

[XJ99]

go long arms, I Just got drop brackets and support braces 2 months ago and I already plan to sell them as soon as my RK-LA upgrade comes in....

[Jeffro600]

Originally Posted by NHextremeXJ

TNT Customs.......search em

X2....best kit out there for the money and wont cost you much more than adjustables and drop brackets....plus you get a kick ass belly pan out of the deal!

[bigwhitey]

X3
and if you're on that much of a budget just get the RK kit.

[Capt. Nemo]

What kind and how much wheeling do you do? Budget? Those will play a big role in which direction you should go.

The short answer is: SEARCH

This has been discussed alot at great length. After searching, the best answer is to decide what is best for your application yourself based on your research.

Good luck.

[XJ_ranger]

5.5" short arms with raised axle end mounts 2"

i refuse to go long arm unless i go three link mid arm...

it rides like a lifted jeep...

[XJ_ranger]

Originally Posted by Toyman

...hung up on shit...

...short arm set up is shit...

feel like a bigger man when you use words like that?

[RyleyF]

Originally Posted by XJ_ranger

feel like a bigger man when you use words like that?

I heard the Teevee say words like that once. Now I'm afraid to go outside.

[willyb]

Originally Posted by Toyman

Any one on here have the RE 5.5" short arm kit that comes with the drop brackets?

I originally went with the entire RE 5.5XD kit... Adjustable arms, DB's, the whole nine yards... And while the ride was decent, It wasn't exactly what I wanted. The ride was still harsh, the DB's fit like crap, and I was completely unimpressed...

Being that the XJ is my daily driver, I need a ride that was smooth, and tons of travel... So I installed a TnTCustoms Y-Link long arm kit... The ride is amazing - to say the least...

I have literally rested the entire XJ on the belly pan, and now I have no concerns when atemping dropoffs, or other obstacles where my DB's would have hung up...

Originally Posted by Toyman

I like the long arm idea for added travel, but don't want the long arms to catch and get hung up on shit or bash 'em of rocks and bend them.

Then you should seriously take a look at what TnTcustoms has to offer with there long arm kit... Bent arms, and they are hella stout - I know I've beat the crap outta mine...

The initial cost of the Y-Link did seem like a lot at first. Then I looked at it this way: I wanted to install a kit that would offer the best ride, great suspension travel, and I did not want to have to worry about damaging it. Long arms were the only way to go, and while there were less expensive systems out there the TnTCustoms kit seemed to offer everything I was looking for...

Just my $.03.... Hope it helps...

-Will

[GirlScout1]

If you do the math a set of drop brackets and upper/lower control arms will cost you just as much as a high end long arm kit ($700-$900) The Rock Krawler long arms can be had for about $400-$500. I'm not trying to sway you in any direction just stating fact. Big difference is with long arms you are going to need fab skills or paid to get it done. Drop brackets can be done on a street corner with basic tools. The TnT kit is bolt on where Claytons and RK is weld on. Good thing is with the weld on you are only talking about welding on a couple parts and the rest you can just do at home. I know a few people who have done this to see if they like a long arm set up before going permanant.

Just food for thought.

-b

[Toyman]

Originally Posted by XJ_ranger

feel like a bigger man when you use words like that?

No. I'm just telling it like it is.

[sidriptide]

there is very little chance you will hurt anything in the Clayton kit. his shop is local to me and practically everyone around here has his stuff. "IF" you damage anything he will replace it. the cross-member does hang down but its built real solid and you wont break it getting "hung up on shit"