Long Arm suspension...vs short arm suspension

GMC7000 · 09-30-2008, 07:22 PM

Does a long arm kit improve off road performance?

If so is the mod worth doing if you already have an aftermarket short arm suspension system?

never monday · 09-30-2008, 07:27 PM

yes and no
which LA susp are you looking at?

Bitzorock · 09-30-2008, 07:28 PM

It improves flex I believe.. Also with the long arm kit you are going to have to weld new mounts for the control arms. and maybe go with coilovers or limit straps to keep the springs in place.. Thats all I can really think of out of the reading I have done.. I am sure thats not all.

GMC7000 · 09-30-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by never monday

yes and no
which LA susp are you looking at?

started off looking at Rubicon Express (I have a RE short arm, can use upgrade kit).......but I have run into some FABTech kits on the trails that seem pretty nice........

never monday · 09-30-2008, 07:35 PM

I have minimal experience with RE. Does the LA keep the short uppers and track bar?

mascun · 09-30-2008, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC7000

started off looking at Rubicon Express (I have a RE short arm, can use upgrade kit).......but I have run into some FABTech kits on the trails that seem pretty nice........

I have the fabtech shortarm and love it lots of flex...as for your question it's up to are you willing to spend the thousands it takes to go LA and is it worth the time and money....but of course you will get a bit more flex outta the LA but I run with several guys who have LA's and I am able to get up all the obstacles they are and more at times. Alot of times it's driver ability that makes all the difference.

**mudb8** · 09-30-2008, 07:41 PM

the re eliminates the front uppers and has long rear uppers or a tri-link option

never monday · 09-30-2008, 07:55 PM

what height is your RE SA?
Are you looking at the regular LA or tri link?

GMC7000 · 09-30-2008, 08:24 PM

Thanks Mascun,
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I have a 3.5 inch RE shortarm....
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The reason I ask this question is because I had a pretty famous builder tell me it is the best mod I could do to my rig..........(even told me it was a better addition than a front locker).........
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I have had other shops disagree.......
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to date my problem with the Jeep World is that I have never once read or heard someone say they were disapointed in a product after spending $3,000 for an upgrade...................

never monday · 09-30-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC7000

to date my problem with the Jeep World is that I have never once read or heard someone say they were disapointed in a product after spending $3,000 for an upgrade...................

my transfer case

I also disagree with said famous shop. At that lift height it won't mater much.
Now, going LA rear (4 link) that removes the track bar will be a benefit. Theres no way to do this with the front and keep it low. I've been playing with a SA front and LA rear for a few months. The Jury is still out on it.

GMC7000 · 09-30-2008, 08:35 PM

"my transfer case"

Thanks there is hope!
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hey Monday, yea I think my Jeep sits too high. After buying it I am now more interested in getting a low CG....

I have wondered about what you are doing, here is why, because for about the same price of a long arm kit you could use the Gen Right ext stretch kit and rear 4 link suspension.............I just was not sure what you would have to do to the front.......

so you are running a that set up now...LA rear and SA front?

GMC7000 · 09-30-2008, 08:39 PM

to be fair to the shop, I have 3.5 inch short arm, 1 inch body lift....and 2" coil spacers on the front, this guy flipped out and said I really need to at least remove the 2" coil spacers..............but that a LA kit would be the ultimate cure.......he suggested a 5.5 inch LA kit....

now a few other things he said were not quite accurate for instance he said my shocks were maxed out and would not flex................but they do flex and travel

a salesmen from Rubicon Express also told me I need to remove the 2 inch coil spacers.........

never monday · 09-30-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC7000

hey Monday, yea I think my Jeep sits too high. After buying it I am now more interested in getting a low CG....

I have wondered about what you are doing, here is why, because for about the same price of a long arm kit you could use the Gen Right ext stretch kit and rear 4 link suspension.............I just was not sure what you would have to do to the front.......

so you are running a that set up now...LA rear and SA front?

for 4 link
it's all Clayton (SA & LA) with a custom track bar up front.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC7000

to be fair to the shop, I have 3.5 inch short arm, 1 inch body lift....and 2" coil spacers on the front, this guy flipped out and said I really need to at least remove the 2" coil spacers..............but that a LA kit would be the ultimate cure.......he suggested a 5.5 inch LA kit....

ditch the spacers

GMC7000 · 09-30-2008, 08:58 PM

Thanks,,,,,would u ditch the spacers even at the expense of a little rubbing?

that would leave me with 3.5 inch suspension lift and a 1" body lift.................I just started running swamper 35 inch tires.......do you think that is enough lift for 35s?

never monday · 09-30-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC7000

Thanks,,,,,would u ditch the spacers even at the expense of a little rubbing?

that would leave me with 3.5 inch suspension lift and a 1" body lift.................I just started running swamper 35 inch tires.......do you think that is enough lift for 35s?

you might rub a bit. bring your bump stops down