Ever looked at your Jeep Cherokee XJ and thought, “I wish it could handle tougher trails and look even cooler doing it?” You’re not alone! Many Jeep owners dream of lifting their XJs higher, giving them better clearance for off-roading adventures. But getting that perfect lift can be tricky, especially when it comes to choosing the right long arm kit.
The world of XJ long arm kits can feel like a maze. There are so many brands, different designs, and technical terms that it’s easy to get lost. You might be worried about spending money on the wrong parts or not getting the performance you expect. It’s a big decision, and finding the one that fits your Jeep and your budget can be a real challenge.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help you navigate this. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a great XJ long arm kit. We’ll break down the important features, explain what to look for, and help you find the best fit for your off-road dreams. Get ready to transform your XJ!
Top Xj Long Arm Kit Recommendations
- Extreme travel long arms keep optimum alignment and give optimum articulation.
- Adjustable Lower control arms feature high clearance design and Clevite brand OEM style rubber bushings
- Flex joints feature a massive 2.5" diameter body and 1.25" thread. Fully greasable.
- Heavy Duty 0.25" thick crossmember. Upper joints pivot up to 20 degrees. Lower joints pivot up to 35 degrees.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- Extreme travel long arms keep optimum alignment and give optimum articulation.
- Adjustable Lower control arms feature high clearance design and Clevite brand OEM style rubber bushings.
- Flex joints feature a massive 2.5" diameter body and 1.25" thread. Fully greasable.
- Heavy Duty 0.25" thick crossmember. Upper joints pivot up to 20 degrees. Lower joints pivot up to 35 degrees.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- 【Fitment】 for Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997-2006, for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1986-2001, for Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 1993-1998
- 【 Adjustable Design】Adjustable control arms are compatible with Jeeps from stock height to 8" suspension lifts. Correct suspension geometry for lifted Jeeps, enhance car handling and off-road performance, reduce bump steer, and prevent premature tire wear
- 【Durable Material】Control arms are made of strong steel with powder coat to prevent rust and corrosion, ideal for off-road mudding. Premium poly bushings are firm and strong to withstand harsh off-road conditions, resist oil and heat, improve performance with a longer service life
- 【 Package Includes】 2 x front upper control arms (360-455 mm), 2 x front lower control arms (385-470 mm) with spare sleeves
- 【24/7 Customer Service】maXpeedingrods offers lifetime technical support and 1-year limited warranty for quality-related issues since the date of purchase. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions
- Give your Cherokee XJ the Perfect Blend of Performance, Protection, and Style from Rough Country.
- Unmatched Ground Clearance | Premium N3 Shock Absorbers the Best in Performance for On and Off Road Use.
- Front Adjustable Track Bar | Forged Solid Steel | Unsurpassed Strength and Durability.
- X-Flex Control Arms use a high clearance design. Extreme travel long arms keep optimum alignment and give optimum articulation.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- Give your Cherokee XJ the Perfect Blend of Performance, Protection, and Style from Rough Country.
- Unmatched Ground Clearance | Premium N3 Shock Absorbers the Best in Performance for On and Off Road Use.
- Front Adjustable Track Bar | Forged Solid Steel | Unsurpassed Strength and Durability.
- X-Flex Control Arms use a high clearance design. Extreme travel long arms keep optimum alignment and give optimum articulation.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- Maintains Optimum Turning Radius.
- Maintains Proper Drag Link Alignment.
- Helps Reduce Steering Vibrations.
- Easy at Home Installation and Support Provided by RC.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- Fitment: Coil over spacer compatible with 1986-92 Comanche MJ 84-2001 Cherok-ee XJ 93-98 Grand Cherok-ee ZJ 97-06 Wrangl-er TJ LJ (Note: The upper spring bracket on the car is welded,need to cut part of the original base configuration of the vehicle)
- Advanced Quailty: Adjustable Coil Over Spacer System feature billet aluminum construction for durability and not easy to deform;Cutting surface treatment,not easy to cut hands and prevent rusting
- Adjustable Feature: Front Adjustable Coil Over Spacer Kit is designed to increase vehicle ride height upon,could lift height from 1-1/2" to 3-3/4"; Using a new isolator pad to prevent noise transfer and dampen road noise
- Easy Install: Pretty easy install.No drilling or tapping;The perfect design and compatibility,ensure better adaption
- Package Includes: 2 x Front Adjustable Coil Spacer Kits,we offer our customer an 18 months service;Please reach out to us if you have any questions about the auto parts
- Reduces control arm angle.
- Improves ride quality and handling.
- Minor drilling is required.
- Easy at Home Installation and Support Provided by RC. Gives you Excellent Ride Quality.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your XJ Long Arm Kit Adventure Awaits!
So, you’re thinking about giving your Jeep Cherokee XJ some serious off-road muscle with a long arm kit? That’s awesome! A long arm kit is a fantastic upgrade. It helps your Jeep handle rough terrain much better. It gives your suspension more travel, meaning your wheels can move up and down more. This keeps your tires on the ground over bumps and rocks. This guide will help you choose the perfect kit for your XJ.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an XJ long arm kit, keep these important features in mind.
- Articulation: This is how much your suspension can flex. More flex means your tires stay on the ground better on bumpy trails. Look for kits that promise great articulation.
- Adjustability: Some kits let you adjust the length of the control arms. This is super helpful. You can fine-tune your Jeep’s alignment and ride. It lets you dial in the perfect setup.
- Shackle Flip: Many good kits include a shackle flip for the rear springs. This lifts the rear of your Jeep. It also helps with your suspension’s travel.
- Crossmember Design: The crossmember is a strong bar under your Jeep. It holds the control arms. A well-designed crossmember is strong and gives good ground clearance. Some designs are better than others.
- Included Hardware: Check what comes in the box. Does it have all the bolts, nuts, and bushings you need? Having everything makes installation easier.
Important Materials
The stuff your kit is made of matters. It affects how strong and durable it is.
- Steel: Most kits use strong steel. Look for DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing. It’s very tough and resists bending. Standard mild steel is okay for some parts. But DOM is usually better for the main control arms.
- Bushings: These rubber or urethane parts connect the arms to your Jeep. Good quality bushings last longer. They also absorb vibrations. This makes your ride smoother. Polyurethane bushings are a popular choice.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a kit great, and others can make it less good.
- Good Quality:
- Strong Welds: Look for neat, strong welds on the steel parts. This means they are built to last.
- Reputable Brands: Stick with well-known brands. They usually have a good reputation for quality and support.
- Detailed Instructions: Clear instructions make installation much easier.
- Things That Can Reduce Quality:
- Weak Materials: Cheap steel or poor-quality bushings won’t last long. They might bend or break on tough trails.
- Bad Welds: Sloppy welds are a big red flag. They can fail under stress.
- Poor Design: A design that causes binding or limits suspension movement isn’t ideal.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses these kits and why?
- The Weekend Warrior: This is someone who loves hitting the trails on weekends. A long arm kit gives them more confidence on rocks and uneven ground. It makes their Jeep handle better.
- The Serious Off-Roader: These folks push their Jeeps to the limit. They need maximum articulation and durability. A high-quality long arm kit is essential for them.
- Daily Driver with Off-Road Dreams: Even if your XJ is your daily driver, a long arm kit can improve its ride on rough roads. It also prepares you for those occasional off-road adventures.
Choosing the right XJ long arm kit is an investment. It will make your Jeep a much more capable and fun machine. Do your research, and happy trails!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for XJ Long Arm Kits
Q: What is a long arm kit for an XJ?
A: A long arm kit replaces your Jeep Cherokee XJ’s short control arms with longer ones. This gives your suspension more room to move (articulation). It makes your Jeep better at handling rough off-road terrain.
Q: Why would I want a long arm kit instead of a short arm kit?
A: Long arm kits offer much better articulation and a smoother ride over obstacles. They help keep your tires on the ground. Short arm kits are simpler but don’t flex as well.
Q: Will a long arm kit make my Jeep ride rougher?
A: A well-designed and properly installed long arm kit usually makes your ride *smoother*, especially off-road. It helps absorb bumps better.
Q: How much lift do I need to install a long arm kit?
A: Most long arm kits are designed for Jeeps with at least 4 inches of lift. Some kits can work with less, but 4 inches or more is common.
Q: What kind of tools do I need to install a long arm kit?
A: You’ll need basic mechanic’s tools. This includes wrenches, sockets, a floor jack, and jack stands. You might also need a torque wrench and possibly a welder if you’re doing some custom work.
Q: Is it hard to install a long arm kit?
A: Installation can be challenging. It requires some mechanical skill and patience. Following the instructions carefully is very important.
Q: Do I need to change my driveshafts after installing a long arm kit?
A: Often, yes. Longer control arms can change the angles of your driveshafts. You might need longer or different driveshafts to prevent vibration issues.
Q: What is DOM tubing?
A: DOM stands for Drawn Over Mandrel. It’s a type of seamless steel tubing. It’s very strong and is often used for control arms because it resists bending and damage well.
Q: Can I use a long arm kit on my daily driver?
A: Yes, you can. A good quality long arm kit can actually improve your daily driving experience on bumpy roads. It also prepares your Jeep for off-road fun.
Q: Where can I find good quality XJ long arm kits?
A: You can find them from many reputable Jeep parts retailers online. Look for brands known for quality and good customer reviews. Some popular brands include Rubicon Express, Rough Country, and JCR Offroad.