Lift Types?
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Lift Types?
Hello everyone. First off, please don't shoot me if this has already been answered. I did a search for "long arm" and "lift types" and went through about 10 pages of each without finding my answers. So, if this has been answered, please just point me to the existing post.
So....I have bought a 2008 Wrangler Unlimited 4-door Rubicon, with all the bells and whistles (Lockers and Electronic disconnecting swaybar)
I am a newbie to Jeeps, but my future plans are for a 3-4" lift and 35" tires. My question is, can someone explain the different types of lifts? For example, so far I seem to find LONG ARM, SHORT ARM, and SPORT lifts, I have no idea what is what. I don't plan on doing the lift/tires right away, but I do want to get more skid plate/protection right now and while looking for those it seems they are dependent on the lift (i.e., It appears that only certain skid plates work with a long arm lift?)
Also, besides the types of lifts, is there already a list, or can we start a list, of what lift maintain the use of the lockers/disconnection swaybar?
Thanks everyone, I can't wait to join you on some of the NorCal rides! I've 4-wheeled before, but only in the Dodge trucks I've owned and nothing too cool yet. That Slickrock trail looks like a lot of fun!
So....I have bought a 2008 Wrangler Unlimited 4-door Rubicon, with all the bells and whistles (Lockers and Electronic disconnecting swaybar)
I am a newbie to Jeeps, but my future plans are for a 3-4" lift and 35" tires. My question is, can someone explain the different types of lifts? For example, so far I seem to find LONG ARM, SHORT ARM, and SPORT lifts, I have no idea what is what. I don't plan on doing the lift/tires right away, but I do want to get more skid plate/protection right now and while looking for those it seems they are dependent on the lift (i.e., It appears that only certain skid plates work with a long arm lift?)
Also, besides the types of lifts, is there already a list, or can we start a list, of what lift maintain the use of the lockers/disconnection swaybar?
Thanks everyone, I can't wait to join you on some of the NorCal rides! I've 4-wheeled before, but only in the Dodge trucks I've owned and nothing too cool yet. That Slickrock trail looks like a lot of fun!
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Hi wesblake, welcome to JK-Forum. If you haven't already done so, please check out the NorCal subforum as you will find it to be a great place to meet people in your area.
Regarding your question, "long arms" or "short arms" all refer to the control arms on your Jeep. There are 2 lowers and 2 uppers per axle and they secure your axle to the frame. Terms like "sport arms" mean nothing and is just a name that a manufacturer just gave to their line of control arms.
All JK's (2007-up) come with "short arms" right from the factory. Although, by comparison to the previous model TJ (1997-2006), the control arms on a JK are significantly longer and from experience, I can tell you that they are really all that you need for up to about 5"-6" of lift and 37" tires. A long arm kit will require you to hack off your factory control arm mounts off your Jeep's frame and have you install new mounts (some are bolt on and some require welding) more towards the center of your Jeep's frame and this will allow you to install longer control arms. Of course, you are probably now asking, "why do this in the first place" right? Well, the taller you go, the more of an angle your control arms will be and among other things, this can degrade the quailty of your ride significantly. Installing longer arms will allow you reduce those angles back to or close to factory again and as a result, offer a nice ride and in most cases, a lot more flex on the trail.
For your purposes, I can assure you that all you need is a 3" short arm kit to clear 35" tires. So you know, I am currently running about 5" of lift with 37" tires on short arms and still feel the ride I have is great. Also, all lifts kits will allow you to retain the factory sway bar disco and locker
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Regarding your question, "long arms" or "short arms" all refer to the control arms on your Jeep. There are 2 lowers and 2 uppers per axle and they secure your axle to the frame. Terms like "sport arms" mean nothing and is just a name that a manufacturer just gave to their line of control arms.
All JK's (2007-up) come with "short arms" right from the factory. Although, by comparison to the previous model TJ (1997-2006), the control arms on a JK are significantly longer and from experience, I can tell you that they are really all that you need for up to about 5"-6" of lift and 37" tires. A long arm kit will require you to hack off your factory control arm mounts off your Jeep's frame and have you install new mounts (some are bolt on and some require welding) more towards the center of your Jeep's frame and this will allow you to install longer control arms. Of course, you are probably now asking, "why do this in the first place" right? Well, the taller you go, the more of an angle your control arms will be and among other things, this can degrade the quailty of your ride significantly. Installing longer arms will allow you reduce those angles back to or close to factory again and as a result, offer a nice ride and in most cases, a lot more flex on the trail.
For your purposes, I can assure you that all you need is a 3" short arm kit to clear 35" tires. So you know, I am currently running about 5" of lift with 37" tires on short arms and still feel the ride I have is great. Also, all lifts kits will allow you to retain the factory sway bar disco and locker
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
