Long Arm Shootout
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
amen to that brutha!
the closest thing to any real comparison we will ever see is like the one that was in Peterson's Off-Road a couple months ago, where none of the lifts being compared were on the same level as each other ( 1. one was waaaaay higher priced and better equipped 2. there was a huge variation in lift heights, etc...). these types of comparisons in magazines aren't there to inform. they are used to advertise the free goodies that were used. these comparisons won't ever really choose a winner and will praise the good stuff about each and mostly ignore the bad.
how can anyone really research a kit without having driven several jeeps with truly comparable lifts on them.....especially ones that aren't even being produced yet....like the people who say, "i'm holding off on buying my lift until X-brand puts out their long-arm kit."
besides, the stock control arm length on the jk is comparable to a long-arm kit on a tj. how much longer could you possibly need?
the closest thing to any real comparison we will ever see is like the one that was in Peterson's Off-Road a couple months ago, where none of the lifts being compared were on the same level as each other ( 1. one was waaaaay higher priced and better equipped 2. there was a huge variation in lift heights, etc...). these types of comparisons in magazines aren't there to inform. they are used to advertise the free goodies that were used. these comparisons won't ever really choose a winner and will praise the good stuff about each and mostly ignore the bad.
how can anyone really research a kit without having driven several jeeps with truly comparable lifts on them.....especially ones that aren't even being produced yet....like the people who say, "i'm holding off on buying my lift until X-brand puts out their long-arm kit."
besides, the stock control arm length on the jk is comparable to a long-arm kit on a tj. how much longer could you possibly need?
Woops. I admit that I too, am guilty of this, as I write for a couple different 4x4 magazines. You can easily get biased in your opinion, however, we do try and remain honest. In all honesty, with new products out today, it's hard to find many things wrong wtih them to report about.
You make a good point. I would love to see a bunch of "non-editors" from this forum, get together and actually test, head to head, each long arm system. No bias. Would be awesome!
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
I have the RE kit on mine and it drives amazing! The wheel travel and handling characteristics are second to none. Mine is a 2 door and I was driving it around for a few weeks lifted with the stock wheels and tires on it (long story) so I had a really solid impression of how it felt. Then I picked up my dads 4 door and my Jeep, HANDS DOWN, drives WAY better than a 4 door in stock form. That speaks LOUDLY to anyone that has ever driven a lifted 2 door Jeep. I couldn't be happier. I haven't had it in anything serious off road yet but I will very soon. Pics off road to soon follow.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
I have the RE kit on mine and it drives amazing! The wheel travel and handling characteristics are second to none. Mine is a 2 door and I was driving it around for a few weeks lifted with the stock wheels and tires on it (long story) so I had a really solid impression of how it felt. Then I picked up my dads 4 door and my Jeep, HANDS DOWN, drives WAY better than a 4 door in stock form. That speaks LOUDLY to anyone that has ever driven a lifted 2 door Jeep. I couldn't be happier. I haven't had it in anything serious off road yet but I will very soon. Pics off road to soon follow.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Interesting. I drove a 4 door with the RE long arm on it. It handled pretty good on the street and was great in the rocks. However, my wifes stock 4 door rubicon was WAAAAY more comfortable, stable and predictable on the street. I find it hard to believe that any modified, lift suspension will provide better handling characteristics than stock. Jeep probably spent many millions of dollars in R&D to get the suspension just right for safty, etc......and now RE comes along and out does them that easily? Even the physics don't make sense.....Interesting.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
What are the advantages of a TRI LINK suspension...ie what exactly does it do. I know it keeps the axle centered when articulating, but does that make it articulate better? I have always herd people say...o wow, that thing has a tri link...whats the big deal, i want to know
JK Super Freak
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
From: Wiliamsburg, VA
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,568
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
I'm personally waiting on Full Traction's long arm 6" kit....it will be debuting at SEMA. It has been mentioned in their ads but I haven't seen any specs or pics yet. Emails to FT were returned quickly saying SEMA is when the magic happens...so my eyes will be turned to SEMA.
Once it comes out I'll be looking forward to seeing how it contracts with Rancho and others. It's a touch choice no doubt.
Once it comes out I'll be looking forward to seeing how it contracts with Rancho and others. It's a touch choice no doubt.
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN - Fort Campbell
I'm personally waiting on Full Traction's long arm 6" kit....it will be debuting at SEMA. It has been mentioned in their ads but I haven't seen any specs or pics yet. Emails to FT were returned quickly saying SEMA is when the magic happens...so my eyes will be turned to SEMA.
Once it comes out I'll be looking forward to seeing how it contracts with Rancho and others. It's a touch choice no doubt.
Once it comes out I'll be looking forward to seeing how it contracts with Rancho and others. It's a touch choice no doubt.
how will you ever have a chance to compare the two?
