Long arm VS. Short Arm
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 742
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From: Az
Long arm VS. Short Arm
Just curious what everyone's experiences are with long arms compared to short arms (Aftermarket Adjustable or OEM). According to numerous local sources the stock control arm mounts are far enough from the axle to make a long arm upgrade not worth the extra $$$. There are alot of variables here; cost, ride characteristics, where the jeep spends most of its time ect. I'm interested in hearing opinions of how they compare ontrail and seeing the numbers (RTI). Thanks!
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,942
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From: Tampa, Florida
that's true if you are talking about a 3" and less lift but if they mean any and all lifts then you better not go there for an install. Simple answer... articulation! it is far greater in a LA kit. On road characteristics are much better as well
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
not exactly. on a TJ this was definitely true because they had such tiny arms but on a JK, things are quite different.
the control arms on a JK are significantly longer than the old tj and from experience, i can tell you that with a set of good adjustable aftermarket arms, they can still offer a good ride and an enormous amount of flex even with as much as 4"-6" of lift. how do i know? because that's what i was running before i installed a set of long arms om my JK. having said that, once you get up to the 5"-6" range, the geometry of your control arms will be off quite a bit and a set of long arms will restore them to being flatter like stock and this will give you an outstanding ride on pavement. on the trail, they will also allow your axle to articulate more correctly and therefore, allow you to have more flex.
this link should help you out.....
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...light=evo+flex
the control arms on a JK are significantly longer than the old tj and from experience, i can tell you that with a set of good adjustable aftermarket arms, they can still offer a good ride and an enormous amount of flex even with as much as 4"-6" of lift. how do i know? because that's what i was running before i installed a set of long arms om my JK. having said that, once you get up to the 5"-6" range, the geometry of your control arms will be off quite a bit and a set of long arms will restore them to being flatter like stock and this will give you an outstanding ride on pavement. on the trail, they will also allow your axle to articulate more correctly and therefore, allow you to have more flex.
this link should help you out.....
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...light=evo+flex
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 742
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From: Az
Thanks WOL. Seems like unless your going up to the 4'' plus range then long arms are a better way to go, but a 3 inch lift with long arms, while better than short arms, is not 'significantly' better.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 15,133
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From: O HI 4 Lo
I dont disagree with Eddie, but I think it makes a difference if you have the two door
I noticed a difference on my 2 door going from a 3" short arm to the 3" Long arm from Fulltraction. the Short arm rode nice, but it doesnt compare to the long arm on the SWB two door.
I noticed a difference on my 2 door going from a 3" short arm to the 3" Long arm from Fulltraction. the Short arm rode nice, but it doesnt compare to the long arm on the SWB two door.
Last edited by Piginajeep; Mar 19, 2009 at 07:09 PM.