Ruffstuff long arms
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 3
From: Nashville, TN
Ruffstuff long arms
Has anyone put the fairly new Ruffstuff long arms on their JK ?? Do you like them, how do they perform ??
DIY Jeep Long Arm Kit - RuffStuff Specialties
DIY Jeep Long Arm Kit - RuffStuff Specialties
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
My problem with the Rough Stuff kits are the heim joints. They have zero shock absorption and don't last long in dirty conditions. I have also read about a lot of people braking and bending hiem joints on the trail. That's why most people use Jonny Joints or similar, most of the time they are much stronger and last a lot longer. Only place I would use a hiem joint on a street vehicle is on the steering.
Also with a radius arm you only have 1 bar contacting the frame which puts a lot of stress on that point and a bigger chance of massive failure. L
Also with a radius arm you only have 1 bar contacting the frame which puts a lot of stress on that point and a bigger chance of massive failure. L
JK Junkie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,440
Likes: 0
From: CT
Different opinions on the radius arm design.
IMO the short arms are pure beef. A rubber bushing on one side helps with NVH.
Call me crazy but I noticed difference in handling with their uppers kit.
2007 Rubicon /2 door/6 speed
IMO the short arms are pure beef. A rubber bushing on one side helps with NVH.
Call me crazy but I noticed difference in handling with their uppers kit.
2007 Rubicon /2 door/6 speed
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Loomis, CA
Each suspension setup has their pro's and con's.
Going to a heavy duty short arm can have more desirable road handling characteristics as it is the factory suspension geometry with heavier duty links and Joints. However it is difficult to achieve the same amount of axle travel and articulation you can get with a radius arm on a short arm setup. and locating long upper control arms on the frame side is no easy feat with the tight spaces under most jeeps.
Radius arms have a little more dive under braking, and lift under torque/acceleration, however the Radius arm setup has its advantages as well. It is a simple design and very strong, it still uses two bushed connections to the axle to help isolate vibration and shock through the axle. It also keeps your pinion angle always pointed up at the T-Case output, unlike a short arm setup where as the axle droops, the pinion angle points farther down putting more strain on Ujoints.
Going to a heavy duty short arm can have more desirable road handling characteristics as it is the factory suspension geometry with heavier duty links and Joints. However it is difficult to achieve the same amount of axle travel and articulation you can get with a radius arm on a short arm setup. and locating long upper control arms on the frame side is no easy feat with the tight spaces under most jeeps.
Radius arms have a little more dive under braking, and lift under torque/acceleration, however the Radius arm setup has its advantages as well. It is a simple design and very strong, it still uses two bushed connections to the axle to help isolate vibration and shock through the axle. It also keeps your pinion angle always pointed up at the T-Case output, unlike a short arm setup where as the axle droops, the pinion angle points farther down putting more strain on Ujoints.