It looks like I'm going to get an Unlimited Rubicon. I will run 35s and as you know I can get it done with a 2 1/2" lift. My son says I won't be happy with that lift on stock arms. He's referring to my ZJ build. After 4 lift changes I ended up with long arms and couldn't be happier. Neither of us are familiar with the JKs flexing using the stock arms. He is encouraging me to go to a 4 1/2" lift and long arms for the ride on and offroad . The dealer has good prices on the complete build with Mopar parts and I get a lifetime warrantee on axles etc. Is there a significant flexing difference between the JK stock arms and the Mopar 4 1/2" long arm kits? Is there any reason to shy away from Mopar goodies? The cost of all of this is getting up there, but I want to do it right the first time.

Thanks

 

unlike your old ZJ, the control arms on the JK are actually pretty long right from the factory and if you're just planning on running 35's, i would highly recommend you stick with stock lenght control arms. also, unlike your old ZJ, 4.5" is A LOT of lift on a JK and way more than you need for just 35's. even if money isn't an issue, i would still recommend that you just get a very complete short arm kit. if you're still determined to get a long arm kit, i personally would steer clear of the mopar 4.5" long arm kit especially if flex is something that you're looking for. being that it is a radius arm design, if you flex it, you will go through a lot of bushings. i would stick with a 4-link design like what full traction, teraflex and now off road evolution makes.

 

WOL tells no tale. The mopar kit is just a rebranded rubicon express kit. Search around for jk re bushings.

 

Is there any downside to going with say a TF 3" long arm over a TF 3" short arm kit other than the extra cost? Are we simply saying that the extra cost for the long arm is not worth it for 35s? Or are we saying that the 3" long arm will not outperform the 3" short arm.

 

Correctamundo!!

Porter if you have 3" SA kit, my co-worker has a 3" LA kit on his that we could arrange a ride in it for you.

Hey crasher!! Welcome to the forum! If you have any JK quesitons, give me a call.

 

Dealers/MOPAR have or are in the process of adding some products to their catalog such as AEV parts and 4.88 gears.

The 4.88 gears make a lot sense from a warranty perspective.

 

I need to come visit you guys!

I have been driving my 2008 with minimum mods until the warranty expires and I'm glad I did cuz we had a blown head gasket not too far back. But the warranty is up in October so I'm trying to decide what TF lift to go with. I would love a LA lift but the cost of the lift plus drive shafts plus a tire carrier plus new rubber. It adds up, but then again I suppose it pays off when your in Moab. I like the idea of starting off with a shorter LA lift until I can afford to trade my D30, and then just add taller springs when it's time to go with bigger rubber.

By the way, where the heck is that TF front D60? I thought it would be out by now.

 

The dealer will put 513 Yukon gears in both axles and warrantee them. From what I've read, 513 is a better choice as far as performance on the road goes. I'm concerned with how small the pinion gets with that ratio. From a reliability stand point, would 488s hold up better?

 

A Rubicon has a D44 up front with a much larger R&P than my little D30. I would not worry too much about 5.13 on a D44 unless your running tires way bigger than 35s.

 

I have had both the 4 inch long and short arm kits. (installed by terraflex plus) The long arm rides and drives better! Well I did install some AWESOME Elka shocks at the same time (maybe that is why it rides SO much better).

Also had a Skyjacker 4 inch. It sucked