Rough Country 4.5" Long Arm write-up

[muddeprived]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6835.jpg

This is a writeup and product evaluation on Rough Country's new long arm kit. It's pretty fresh on the market so there's not a whole lot of info on it yet. Hopefully this thread sheds some light on it and answers any questions ya'all might have regarding this kit.

The Story:

The jeep was once mine but I handed it over to the lady and I have future plans for a TJ. My goal was to get it riding as nice as possible (caddy-like......YES IT CAN BE DONE ON A JEEP! :p) and still be capable if she feels like getting it brown. I knew long arms were the way to go in order to achieve that nice ride quality. We had four options in mind: Frankz's LA's, Trek's, RC's upgrade, or RK 3-link and ended up settling with RC's upgrade. A little later I received some money from stock at my old job and we figured since we have a little more cash that we'd just get the full kit. Yeah...why not? :rofl: Next thing I know I got an order for the 4.5" LA kit through 4wheelingplus.com. (Awesome company to deal with by the way and no this ain't no paid advertisement :D) It was backordered for a couple days but I got it within a reasonable amount of time. :thumbsup:

Bye bye short-arms forever.......:hi:

The Goodies.....

I went to do some last minute shopping today and came home to see 9 boxes stacked up like a pyramid in front of my door. They all had "Rough Country" labeled on them so I figured it must be for me. :D

After dragging em upstairs....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6764.jpg

Now a smart thing to do with all kits is to inspect all the hardware to make sure everything is there before you start tearing apart your rig. Out came the jeep knife specifically purchased to open boxes containing jeep parts.

Box 1: Brake lines, U-bolts for either 35 or 8.25, sway bar discos, and what appears to be brake line brackets.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6765.jpg

Box #2: Coil springs

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6766.jpg

Box #3: AAL, center pints, and leaf spring clamps. I have no idea how much the AAL nets but I'm guessing 2.5" or so since my kit came with a 2" shackle. I will most likely sell the AAL and hardware cuz I already have 3" OME leaf springs and can use em with the shackles.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6768.jpg

Box #4: Transfer case skid plate

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6770.jpg

Box#5: Adjustable shackles and all hardware. Hmmm these seem very familiar......

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6771.jpg

Box#6: Double sheer trackbar and drop bracket plus hardware. Something caught my eye when I took it out of the box. I noticed the bushing end was crooked a little. Maybe it was welded on that to compensate for angles...or not. I dunno yet but we'll find out. I will admit that the trackbar could've been made a little more beefier. It's rather small compared to my current JKS setup but if will be just fine for what my gf's driving style.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6777.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6775.jpg

EDIT: I asked Ron from 4wheelingplus about how the trackbar end hole was tilted and he checked the other trackbars he had in stock and they were the same so I guess this is normal. :)

[muddeprived]

Box#7: Shocks and mounting hardware plus 4 cool stickers. When I took these out of their individual boxes, the first thing that comes to mind is jenny craig. These babies are FAT! The are much larger than ordinary shock absorbers and look cool as hell. I dig the rubber bumpstop on the shaft...that's neat. NOTE: these are mounted can up.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6778.jpg

Box#8: Lower and Upper arms, flex joints, t-case crossmember side brackets, pitman arm, and nutsert. My god these arms are BEEFY.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6779.jpg

Box#9: The Crossmember

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/DSCF6781.jpg

Included were detailed instructions and part list. Everything was included, no parts were damaged, and all boxes were intact. Nice job gettin the product to me! :thumbsup: Parts seem to be very well made and welds are good. The only questionable component in the whole kit were the sway bar discos. I think it relies on a little horizontal ball and socket to handle the vertical forces of the sway bar/axle. I never used this type of setup so I can't really say for sure if it would cause problems so I just gotta wait and see. It'll probably be fine anyways.

Install is tomorrow (sat) and i'll be giving that camera a good workout. Subscribe to see how it goes!

(to be continued)

[RTPG]

Subscribed :D :thumbsup:

[Voldemort]

God I love new stuff!! Have you sold the other adjustable lowers yet?

[muddeprived]

God I love new stuff!! Have you sold the other adjustable lowers yet?

I haven't sold anything yet. Once I get em off, cleaned up, and inspect them then I will post em up for sale and with a price.

[TheWeiss]

Consider me subscribed. I can't wait to see how this works out!

[muddeprived]

I'm still waiting for my new rear springs to show up but here's what goes down when you install it:

My buddy lent me his garage for a couple days. He injured his knee and couldn't assist much so I was on my own.

Pulling in..
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6783.jpg

My plan was to gut the entire front end, pulling out the axle and giving me more room to work on the t-bar and other parts.

First I had to remove the shocks. The upper bolts are in the engine bay:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6784.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6785.jpg

Then the lower bolts on the axle are removed and shocks are off:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6786.jpg

The kit comes with new SS brake lines for the front and rear but I'm holding that off until spring when I do all the brakes together. So i'm just disconnecting the calipers and hanging em up out of the way:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6787.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6788.jpg

Next comes the sway bar. The kit includes sway bar disconnects but I'm not sure if I want to use them or not. I'm sticking with the solid links for now. Remove the lower nuts with 18mm socket and upper 4 bolts with 15mm socket:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6789.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6790.jpg

Driveshaft gotta come off too...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6791.jpg

[muddeprived]

I then disconnected the upper arms using 15mm socket and lower arms using 21mm socket:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6792.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6797.jpg

Two other things to disconnect that I didn't get pictures of are the trackbar axle bolt and pitman arm. Once those are off then the axle slides out:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6798.jpg

Next came the trackbar bracket. The two lower bolts are 18mm and uppers are........i forget but I think 18mm too. :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6793.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6795.jpg

bye bye trusty JKS...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6796.jpg

[muddeprived]

Now we got this:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6799.jpg


The arms came off next using 21mm for the lower and 15mm for the uppers:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6800.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6805.jpg

Bye bye short arms FOREVER:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6806.jpg

Now the fun part is removing the crossmember for the new one to be installed. Place a jack and piece of wood under the tranny pan:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6808.jpg

(those blocks are emergency blocks. I had a situation a while ago where the jeep just narrowly missed falling on top of me so i'm quite freaked about that still)

Remove the four tranny mount bolts and 4 framerail bolts:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6807.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6810.jpg

Bye bye stock crossmember...FOREVER

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6811.jpg

[muddeprived]

This is where you get excited and start installing the new parts. I started with the crossmember:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6812.jpg

Get that under there and secure it temporarily with the four tranny bolts:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6813.jpg

Place the side brackets on and bolt em down but do not tighten yet. Mark the holes on the side of the framerail.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6816.jpg

Drill both holes using a 17/32 drill bit and then enlarge the REAR HOLE ONLY using 25/32 drill bit. It appeared that I only had to drill the outer frame rail with 25/32 bit and leave the inner frame rail at 17/32 cuz the crush sleeve fits flush with the framerail:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6818.jpg

Reinstall the side plate and find those flag nuts included with the kit. The flag nut and bolt are used on the front holes:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6819.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6820.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6821.jpg

Go ahead and bolt it all down but don't tighten fully yet. The crossmember uses the two stock crossmember bolt holes PLUS one hole in front of them that already has a nut welded to the frame. My nuts were rusted up and I couldn't install that bolt until I re-threaded them. I ended up doing that two days later with a 10mm x 1.5 pitch tap and the bolts went right in, no problem.

Now this is where my camera battery light decided to start blinking. I had to choose which pictures to take in order to get some pix of the entire install before the battery died completely.

After you get the crossmember on, you gotta cut off the lower control arm mounts. You can use a plasma torch, cut off wheel, or sawzall. I used a cut off wheel, 4" and 7".

Bye bye CA mounts....FOREVER:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6822.jpg

Next comes installing the new arms. Press in the bushings and metal sleeves, bolt on the upper arms to the lower arms and then install it on the crossmember and axle. Lower arm length: 29 3/4 Upper arm Length: 15 1/4"

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6823.jpg

Now the arms are on and I need to start connecting stuff back onto the axle. I went ahead and installed the trackbar bracket:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6828.jpg

and then the drop pitman arm:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6829.jpg

[muddeprived]

Once all the new parts are on I went ahead and installed the coil springs:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6831.jpg

This is me trying to reinstall my bumpstops but I'll modify and adjust em later on. They are my 3" bumpstops from my previous lift. Better than nothing.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6830.jpg

Next I installed the draglink into the new pitman arm:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6832.jpg

Then it was time for the shocks. They went on easily and then a sticker was stuck on em.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6833.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6834.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6835.jpg

Once all that stuff was done I mounted the tires and put it on the ground so I could center the axle with the new trackbar:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6837.jpg

Front end done and aligned:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6838.jpg

[muddeprived]

You are probably wondering where's the rear setup. Well you either get an AAL with shackles or full leaf packs with shackles. I planned on re-using my OME springs with two OME AAL but they aren't giving me the height I need back there so I installed the RC AAL and it rode like crap. It's all bouncy back there. I ordered up some RC 4" leaf springs from 4wheelingplus.com and i'll include the install here when I get them next week. But for now no rear write-up but I do have some pictures of the rear OME/AAL setup and shocks and some pix showing how the rear isn't high enough:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/after/DSCF6842.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/after/DSCF6841.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/after/DSCF6840.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/after/DSCF6845.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/after/DSCF6843.jpg

Rear spring install to be continued.....

So far the front end is completely different. NO bumpsteer, NO wobble, NO shakes or shimmies, and it drives perfectly straight and true. The shocks and coil springs are perfectly matched. You don't feel those cracks and little bumps in the road anymore. The road noises that used to be transferred through the short arms to your feet are no longer there. It's nice and smooth and controlled.....except for the rear which likes to hop around thanks to the AAL.

[4.3LXJ]

Hey Mud

I am a little late on the observation, but the center of that rear spring needs to be supported with some curved leaves. You could probably have used your old springs if you added some stock short leaves. That would have lifted it about an inch and the ride should have been OK.

[muddeprived]

Hey Mud

I am a little late on the observation, but the center of that rear spring needs to be supported with some curved leaves. You could probably have used your old springs if you added some stock short leaves. That would have lifted it about an inch and the ride should have been OK.

I got the OME springs with an overload leaf that arched in the opposite direction.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/OME/DSCF5136.jpg

I never overloaded the jeep so i took it off. Should I have left it on?

[4.3LXJ]

Yup. The spring needs to be supported in the middle. If it is not, it will flex too much there at the spring perch and take the temper out of the metal. Which translates "sag"

[TheWeiss]

This writeup is great! I have to say I have been pretty intimidated about doing a lift on my own but your right-up makes it looks do-able (though I'm sure it was a lot harder than the pictures make it out to be) Thanks again!

[muddeprived]

I had some free time to install the rest of the lift and new springs. I needed to adjust the pinions, install the disconnects, and swap springs.

My pinion angles were really terrible. I followed RC's measurements on their instructions but it made my front pinion angle 6 degrees and driveshaft angle 14 degrees. No wonder I had major vibes. I set it using the adjustable uppers (which was a breeze by the way :thumbsup:) and now it's within 2 degree difference. No vibes. :) The rear pinion was set to 3 degrees down after the new springs were put in. No vibes. :)

First thing was the springs. I had old man emu 2" springs with RC's 2.5" AAL in it but it rode quite funky. It was bouncy and all that so I ordered up RC's 4" springs to use instead. They came within a week from 4wheelingplus. At first I was worried cuz of the arch they had. I thought they were gonna be stiff as hell......

Da springs that showed up in the snow on my porch..

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6906.jpg

They come with rubber bushings. NICE! We all love using rubber don't we guys? :D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6907.jpg

Gotta disconnect the shocks so the axle can droop enough.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6908.jpg

Then support the vehicle with jack stands and use a jack under the pumkin to raise and lower the axle. Now take off the u-bolt nuts with a 3/4" deep socket. Impact gun (mine didn't work!:brickwall:) helps a ton here.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6909.jpg

After you get the u-bolt plate off one side, lower the axle until it separates from the spring. Now you can take off the leaf spring bolts using a 21 mm socket. Pictures are with the new springs cuz i forgot to take picture of the removal. :D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6910.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6911.jpg

Pop out the old spring and pop in the new spring. Lightly tighten the u-bolts and leaf spring bolts

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6912.jpg

[muddeprived]

Repeat on the other side. Once you get both springs in and semi-tightened, remove the jack stands under the body and use them under the axle and put the jeep down on it's springs. Check pinion angle. With my setup, I had to use a 4 degree shim to get my pinion within 3 degrees down from the driveshaft. Once you know which shim to use, put the jacks back under the body, unbolt u-bolts, lower axle, clamp springs with clamp, remove center pin, add shim, and reinstall everything. Put the jeep on it's springs again and then tighten everything down to specs.

All done:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6916.jpg

My plan was to use the RC 4" springs and stock shackles BUT this didn't work out. The RC springs would pull the shackle all the way forward where the bolt that's going through the shackle hits the frame/body. This was not gonna work. I think the springs had too big of a arch and too short for stock shackles so I had to use the adjustable shackles that RC included in the LA kit. I ended up with exactly 5.5" lift out back. It gives it an aggressive stance and I kinda like it.

Last thing I did was install the disconnects.

You need to press out the stock lower stud. I used a ball joint press and had em off in 5 minutes then installed the RC studs that bolt on instead.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6918.jpg

The top part confused me. I installed the adapter on the top and then realized it was supposed to go on the bottom.

Wrong:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6920.jpg

Right:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6923.jpg

Next I screwed in the rod and hooked it up. Nice!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6922.jpg

Think it's done? nope! what I thought was brake line brackets actually were sway bar disco mounting brackets. DUH ME! :brickwall: You gotta drill two holes with 1/4" drill bit and mount em using self taping screws.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6924.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6925.jpg

What are they for?
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/more%20install/DSCF6927.jpg

:thumbsup:

Tomorrow I'm taking it out for some poser/flex pictures and I'll post em up here.

[Mudderoy]

I'm really interested in hearing how you like the ride, or if they live up to their namesake. Where did you get those disconnects? That's what I want for mine!

[muddeprived]

I'm really interested in hearing how you like the ride, or if they live up to their namesake. Where did you get those disconnects? That's what I want for mine!

I would rename them to Mild Country. It's not soft, but it's not firm so what's left? In between....middle.....medium.....i'll go with mild. I would say it's just the way I would like it, not too soft or too firm but just right. I've always judged RC by their name and figured they were cheap lifts thrown together with no research but I've been thinking wrong. It's very controlled, little to no lean, sucks up bumps and noise very well, and turns my bias play tires into radials.

This is a good way to describe how it rides and I wish I thought of it before cuz I wouldn't have wasted my time (and yours) by typing all of the above. Here's the story:

With my 3" short arm lift (man it's weird saying "short arm lift" when you don't have short arms anymore), it would be like riding on square tires in the morning. My LTB's flat spot very badly, a typical symptom of bias ply tires, and they would shake and shudder the whole jeep plus my growing gut. It was so annoying to put up with that every morning for the first 7 or so miles. Thump thump thump thump.........:sad0147:

.....but now I don't feel that anymore. It's very very faint cuz the suspension magically absorbs all that shaking. I can cruise up to 55 without a single shake in the steering wheel and that's pretty rare with bias ply tires. Although I know it's just masking it and it's still doing it but I don't know that so whatever I don't know doesn't exist.

And to add to that. There's this naturally made rumble strip on this road near my place. It's all chewed up from whatever chews up roads and it was very unpleasant to drive over cuz it would shake and shimmy the jeep like a 9.7 earthquake. I actually would drive on the other lane to pass it....sad huh? especially in a jeep. :rolleyes: But NOW i'm white-knuckling the steering wheel and screaming "BRING IT ON" as i fly over the naturally made rumble strips and feel very very little, if any shakes. It's weird to actually stay in the lane for once. :D

Or I could sum it up and say "it rides great". :patriot:

[Mudderoy]

That's great. My only Jeep and my only lift, so I had no idea. I mean I like it and I'd buy Rough Country again, but I wanted to hear from someone that knew about something more than me. Thanks.

[muddeprived]

That's great. My only Jeep and my only lift, so I had no idea. I mean I like it and I'd buy Rough Country again, but I wanted to hear from someone that knew about something more than me. Thanks.

Ya thinking about getting the long arms? Nothing would compliment that sexy red jeep like long arms. ;)

[Mudderoy]

Ya thinking about getting the long arms? Nothing would compliment that sexy red jeep like long arms. ;)

Oh yeah. I'll be getting them eventually.

[muddeprived]

Ok I was bored today and took it out for flex shots with a different WORKING camera.

The good: It flexes like mad. Disconnecting sway bar for flex is a breeze. No bumpsteer at all. Plenty more uptravel and downtravel but i'm limited due to fenders and brake lines.

The bad: I rub like mad LOL. My stock lowered brake lines limit my travel. I got plenty of more droop but my brake lines won't allow it. Tie rod end is crazy close to the sway bar bracket. I know it will hit if I turn when flexing. How the heck do I fix this? I know currie's steering will push the drag link out further but I'm not spending $400 just for that little fix.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6943.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6944.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6945.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6947.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6949.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6951.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6952.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6953.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6955.jpg

Here's the problem:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6948.jpg

WAY too close.

Any thoughts on how to remedy that?

[Mudderoy]

I'm sorry you are having problems, but this is great information for the rest of us!

You could remove the sway bar altogether! Then if you don't need those disconnects... :thumbsup:

I'm assuming that you are just going to replace the break lines with new longer ones?

[muddeprived]

I'm sorry you are having problems, but this is great information for the rest of us!

You could remove the sway bar altogether! Then if you don't need those disconnects... :thumbsup:

I'm assuming that you are just going to replace the break lines with new longer ones?

I'm glad I could shed some light on the lift and how to install it. I hope it helps those who are interested in it. :)

I actually need the sway bar cuz it's a little soft on turns and sways a bit. I drove home with them disconnected.

I need to do a brake overhaul in the spring time so I'm just gonna wait till then to do all three brake lines and replace all the brakes. The ones included in the kit are plenty long.

[Mudderoy]

I'm glad I could shed some light on the lift and how to install it. I hope it helps those who are interested in it. :)

I actually need the sway bar cuz it's a little soft on turns and sways a bit. I drove home with them disconnected.

I need to do a brake overhaul in the spring time so I'm just gonna wait till then to do all three brake lines and replace all the brakes. The ones included in the kit are plenty long.


My stock lowered brake lines limit my travel.

Ahhh okay from this statement I thought you didn't have replacement brake lines. Maybe I can wait until I get the RC long arm kit to change mine then.

[4.3LXJ]

Ok I was bored today and took it out for flex shots with a different WORKING camera.

Here's the problem:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6948.jpg

WAY too close.

Any thoughts on how to remedy that?

This is a problem with any of the taller lifts. The higher you go, the more modifications you need to make to the stock parts. A lot of guys just cut them off and not run sway bars. I personally don't car for this option. But if you were to run a over the knuckle steering, it gets worse. Some steering kits have bent tie rod and drag link to curve around the sway bar link mount. There are all sorts of designs out there for steering upgrades, some of which don't work all that well on the highway.

I would find a friend with a torch and welder and just extend it up about 1.5" on both sides and call it good. Should take about an hour of time and $1.98 worth of steel.

[Mudderoy]

http://xjtalk.com/images/special/DSCF6943.jpg

[BlueXJ]

I think 4.3L is correct. That would work the best and be very secure.

BTW you needed no Kroil this time. Must have been rustfree for a change. I had my doubts up in Beaverland.

[muddeprived]

I think 4.3L is correct. That would work the best and be very secure.

BTW you needed no Kroil this time. Must have been rustfree for a change. I had my doubts up in Beaverland.

I kroiled the hell out of the trackbar bracket bolts but nothing else. I change stuff so often that rust doesn't have time to form. :)

[TheWeiss]

Must be nice!

[BlueXJ]

Muddeprived is the one who re-introduced me to Kroil and it is the very best penetrating oil on the market that I have found. Look into it!!!You may be pleasantly surprized Weiss.

[muddeprived]

Muddeprived is the one who re-introduced me to Kroil and it is the very best penetrating oil on the market that I have found. Look into it!!!You may be pleasantly surprized Weiss.

it is good stuff that smells like crap. I treat my can of Kroil like it's A1 sauce. :D

[BlueXJ]

Never put any on steak. Is it tasty?

[muddeprived]

Never put any on steak. Is it tasty?

I don't think I'll be alive to answer that if I did taste it. :) I bet it'll loosen my nuts for sure!

[96xj]

Once all the new parts are on I went ahead and installed the coil springs:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6831.jpg

This is me trying to reinstall my bumpstops but I'll modify and adjust em later on. They are my 3" bumpstops from my previous lift. Better than nothing.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6830.jpg

Next I installed the draglink into the new pitman arm:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6832.jpg

Then it was time for the shocks. They went on easily and then a sticker was stuck on em.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6833.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6834.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6835.jpg

Once all that stuff was done I mounted the tires and put it on the ground so I could center the axle with the new trackbar:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6837.jpg

Front end done and aligned:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/install/DSCF6838.jpg

is it me or did you put the shocks on up side down i got mine with the boot up top

[muddeprived]

is it me or did you put the shocks on up side down i got mine with the boot up top

That's how they mount. The upper stud mount is on the can, not on the shaft like normal shocks. They said they are mounted upside down to reduce un-sprung weight or something. I can't mount them the standard way. You have RC 2.2 shocks?

[BlueXJ]

Full packs for the rears???

[muddeprived]

Full packs for the rears???

Yup. See post #17

[Logans91XJ]

First off, GREAT WRITE UP! Clear and easy to follow and leaves a pleasant taste in my mouth about RC! I feel like to many people these days just follow the trend and run whatever the next guy says.

So, you pretty much ended up buying the full on LA kit?

Besides Shocks and Quick Discos how much did you end up spending?

Also, what I really wanna know is that when you are flexing are all the tires staying on the ground?
---- My 3 1/2" RE lift flexes really well for the most part I am actually rubbing my tires front and rear with only 31's...-----

So what size tires are you running now?

[kmanxj]

KROIL is this shiznit!!!!!

And mud how are the shocks??? i am bidding on a set of a jk 4" lift with only 5,00 miles on them But will work perfectly on my xj.

let me know

[KennyB]

I been discussing the 4.5 and 6.5 RC kits for my 99. jsut havent had the time to do it. I am going to do full 4.5 kit, with full rear leafs, a SYE kit and a CV rear drive shaft... i am really glad to hear that you like the kit and how it rides. We will use ours for running around also....We have a 3 inch lift on our 09 JK with the short (stock arms....rides like a coal wagon!!! Looking forward to doin up the 99...Thanks for all the pics and effort! All of us UNLIFTED newbies appreciate it... Mine has a Georgia Barn lift on it LOLOLOL The Good Old Boys that owned it previously, put a good old boy lift on it...the rear springs are saggin bad in the rear and the front has some kind of big coils on it,,,,but they suck!!! But we will fix it! APPRECIATE THE PIC AND WRITE UP....I am going to go RC also.

[muddeprived]

First off, GREAT WRITE UP! Clear and easy to follow and leaves a pleasant taste in my mouth about RC! I feel like to many people these days just follow the trend and run whatever the next guy says.

So, you pretty much ended up buying the full on LA kit?

Besides Shocks and Quick Discos how much did you end up spending?

Also, what I really wanna know is that when you are flexing are all the tires staying on the ground?
---- My 3 1/2" RE lift flexes really well for the most part I am actually rubbing my tires front and rear with only 31's...-----

So what size tires are you running now?


Sorry for the late replies. I wasn't getting email notifications for some reason.

I ended up spending about $1000. Ron gave me a good discount. He's a cool dude. :thumbsup:

Yeah the tires stay on the ground for the most part, unless I try to flip it:


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/nice%20pix/snow%20flex/DSCF7037.jpg

That's like a half-assed flex. It can do more but I didn't want to tear off my fenders. My bumpstops aren't set right yet.

Yeah those are 31x11.5's.

[muddeprived]

KROIL is this shiznit!!!!!

And mud how are the shocks??? i am bidding on a set of a jk 4" lift with only 5,00 miles on them But will work perfectly on my xj.

let me know

Shocks are ok. I had an issue with one of the rear shocks and had to get it replaced. Ron took care of that instantly and now it's riding good. :thumbsup:

[muddeprived]

I been discussing the 4.5 and 6.5 RC kits for my 99. jsut havent had the time to do it. I am going to do full 4.5 kit, with full rear leafs, a SYE kit and a CV rear drive shaft... i am really glad to hear that you like the kit and how it rides. We will use ours for running around also....We have a 3 inch lift on our 09 JK with the short (stock arms....rides like a coal wagon!!! Looking forward to doin up the 99...Thanks for all the pics and effort! All of us UNLIFTED newbies appreciate it... Mine has a Georgia Barn lift on it LOLOLOL The Good Old Boys that owned it previously, put a good old boy lift on it...the rear springs are saggin bad in the rear and the front has some kind of big coils on it,,,,but they suck!!! But we will fix it! APPRECIATE THE PIC AND WRITE UP....I am going to go RC also.

You probably got some ford f-150 springs under there.

[mud-dog27]

great write up, now i really want this kit as im already running the RC4.5" short arm kit but wanna go to 6 so i figured id grab long arm upgrade kit as its decent and ive enjoyed my rough country kit for the last 4 years only thing i wish i had changed sooner was the shocks cause they were STIFF :wow: but i didnt noticed just how stiff till i replaced them for my new bilsteins

as for the brakelines you didnt say what your plans were for that route so i figured id throw in my 2 cents

front stock YJ lines bolt up nicely and they are roughly 4" longer and have been great ive been at full flex with slack, also it doesnt hurt to slit a piece of hose and zap strap it around as i found out it was rubbing on something and started to bulge but has been fine since i put the peice of hose around it

and the rear i beleive i ran a dodge dakota line, again its roughly 4" longer giving you plenty to play with

and much cheaper than steel braid lines

[muddeprived]

great write up, now i really want this kit as im already running the RC4.5" short arm kit but wanna go to 6 so i figured id grab long arm upgrade kit as its decent and ive enjoyed my rough country kit for the last 4 years only thing i wish i had changed sooner was the shocks cause they were STIFF :wow: but i didnt noticed just how stiff till i replaced them for my new bilsteins

as for the brakelines you didnt say what your plans were for that route so i figured id throw in my 2 cents

front stock YJ lines bolt up nicely and they are roughly 4" longer and have been great ive been at full flex with slack, also it doesnt hurt to slit a piece of hose and zap strap it around as i found out it was rubbing on something and started to bulge but has been fine since i put the peice of hose around it

and the rear i beleive i ran a dodge dakota line, again its roughly 4" longer giving you plenty to play with

and much cheaper than steel braid lines

I hear they aren't listing the YJ brake lines in the auto parts stores now. Some people are finding it difficult to get some. I think Rockauto.com still carries them.

[mud-dog27]

I hear they aren't listing the YJ brake lines in the auto parts stores now. Some people are finding it difficult to get some. I think Rockauto.com still carries them.

hmm thats weird but if you go to http://www.madxj.com/ under brakes in the tech section it gives you numbers for the raybestos front and rear YJ lines so hope that helps

[mizedog]

I know you stated this Jeep is not for the rough stuff, but more of a smooth riding daily driver. However, if you do take this on a long trail ride, I'd like to know how well the shocks and springs control body roll over undulating trails. My Rancho 9000s are fine around town, but were completely incapable of controlling the Jeep on the trail. The Jeep would sway violently, and go full cycle when coming off ledges - even when inching forward. It really sucked.


Also, I see that you effectively lost about 2-3" of ground clearance under the tranny due to the heavier parts and low long arm mounts. Has this been a problem? Are you scraping the arms on large obstacles?
Thanks.

[muddeprived]

I know you stated this Jeep is not for the rough stuff, but more of a smooth riding daily driver. However, if you do take this on a long trail ride, I'd like to know how well the shocks and springs control body roll over undulating trails. My Rancho 9000s are fine around town, but were completely incapable of controlling the Jeep on the trail. The Jeep would sway violently, and go full cycle when coming off ledges - even when inching forward. It really sucked.


Also, I see that you effectively lost about 2-3" of ground clearance under the tranny due to the heavier parts and low long arm mounts. Has this been a problem? Are you scraping the arms on large obstacles?
Thanks.

There's very little body roll with my setup. The rear springs are a little on the stiff side so they keep the jeep firm but still allows it to flex like mad. The shocks are medium-firm shocks and do a good job. I took it on one of the local trails and it's pretty darn nice. You're not swaying back and forth or anything. It stays in control like it should.

I'm about to get some relocation brackets for the rear shackle to soften up the rear a little. I like a soft on road ride.

I also have plans for bilstein shocks cuz I rode in a xj with this kit and bilstein's and it was amazingly smooth. Once I get bilstein's then I'll sell these 2.2's.

I don't see the long arms being a clearance problem. The arms themselves are clearance bent so hitting them won't happen often but if you did you would slide on it and off the mounts. The arms also run alongside the driveshaft and protects it a good bit.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/after/DSCF6843.jpg


I have 3 or 4 trail rides (maybe more) this summer so I will get this kit worked in and out really good. I'll report back the pros and cons.

[GT MOTORSPORTS]

Mudd,
Have you figured out the disco and steering clearance yet? look into RE website. They have extended sway bar brackets that take place of the stock ones and are taller in length to off set the issue. I think Blue Torch Fab Works will have something also. Maybe even check out Rusty's Off Road..Most of what I find is in the builders section...Good luck. Nice write up!

[muddeprived]

The tie rod was hitting the sway bar bracket until I adjusted the caster, which tilted the bracket up a little just enough to stop it from hitting. It still comes in contact with it when I turn and flex off road. I have future plans to run currie's steering and their draglink is offset outwards for this very issue so when I get that then the problem will be fixed. I was going to have someone weld on new brackets but then I'd have to get shorter sway bar links along with it so I'd rather just save for the currie system.

[GT MOTORSPORTS]

Ok I was just checking!

Greg

[Whiskey]

Great thread! Thanks for posting it.

I just received my RC kit and I'm excited to see how well your install went and this thread has removed some of my anxiety about the install.
Cheers :)

[GGXJ]

Sessy Jeep and nice write up! I'm hoping someday I'll have enough dough to get something like this done on mine. Until then, I'll be happy to get the engine swap completed and drive it again! Thanks for taking the time to share! :thumbsup:

[modestmar00xj]

awesome write up man! i want to get a long arm too and this is the one i want to get!

[PolarXJ]

Here's the problem:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/cherokee/THE%20LAST%20ONE/flex/DSCF6948.jpg

WAY too close.

Any thoughts on how to remedy that?

Did you install a drop pitman arm, I didn't notice one in the kit you got from rough country? This will lower the tierod and drag link connection closer to stock location.

Kroil is the bomb! Though I've read a thread on a study on rust busting lubricants. Kroil came in second place. A 50/50 mix of acetone and ....(can't remember, I'll have to try and find it) was the best.

[muddeprived]

Did you install a drop pitman arm, I didn't notice one in the kit you got from rough country? This will lower the tierod and drag link connection closer to stock location.

Kroil is the bomb! Though I've read a thread on a study on rust busting lubricants. Kroil came in second place. A 50/50 mix of acetone and ....(can't remember, I'll have to try and find it) was the best.

The DPA included did not help any. I had to adjust the caster and tilt the axle (shorten uppers) to gain some clearance. I'm saving for Currie's steering which has a deeper bend on the draglink for this very problem.


Kroil's been crazy useful for as long as I had this same can. It loosens EVERYTHING including the clips that hold the u-joint caps on. They always rust up and snap in pieces but the kroil loosened em right off and I haven't broken any to date.

[easttxhunter]

that thing is mean looking

[Rayburne]

You make it sound so easy, I like that you didn't wine about rusted bolstered and such.

[92warwagon]

very very cool

[abebehrmann]

Thanks for takin the time to write this up!

[92warwagon]

Waiting for mine in the mail, I'm getting full leaf packs mine sags and looks sad too but i will make her happy again soon

[89Cherokee Pro 2]

Great write up on RC long arm installation . I just installed RC long arm with 6 inch lift . I already had the lift but with short arms and RC control arm drop down bracket . Am no youngster and took me about 9 hours to do the RC long installation and while i was at it also installed RC shackle relocation brackets on rear . What a difference smoother ride by far and great articulation . Actually the directions with the kit are very clear and easy to follow . If interested there are pictures in my garage of my 89 Cherokee with long arms installed .
Only glitch was stock catalytic converter mount was in way of cross member but a torch trimmed up mounting bracket (we have emissions test here in Washington state) .
Anyone looking for Rubicon Heavy duty adjustable upper and lower control arms , RC control arm drop down brackets , drop Pittman arm , or RC 4 inch lift coils . Only have about 800 miles on all of the parts . You know us 4 wheelers always upgrading .

[rabies]

y u no buy full leaf pack?