97 XJ adjustable or fixed arms?

[smartass_kid]

i'm getting ready to buy some upper & lower control arms for my XJ and am wondering which would be better;
adjustable or fixed arms?

i already have 6" coils so i was thinking fixed would be better, BUT not sure if adjustable are worth it. i know coils settle after a while and is that where adjustables would have good use?

i'm worried also that adjustable puts too much pressure on the adjustable "bolt" and creates a weak point where fixed would have more rigidity.

i plan to purchase a set from KSL ad below, not sure if anyone here has dealt with them or has review?


http://www.ksl.com/?nid=218&ad=21488474&cat=&lpid=8&search=cherokee&ad_cid=8

any information and/or opinion would be good.

 

[TJDukit]

Adjustable all the way. With six inches of lift you will need the ability to fine tune your caster and pinion angle for best drive ability. With fixed arms you are stuck with what you get and might end up with a terrible ride. There is a good reason why any full suspension system will come with adjustable arms as long as it is a system that is worthy of putting on a rig. Don't over think the strength part of it. Every rig that is running KOH today is running adjustable arms.

 

[mbryson]

Adjustable all the way. With six inches of lift you will need the ability to fine tune your caster and pinion angle for best drive ability. With fixed arms you are stuck with what you get and might end up with a terrible ride. There is a good reason why any full suspension system will come with adjustable arms as long as it is a system that is worthy of putting on a rig. Don't over think the strength part of it. Every rig that is running KOH today is running adjustable arms.

This

 

[N-Smooth]

I'm pretty sure my buddy got his adjustable uppers from that seller. I looked at them and they're pretty beefy

 

[jeep-N-montero]

6 inches on short arms will suck, just do it once the right way and buy long arms.

 

[Westernhunter]

6 inches on short arms will suck, just do it once the right way and buy long arms.

Truth^
Do it right the first time.

 

[N-Smooth]

If we're giving opinions and saying "do it right the first time" I say don't lift it twice as high as necessary but hey, just my opinion

 

[gertsch]

Always go adjustable! Also second on long arms for that much lift! Drop it back to 4"s. an buy some. Notchcustoms.com fender flairs.

 

[smartass_kid]

hear you on the height but i came across some good deals so that's what i've got.

 

[mesha]

Adjustable arms will be well worth it. Or see if you can buy just the brackets and long arms and go that route.

 

[smartass_kid]

another issue is i don't know how to weld, don't have a garage and don't have the coin for a long arm.

i don't do a lot of driving, or won't when it warms up, so this is to get a good lift and get out of town/

 

[XJ Jay]

Just save for long arms or ditch 2" of lift, 6" on short arms will ride like poo and have piss poor droop and geometry.

Shouldnt need to weld with a bolt in LA kit from Rustys, Rough Country, IRO, Serious etc.....or get rock anchors ahem, control arm drop brackets.

 

[N-Smooth]

Trade those 6" coils for some 3" coils and call it a day. There should still be some guys that want to have a huge lift and be cool that will trade you. In my experience you will have a little driveline vibe at anything more than 3" on an XJ, especially a second gen (for whatever reason) so yeah. Or tell us all to shush up and do what you want, that is always an option

 

[phatfoto]

I'm at 3" on my ZJ on short arms. My front uppers are adjustable, probably the only thing keeping me from Death Wobble. My ZJ gets me almost everywhere I want it to, but sure wish I had the funds for long arms and another inch. Those long arms will be more level than my current short arms and help the ride a lot.

I've never heard of Nothc Customs... Those flares look pretty good.

Always go adjustable! Also second on long arms for that much lift! Drop it back to 4"s. an buy some. Notchcustoms.com fender flairs.

 

[SpeedyVic]

I would definitely save the money I would spend on the short arms and wait for a deal on some LA. You may end up having some very bad drivability issues with a 6" SA lift.

My 96 with 6" of lift with a used Rusty's kit I picked up from a fellow RME'er:

 

[jeep-N-montero]

another issue is i don't know how to weld, don't have a garage and don't have the coin for a long arm.

i don't do a lot of driving, or won't when it warms up, so this is to get a good lift and get out of town/

It's going to really suck when you end up with a rig you are scared to drive over 40mph because death wobble scares the crap out of you so bad. But go ahead and do what you wish, it's your money.

 

[smartass_kid]

thanks for the input guys.

everyone hase mentioned something i've already thought about as far as the height and while i can see the points, i think this will be good for what i want to do.

 

[XJEEPER]

I've been wheeling XJ's since '96, on 3 seperate rigs, running a variety of lift, tire, gearing combos. I find it amusing how resistance some are to listen to good advice, given by expereince individuals who have already been there, done that, made mistakes and are willing to share so others can learn from and perhaps not repeat the same mistakes.

There's a saying in XJ circles that goes something like this......"the first 4" will cost you about $100 per inch.....every inch after that will cost about $1000 per inch." I've seen this ring true time after time.

If you are dead set on a 6" lift, then you can run this with short arms (yes, adjustable upper and lower) but the ride will be harsh due to the angle they will operate on and when driving offroad and climbing obstacles, your front axle will be pushed rearward when you attempt to climb. Simple geometry. You will also need to replace/beef up your steering, drive shafts/SYE, braking, gearing to accommodate the larger tires that you plan on running......there's much more, but I've probably wasted my time already.........

 

[N-Smooth]

i think this will be good for what i want to do.

A 6" lift with short-arms will be good for nothing.

What else do you have besides the 6" coils that makes you want to go with that height? A desire to feel like you're a rebel living on the edge?

The whole point of posting this is to ask advice and we're trying to give it to you. Not trying to be a jerk but yeah

 

[smartass_kid]

well, you bastard have me convinced. bastards.

i guess i was thinking most people don't go big enough the first time around and would be better to do 6". i know a long arm is the best way but i'm trying not to spend a lot on a lift since i also need tires once i get any lift on it.
not like i'm hard-headed but thought "i've already got a few parts, why not just finish it up?"

I've also had 4.5" RC lift on another XJ and didn't think driving that was horrible and out of control, figured 6" would be about the same once everything was dialed in.

i'll post my few parts i've got up for sale and pick up something more practical.









ya bastards.