Does your Jeep Cherokee XJ feel a little… stiff when you hit those bumpy trails? Maybe you dream of tackling tougher rock gardens or just want a smoother ride when you head off-road. Upgrading your suspension is the key, and for serious lift and articulation, a long arm kit is often the answer. But let’s be honest: diving into the world of long arms can feel overwhelming. You see terms like “camber correction” and “geometry correction,” and suddenly that exciting upgrade feels like a complicated math problem.
Choosing the right XJ long arm kit is crucial. The wrong setup can lead to sloppy handling, uneven tire wear, and a ride that feels worse than before. You need a system that truly corrects your suspension angles, especially when adding significant lift. That’s why we’ve broken down everything you need to know.
This guide cuts through the jargon. We will show you exactly what makes a good long arm kit, the key features to look for, and how to match the perfect system to your driving style. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and confidently select the upgrade that will transform your XJ’s performance. Let’s explore the best ways to unlock your Jeep’s full potential!
Top Xj Long Arm Kit Recommendations
- Extreme travel long arms keep optimum alignment and give optimum articulation.
- Adjustable Lower control arms feature high clearance design and Clevite brand OEM style rubber bushings
- Flex joints feature a massive 2.5" diameter body and 1.25" thread. Fully greasable.
- Heavy Duty 0.25" thick crossmember. Upper joints pivot up to 20 degrees. Lower joints pivot up to 35 degrees.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- 2", 5/16" thick wall D.O.M. lower control arm material
- 1/4" thick, 3 piece, subframe assembly
- Huge tire clearance with inboard control arm bends
- Best ground clearance available with super high clearance long arm subframe mounts
- Makes axle swaps much simpler!
- Extreme travel long arms keep optimum alignment and give optimum articulation.
- Adjustable Lower control arms feature high clearance design and Clevite brand OEM style rubber bushings.
- Flex joints feature a massive 2.5" diameter body and 1.25" thread. Fully greasable.
- Heavy Duty 0.25" thick crossmember. Upper joints pivot up to 20 degrees. Lower joints pivot up to 35 degrees.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- FITMENT - Compatible with 1986-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Compatible with 1985-1992 Jeep Comanche MJ. Compatible with 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ. Compatible with 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler LJ/TJ. Front Upper-eye to eye compatible for lifted ride height 0-8". Front Lower-eye to eye compatible for vehicles with 0-4'' lift.
- ELEVATED OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE - Take your vehicle's performance and off-road capabilities to new heights with the KUAFU Control Arm Kit. With this increased ground clearance, you can confidently navigate through rough terrains and conquer obstacles that were previously challenging.
- ENHANCED VEHICLE PERFORMANCE - The KUAFU Control Arm Kit is meticulously engineered to elevate your vehicle's performance with unparalleled shock absorption capabilities. Say goodbye to discomfort on uneven terrains and embrace a new level of driving pleasure. Through optimized suspension geometry and precise wheel alignment, this kit has impeccable handling, improved traction, and enhanced stability.
- RUGGED BUILD - Crafted from premium-grade steel and shielded with a robust powder coating, the KUAFU Control Arm Kit delivers unmatched strength and enduring defense against environmental factors. In addition, the kit features high-quality polyurethane bushings renowned for their exceptional hardness and resistance to wear. These bushings outperform conventional rubber options, enhanced durability and extended lifespan.
- INSTALLATION - You will receive 1 X Red Adjustable Control Arm. Instruction is not included. Bolt-on installation.
- Maintains Optimum Turning Radius.
- Maintains Proper Drag Link Alignment.
- Helps Reduce Steering Vibrations.
- Easy at Home Installation and Support Provided by RC.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- Reduces control arm angle.
- Improves ride quality and handling.
- Minor drilling is required.
- Easy at Home Installation and Support Provided by RC. Gives you Excellent Ride Quality.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
- Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01, Jeep Comanche MJ 86-92 – Enhances front-end stability, axle alignment, and steering control for a smoother, more predictable ride both on-road and off-road.
- CORE Advantage: Corrects caster angle and re-centers the axle, reducing wandering, preventing death wobble, and improving handling and steering precision for optimal performance on all terrains.
- Adjustability: Fully adjustable to accommodate lifts from 0 to 6 inches, ensuring proper suspension geometry, precise alignment, and a smoother ride with minimal NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).
- Construction: Built with heavy-duty steel and tapered polyurethane bushings for maximum strength, improved responsiveness, and long-lasting durability under extreme off-road conditions.
- Two-Stage Powder Coating: Zinc primer base and top coat available in 10 vibrant colors protect against corrosion and allow for personalized styling of your rig.
- FITMENT: for Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997-2006, for Cherokee XJ 1986-2001, for Grand Cherokee ZJ 1993-1998
- ADJUSTABLE DESIGN: Adjustable control arms are compatible with Jeeps from stock height to 4" suspension lifts. Correct suspension geometry for lifted Jeeps, enhance car handling and off-road performance, reduce bump steer, and prevent premature tire wear
- 4 PC FRONT: This bundle includes 2 x front upper control arms (360-455 mm), 2 x front lower control arms (385-455 mm) with spare sleeves
- STRONG MATERIAL: Control arms are made of strong steel with powder coat to prevent rust and corrosion, ideal for off-road mudding
- 24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE: maXpeedingrods offers lifetime technical support and 1-year limited warranty for quality-related issues since the date of purchase. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions
Your Essential Buying Guide for an XJ Long Arm Kit
Thinking about upgrading your Jeep Cherokee (XJ) suspension? A long arm kit is a game-changer for serious off-roading. These kits move your control arms further forward or backward. This simple change makes a huge difference in how your Jeep handles bumps and climbs. But before you buy, you need to know what makes a kit great.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an XJ long arm kit, several features stand out. These details tell you how well the kit will perform and how long it will last.
1. Geometry Correction
- Improved Ride Quality: Good kits correctly fix the suspension angles after lifting your Jeep. This means a smoother ride on the road and better articulation off-road.
- Adjustability: Look for kits with fully adjustable control arms. This lets you fine-tune your caster and pinion angles perfectly for your specific lift height.
2. Durability and Strength
- Weld-On vs. Bolt-On: Weld-on kits are generally stronger but require more work. Bolt-on kits are easier to install but might not handle extreme abuse as well. Choose based on your intended use.
- Crossmember Design: The center crossmember ties the long arms together underneath. A high-clearance, heavy-duty crossmember protects vital components and adds strength to the frame.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used directly impact the kit’s strength and lifespan. You want parts that resist bending and breaking when you hit tough trails.
Control Arm Construction
- Tubing Diameter and Wall Thickness: Thicker tubing (like 1.75-inch diameter with a heavy wall) resists bending better than thin tubing. This is crucial for long-term reliability.
- Joint Type: Most quality kits use either heavy-duty ball joints or large Heim joints (rod ends). Heim joints offer excellent articulation but can wear out faster and sometimes cause noise. Bushing ends are quieter but limit flexibility.
Mounting Hardware
- Link Ends: Ensure the joints where the arms connect to the axle and frame use high-quality, greaseable components. Greaseable joints let you add lubrication, which extends their life significantly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all long arm kits are created equal. Some design choices boost performance, while others cut corners.
Quality Boosters:
- Powder Coating: A good powder coat finish protects the steel from rust and rock chips, keeping your investment looking good for years.
- Longer Arms: Longer arms naturally improve suspension geometry better than shorter arms, leading to a smoother, more predictable ride.
Quality Reducers:
- Cheap Bushings: Soft or unlined rubber bushings compress too easily, reducing off-road performance and causing premature failure.
- Weak Welds (if applicable): If buying a weld-on kit, always inspect the quality of the factory welds. Poor welds are a major safety hazard.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your XJ dictates the best kit for you. A daily driver needs different features than a rock crawler.
Daily Driver / Light Trails:
You prioritize on-road comfort and quiet operation. Look for kits that use high-quality rubber or polyurethane bushings at the frame mounts. Adjustability is still important for dialing in road manners.
Serious Off-Roading / Rock Crawling:
Durability and maximum articulation are key here. Kits featuring heavy-duty Heim joints and thick, fully welded crossmembers are the best choice. You accept a slightly noisier ride for superior trail performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About XJ Long Arm Kits
Q: What is the main benefit of installing a long arm kit?
A: The main benefit is significantly improved ride quality and better axle control, especially when you install a lift kit taller than 3 inches.
Q: Do I need to cut my frame to install a long arm kit?
A: Many bolt-on kits do not require cutting the frame. Weld-on kits often require minor grinding or drilling, but major frame cutting is usually reserved for extreme setups.
Q: Will this kit affect my steering geometry?
A: Yes, long arm kits help correct the caster angle, which is a key part of steering geometry. Proper correction helps prevent steering wander on the highway.
Q: Are long arm kits difficult to install for a beginner?
A: Installation is more involved than a simple spacer lift. If the kit is bolt-on, an experienced DIYer can manage it. Weld-on kits usually require professional welding skills.
Q: How often do I need to grease the joints?
A: If your kit uses greaseable Heim joints, you should grease them every time you change your oil, or every 3,000 miles, to keep them working smoothly.
Q: Will a long arm kit scrape on rocks?
A: High-clearance crossmembers are designed to tuck up tightly under the frame, minimizing the chance of scraping. Always check the ground clearance specs before purchasing.
Q: Are long arms stronger than short arms?
A: Generally, yes. Because long arms place the mounting points further apart, they put less stress on the joints and create smoother suspension arcs, which makes the whole system more durable.
Q: What lift height works best with long arm kits?
A: Long arm kits start showing their true benefits around 3.5 inches of lift, and they are almost essential for lifts over 5 inches.
Q: What is caster angle, and why does it matter?
A: Caster angle is how the front steering axis tilts backward. Correct caster makes your steering wheel return to center after a turn and keeps the Jeep tracking straight down the road.
Q: Can I use this kit with my existing shocks?
A: Many kits allow you to reuse your shocks, but they often require longer shocks or specific shock relocation brackets to work correctly with the new suspension geometry.