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.
- 【Fitment】 for Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997-2006, for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1986-2001, for Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 1993-1998
- 【 Adjustable Design】Adjustable control arms are compatible with Jeeps from stock height to 8" suspension lifts. Correct suspension geometry for lifted Jeeps, enhance car handling and off-road performance, reduce bump steer, and prevent premature tire wear
- 【Durable Material】Control arms are made of strong steel with powder coat to prevent rust and corrosion, ideal for off-road mudding. Premium poly bushings are firm and strong to withstand harsh off-road conditions, resist oil and heat, improve performance with a longer service life
- 【 Package Includes】 2 x front upper control arms (360-455 mm), 2 x front lower control arms (385-470 mm) with spare sleeves
- 【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
- Application: Fit for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 with 4.5"+ lifts. The package includes an instruction manual.
- Designed for 4.5" Lift: This Control arm drop kit is designed to lower the upper and lower control arm mounting points when the vehicle is lifted at least 4.5"
- Improve Handling: Relocating the control arm mounting points will reduce the arms angles which can substantially improve ride quality and handling
- Heavy-Duty Steel: Control arm relocation brackets are machined from thick steel, with high strength and durability. Package includes control arm drop brackets, brace brackets, and hardware
- 24/7 Customer Support: 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
- Extreme-Duty Steering Strength: Replaces weak factory tie rod and drag link with massive 1.5-inch DOM steel tubing for serious trail abuse - rocks, ruts, and logs don’t stand a chance.
- Built for Lifted Jeeps: Requires 4" or more of suspension lift and must be used with the stock pitman arm to maintain proper steering geometry.
- Improved Clearance & Protection: Optimized design increases clearance near the differential cover, helping reduce trail damage while keeping steering geometry consistent.
- Tighter, More Precise Control: Rotational, non-articulating joints minimize unwanted movement to help reduce bump steer and deliver confident on- and off-road steering feel.
- Easy Install & Adjustment: Integrated wrench flats on heavy-duty ends make installation and toe adjustments simple. Optional N3 or V2 steering stabilizer available for added control.
- Direct Fit : For 1984 - 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 2WD/4WD. For 1986-1992 Jeep Comanche MJ
- Function : Featuring a set of frame brackets and shackle brackets, this kit relocates the stock shackle positioning, preventing it from bottoming out against the unibody.Allows for adjustment of the shackle angle for maximum articulation and ride quality.
- Advantage : Fine tune the rear suspension of your XJ.Have 5 different mounting points.Places shackle in optimum location for maximum articulation.Depending on which mounting point you select, this kit can provide up to 1. 5" of lift as well.
- High-quality : Made from high standard steel,Black powder coating on the surface which can withstand corrosion, rust and impact, its heavy duty construction ensures an unparalleled long lifespan.
- Satisfaction Service: If you are not satisfied with our products, you can request a refund within 30 days. We also support a 12 month warranty. Professional and sincere service enables you to purchase without risk!
- 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.
- Fitment: for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001, Grand Cherokee ZJ 1993-1998, Comanche MJ 1986-2002, Wrangler TJ 1997-2006, Wrangler LJ 2004-2006 Note: compatible for 2.5" or more lifted vehicle
- Upgrade Steering: Steering bars have both heim joint ends adjustable to fit models with different axle widths, enhancing your vehicle's steering feel, stiffness, and strength. Provide a direct connection to the ground for off-road use
- Heavy Duty Material: For jeep steering bars are stronger and more durable than stock bars. Heavy-duty construction improves stiffness and strength, and reduces the chance of bending
- Direct Bolt-on: Replacement steering bars can replace your stock components, easy to install with the hardware provided. No instruction included, we recommended a professional installation
- 24/7 Customer Support: PDF installation manual is available for download. 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
- Material : Made of High-grade Steel, Finish with black oxide coated, with excellent rust and corrosion resistance;
- Replacement OE Number:6605;
- Lifts:Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 2.5"-6" Lifts / YJ 2.5"-4" Lifts;Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ & Comanche MJ 4.5" Lift.
- Powerful Function:Maintains Optimum Turning Radius;Maintains Proper Drag Link Alignment;Helps Reduce Steering Vibrations.
- Fitment:Compatible With 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ;Compatible With 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Comanche MJ
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.