Mallcrawlin doesnt care, do you? (Srsly plz help)

Rgriffzj · 04-25-2006, 10:22 AM

Okay-
We found a really nice one owner 1998 ZJ 5.2 limited trade in at a subaru dealer. Everything is really nice, except the suspension. I felt something wierd when i testdrove it, but cannot describe it other than feeling "not right". I expressed this to the sales guy and he ensured me that the truck had been inspected and everything was good to go. Well, we pulled the trigger because i didnt really care about the stock **** suspension anyways, planning on either a 4.5 or 7" longarm kit. We stopped by carnage canyon on the way home just to play around and when we were in 4L and especiall goijng downhill, there is some *serious* movement of some kind. I can describe it as feeling and sounding like the axle almost is not connected. I know this is not it, but is this a common feeling with blown suspension parts?

I guess i have a couple questions (beside the above)

1. What are the adv. of going with a smaller kit/ (or larger) if the RE and Kevins basically cost the same thing.

2. Do i really need a longarm kit? I am pretty new to this, but besides travel, what are the advantages with going with a long arm compared to short arm, (beside cost) I am not interested in half-assing anything, and it is really important for it to have good road manners for long trips to moab, etc. I am assuming the long arms will be better for this?

Basically, I am new to this and trying to learn everything i possibly can, so any information is greatly appreciated.

bbaCJ8 · 04-25-2006, 10:30 AM

I'd highly suggest doing some searching on here....these questions have been discussed a hundred times and you'll find out more doing that than any one person could/would ever tell you.

Longarms will give you much better road manners, especially at those lift heights.

Jeepin Jason · 04-25-2006, 10:36 AM

sounds like there may be a bolt or two loose, or some bushings have gone bad or something.

For over 4.5" of lift on a ZJ, I'd probably recommend going long-arm. I haven't read any feedback on either RE's or Kevinz long-arm kits, but personally I don't like the design of Kevinz at all. If it was me, I'd probably go either RE or Clayton OffRoad

Cobound · 04-25-2006, 10:51 AM

1) Do a search

2) Listen to Jason's comments above if you go big

3) Read a lot, read a lot, read a lot.

4) Everyone has their own opinion. Sift them out and go w/ the best info.

5) Welcome, and good luck...you NEVER do it right the first time, it's a work in progress..... no matter what.....the mods never end

Rgriffzj · 04-25-2006, 11:02 AM

"For over 4.5" of lift on a ZJ, I'd probably recommend going long-arm."

Would you say that a Rubicon express long arm kit wont really be needed with a 4.5" lift? The guy at 4wheelparts told me to go with the long arms 100% I guess it is cool because if you ever want a suspension lift you can just bolt it in...

Thanks to everyone else who replied!!!!

bbaCJ8 · 04-25-2006, 11:09 AM

It won't be "needed", but most would recommend it.

Aidan · 04-25-2006, 11:44 AM

Yea, you can go up to around 4.5" on short arms and still be fine. Itll just ride like poop. Long arms will give you a bit more flex offroad, but for the most part will just be more stable on and offroad. Claytons is a real nice LA kit for the ZJ, Id buy it if I were rich.

04-25-2006, 10:22 AM	#1
Rgriffzj Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 28	Mallcrawlin doesnt care, do you? (Srsly plz help) Okay- We found a really nice one owner 1998 ZJ 5.2 limited trade in at a subaru dealer. Everything is really nice, except the suspension. I felt something wierd when i testdrove it, but cannot describe it other than feeling "not right". I expressed this to the sales guy and he ensured me that the truck had been inspected and everything was good to go. Well, we pulled the trigger because i didnt really care about the stock **** suspension anyways, planning on either a 4.5 or 7" longarm kit. We stopped by carnage canyon on the way home just to play around and when we were in 4L and especiall goijng downhill, there is some serious movement of some kind. I can describe it as feeling and sounding like the axle almost is not connected. I know this is not it, but is this a common feeling with blown suspension parts? I guess i have a couple questions (beside the above) 1. What are the adv. of going with a smaller kit/ (or larger) if the RE and Kevins basically cost the same thing. 2. Do i really need a longarm kit? I am pretty new to this, but besides travel, what are the advantages with going with a long arm compared to short arm, (beside cost) I am not interested in half-assing anything, and it is really important for it to have good road manners for long trips to moab, etc. I am assuming the long arms will be better for this? Basically, I am new to this and trying to learn everything i possibly can, so any information is greatly appreciated. Last edited by Rgriffzj; 04-25-2006 at 10:28 AM.

04-25-2006, 10:30 AM	#2
bbaCJ8 old and boring Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 29,897	I'd highly suggest doing some searching on here....these questions have been discussed a hundred times and you'll find out more doing that than any one person could/would ever tell you. Longarms will give you much better road manners, especially at those lift heights. __________________ Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to own cars.

04-25-2006, 10:51 AM	#4
Cobound - The Freak - Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 25,889	1) Do a search 2) Listen to Jason's comments above if you go big 3) Read a lot, read a lot, read a lot. 4) Everyone has their own opinion. Sift them out and go w/ the best info. 5) Welcome, and good luck...you NEVER do it right the first time, it's a work in progress..... no matter what.....the mods never end __________________ Roll It. Jack It. Wheel It. U.S.M.C. Associate yourself with men of quality if you esteem your own reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have"

04-25-2006, 11:09 AM	#6
bbaCJ8 old and boring Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 29,897	It won't be "needed", but most would recommend it. __________________ Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to own cars.

04-25-2006, 11:02 AM	#5
Rgriffzj Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 28	"For over 4.5" of lift on a ZJ, I'd probably recommend going long-arm." Would you say that a Rubicon express long arm kit wont really be needed with a 4.5" lift? The guy at 4wheelparts told me to go with the long arms 100% I guess it is cool because if you ever want a suspension lift you can just bolt it in... Thanks to everyone else who replied!!!!