Rubicon Express’ Jeep JL Long Arm Suspension System
Jeep hit a home run when they decided to ditch leaf springs and finally go with a coil-sprung suspension on the Wrangler. First introduced on the TJ, coil springs provide a much smoother ride than leaf springs. Axle wrap is also a thing of the past with control arms holding the axle in place. And, the TJ also had decent articulation in stock form.
Of course, nobody is ever completely satisfied with a stock suspension. Pretty much since the day the TJ rolled off the assembly line, people began to figure out how to get more from its suspension. One way to improve upon Jeep’s coil-sprung suspension was with longer control arms. The physics of longer control arms do a few things. Longer arms offer more wheel travel when teamed with longer shocks. They almost always come with better joints that allow for more articulation without bind too. Since longer arms allow the suspension to move more freely and don’t “fight” each other as shorter ones can, they offer a better ride as well. Long arm Jeep TJ suspension kits quickly became popular to get the most flex possible.
Jeep is well aware of the benefits of longer control arms. Each generation of the Wrangler has come with longer arms. The new JL features the longest control arms ever available in a Wrangler. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be improved upon. Rubicon Express has done just that with its new Jeep Wrangler JL Long Arm Suspension. The new system maximizes flex and improves the ride of the latest Wrangler more than stock arms ever could. Let’s take a look at Rubicon Express’ newest offering for the Jeep JL.
The Rubicon Express Jeep JL Long Arm Suspension Kit comes as a complete system with everything needed for installation. It is available in a taller 4.5-inch lift for the Sport and Sahara models. That same system will lift the Rubicon 3.5 inches. For those that want to be closer to the ground, a 2.5-inch system is available for the Sport and Sahara. On the Rubicon, it nets 1.5 inches of lift.
A nice feature of the Rubicon Express Jeep JL Long Arm system is that it is entirely bolt-on with no welding involved. A new, three-piece transmission cross member is included to mount the longer front links. The rest of the mounts bolt straight to the frame making for a stout setup. The link mounts are also very beefy so they can handle life in the dirt.
Besides the varying heights, the Rubicon Express Jeep JL Long Arm system is available with different shock options. Rubicon Express twin-tube shocks are offered for those looking for a basic shock setup. For those who want maximum performance, the system is also available paired with Rubicon Express’ beefy 2.5-inch monotube shocks. The suspension can also be had with no shocks as well.
The longer control arms feature Rubicon Express’ Super-Flex spherical ball joints on one end. PT-MEG Super-Ride bushings are found on the other end. We like this setup because the spherical ball joint allows for full articulation without binding. But the bushings help absorb shock, vibration, and harshness that could otherwise be transmitted to the vehicle and occupants.
The control arms are fully adjustable with threaded sections. This allows you to dial in caster, pinion angle, and length perfectly. A lock nut prevents unwanted movement once the final adjustments are made.
A high-clearance adjustable track bar is included with the suspension system. The new track bar is way beefier than the stock one. It also allows for the track bar to fully cycle through the suspension’s movement without hitting anything.
One of the downsides of longer control arms is that they can reduce clearance. The Rubicon Express arms tuck up nicely out of the way, so it is not that big of an issue. They are also stout enough to survive close encounters with rocks.
This Jeep JL Rubicon was outfitted with the 1.5-inch Rubicon Express long arm system and it just clears 37-inch tires. With a low center of gravity and a flexible suspension, the JL is definitely capable on the trail.
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