Long Arm vs Short Arm on a TJ: What Changes and What a DIY Kit Asks of You

You take a lifted TJ down a washboard road and the front end shudders, then the whole Jeep skips sideways. Short arms are usually why. Lift the body and the stock-style arms swing at a steeper angle, so the axle doesn't move the way it should.

What longer arms change

A long arm mounts farther back on the frame, so it swings in a flatter arc. The axle goes up and down with less fore and aft movement, which smooths the ride and helps the tires stay planted when one side drops into a rut. It's the reason people who lift past a few inches end up here.

3 link versus 4 link

Look at how kits describe themselves. A front 3 link setup uses two lower arms and one upper link with a track bar. Barnes sells a system with a 3 link front and a 4 link rear, which adds a second upper at the back. More links mean more to build and set up. Our 3 link suspension kits page gathers those kits and parts.

Short or long wheelbase

TeraFlex lists both. SWB means the standard TJ and LWB means the longer Unlimited, so check which Jeep you've got before you open the box. TeraFlex also splits its systems into Pro LCG and Enduro LCG, with 3, 4 and 5 inch lifts in the lineup.

Who should build their own

Barnes sells a DIY front long arm kit for the TJ, XJ and a few others. It comes with heim joints, spacers, tube inserts, brackets and DOM tubing, but you're the one who cuts, fits and welds. If you own the tools and enjoy that work, it can be a rewarding project. If you want everything finished, pick a complete system from our TJ and LJ long arm kits instead.

Either way, plan on a few extras like shocks, brake lines and a track bar. What do you plan to run for tires, and do you weld? Answer those two and we can narrow the list fast. Call 513-285-4000 or email customerservice@highliftoffroad.com.