Full traction

[Black Betty]

Just noticed the 6" Full Traction kit for the xj.  Any thoughts on the kit?  Haven't found too many reviews on it but it seems pretty cool.

[mhernden]

Hope its not the same kit they were selling back in 2005...  cause the reviews of that kit on the old archived messages boards sure werent too fantastic.   

[Black Betty]

Hmmm, hopefully, I can't find much info on it.  I like the layout of that better then the clayton kit.  I like the idea of a four link better than radius arm set-ups.  Rock Krawler makes a hybrid kit that allows you to run in in 3-link or four-link depending on what you are doing.  Guess we'll have to see, I'm not crazy about the rustys kit or the bds system, and although the re long arm seems good, I think the clayton looks stronger.  I'll keep researching and see what I come up with I guess.

[Mikes off road]

I have been running the 6 inch on my XJ for around three years and find it great. I have replaced one of the lower rod ends with one from Evo but other than that it flexes real nice and takes the abuse that I put it through.

[Bnine]

Clayton has a 3 link now. The better of all the options by far.

[Black Betty]

Clayton has a 3 link now. The better of all the options by far.

I'd really like a four link, unless I went with the rock krawler lift which has the option of removing on arm to make it a three link.

[Bnine]

I'd really like a four link, unless I went with the rock krawler lift which has the option of removing on arm to make it a three link.

Why would you prefer a 4 link? It provides no advantage over a 3 link.

Safety?

Myself and thousands of other racing, rock crawling, and hobby enthusiast run 3 links without issues.

What you shoulb be most concerned with is the quality of the suspension.

Honestly Rock krawler and FT are not in the same league Clayon as far as overall quality goes.

[Tyn Pow]

Been looking at both kits myself.  But I don't see where Clayton offers a 3 link for the XJ, just radius arm setup for longarm kits?

I should just buy a decent Miller instead.  

[Black Betty]

Why would you prefer a 4 link? It provides no advantage over a 3 link.

Safety?

Myself and thousands of other racing, rock crawling, and hobby enthusiast run 3 links without issues.

What you shoulb be most concerned with is the quality of the suspension.

Honestly Rock krawler and FT are not in the same league Clayon as far as overall quality goes.

I've always been told a four link is the way to go.  I understand that three links have good articulation, but four links keep the best axle orientation throughout the suspension travel.  But then again that would be a double triangulated four link.  The full traction kit still uses the stock axle mounts so I guess it's not really a true double triangle.

[Mikes off road]

I stand by what I said earlier I have the Full-Traction on my XJ and love it. The arms are super beefy, they have been used as skids when going down rock ledges and besides a few scraps are fine. The rear leafs are still holding up after three years with a crap load of stuff in the rear. I have never ran a clayton lift so I have no opinion on them I have heard good things about Clayton`s  warranty. All I can say is Google and make up your own mind because every body will have their own opinion on any one of the Jeep forums. Good hunting.

[Bnine]

I've always been told a four link is the way to go.  I understand that three links have good articulation, but four links keep the best axle orientation throughout the suspension travel.  But then again that would be a double triangulated four link.  The full traction kit still uses the stock axle mounts so I guess it's not really a true double triangle.

3 links maintain the exact same axle orientation as a 4 link. Its just that a 4 link will eventually bind, reducing travel compared to a 3 link.

By the way, I dont run either clayton, full traction, RE, or any other off the shelf stuff. I do on the other hand, install, fix, repair, replace, and retro fit all the of the above on a regular basis.

Clayton by far is the highest quality suspension you will find out of all the above options.

What seperates them from the masses is the joints, and bushings they use in there kits. Their bushings alone are worth more then a complete FT or RE cartidge joint. I used to by complete FT cartridge joints to fabricate with for 16$ U.S. a joint. I gave up on them and went back to 55$ curries because they wear out to fast.

Claytons flex joints are currie johnny joints, which are significantly higher quality then RE's and FT's flex joints.

I retro fit a lot of currie joints in place of old FT and RE stuff on a pretty regular basis.

Dont get me wrong, RE and FT stuff isnt "bad" persay. Its just not as good as clayton because of the bushings and joints, which really is the back bone of any suspension.

[Black Betty]

Hmm, that definately makes sense, I still do believe that double triangulated four link is the best suspension setup, but then again, I guess it depends on what the rig was originally built for.  Any serious built rockcrawlers or buggies I've seen have used this setup.  I'll still keep reading up on the Clayton cause I'm not prepared to shell out the bucks for a custom four link just yet.  If people are happy with the Clayton then I guess it's a good buy. 

[Bnine]

You are confusing front with rear. Most common comp front is 3 link and panhard. Easiest to package and works best.

Dual triangulated is a common setup used in the rear, although you are seeing more and more moon buggy types go to 3 link there as well due to simplicity and packaging.