Clayton longs arm kits...anyone running the XJ 3 link?

[dubbleJs]

I'm debating between the 4 link or 3 link. I know the radius arms on the 4 link are frowned upon by some people.

The 3 link says it needs a minimum of 6.5" lift on an XJ to clear. I am right around 6.5" and don't want to run into issues....the picture of the Clayton XJ flexing on their website makes it looks like the UCA is 1/2" away from the front driveshaft...

Anyone running the 3 link on an XJ?

[Pookapotamus]

I have the 3 link, it's not as close as you think, great kit you won't be sorry

[tubby]

Anyone running the 3 link on an XJ?

Jonas, you are welcome to come see my XJ in person and see if the 3-link is for you.

[dubbleJs]

Right on thanks guys!

Did you guys go with the 3 link bridge as well?


https://www.claytonoffroad.com/templates/detailnf_price.cfm?globaldesc=na&rnumb=283&wherefrom=SEARCH&whichord=101935&department=CO&kdept=01&class=N&special=R&sold=N&subclass=4800000&subname=Long%20Arm%20Upgrade%20Kits&uas=N&zq=6293568&tokns=passed&pagename=Online%2520Store%2520%253E%2520XJ%2520%252D%2520Cherokee%252084%252D01%2520Long%2520Arm%2520Upgrade%2520Kits%2520%253E%2520%2520%253E%2520XJ%2520Pro%2520Series%25203%2520Link%2520Front%2520Kit

Jonas, you are welcome to come see my XJ in person and see if the 3-link is for you.

Nice thanks for the offer! Where abouts do you live man?

[Pookapotamus]

Yes the bridge as well

[Bnine]

The 3 link is better than the 4 link.

Clayton is about the only option on an xj, so ya. 3 link.

[XJHERO]

Love  my 3 link.
Do it.

[dubbleJs]

Well I took your guys' advice and got the 3 link! Finally got it all welded in, also went with the full truss for my d30 and made some gussets as well.

Now just to get it all bolted back in!

[hps4evr]

Hey! Very nice to see the install! Should work very well;)

[dubbleJs]

Hey! Very nice to see the install! Should work very well;)

Hey buddy! Thanks 

[dubbleJs]

Got a question for you guys.... Im having issues with the front pinion angle and springs.

 If I tilt the diff forward to line up my pinion angle, the springs develop an arch back and don't sit straight. What is more important, having a perfect pinion angle or having my springs sitting fairly plumb??

Also for those that have the clayton 3 link and are around 6.5" lift what length did you set your LCA's at?

THanks!!


Here you can see the springs arching back at the bottom, with the pinion sitting nice and straight.

[Dingleberry]

You've seen my setup Jonas, and I went with with preferred pinion angle. Yes, my springs have an arch to them, but they have been working just fine, even under full flex!
Every so often when I'm out wheeling, when driving along I can hear the springs 'clang' as they re-settle themselves into position.

Also, judging from your pictures, it looks like you may need to shorten up your LCAs by about a centimetre.

[dubbleJs]

You've seen my setup Jonas, and I went with with preferred pinion angle. Yes, my springs have an arch to them, but they have been working just fine, even under full flex!
Every so often when I'm out wheeling, when driving along I can hear the springs 'clang' as they re-settle themselves into position.

Also, judging from your pictures, it looks like you may need to shorten up your LCAs by about a centimetre.

Thanks buddy.

If I go with the pinion angle approach, it throws the whole diff off though...shock mounts, spring perch and the knuckles are all slanted forward. Hmmm...maybe I will find a happy medium and try to get the diff closer to level and maintain a reasonable pinion angle.

Do you figure my LCA's need to shorten up because of the upper bump stop being set back in the spring?

[cLAY]

Caster trumps both spring angle and pinion angle. If you don't setup the axle for the proper caster is will steer like crap.

[hps4evr]

I think your pinion looks a little high, Clay makes a good point, good caster is important. In the end it usually ends up a happy medium between proper caster and then pinion angle and coil arch. It's a lot easier with the wheels on and sitting level on the ground. Measure your wheel base on each side and  confirm your track bar is adjusted evenly side to side. If everything lines up fairly close then adjust pinion angle/caster.
Worst case just give us a shout and we can do an alignment and adjust your arms for you.