Keeping the Angles Correct
Who: Full Traction
What: A new 6-inch long-arm lift system for Jeep TJs is a complete replacement suspension system that uses a four-link front-axle system, said to provide a true and correct caster curve throughout the entire range of wheel travel. Meanwhile, the rear axle uses a true long-arm three-link. Here, the upper triangulated bar pivots on a uni-ball joint, eliminating the need for a rear-axle track bar. Full Traction uses 2 x 11/44-inch-wall DOM tubing for its lower trailing arm assemblies, and 11/44-inch plate laser-crafted bracketry throughout. This is a fully bolt-on system. Shocks are sold separately.
How much: $2,796
Where: Full Traction, 6951 McDivitt Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93313, 800/255-6464, www.full-traction.com.
Bump It!
Who: ARB
What: Hitting the trail? Then make sure you don't get hit by the trail. ARB takes numerous factors into consideration when manufacturing a bumper for the TJ, including vehicle design, airbag deployment, approach angles, accessory fitment, strength, weight and, of course, looks. This one serves as an integral crossmember. According to ARB, its mounting systems are designed to spread impact and winching loads over both chassis rails, bolstering the TJ's already tough front end.
How much: $870
Where: ARB, 20 S. Spokane Rd., Seattle, WA 98134, 206/264-1669, www.arbusa.com.
Shocking!
Who: Nth Mobility
What: Need to relocate your TJ's rear shocks? Lifted TJs could benefit from the Shock Shifter kit by Nth Degree Mobility. The kit solves the shock-mounting problems associated by a high-pinion rear axle, a common collateral effect of many lift kits. The manufacturer also claims that this relocation kit significantly improves ground clearance by moving the shock's mounting brackets closer to the wheel by approximately 5 inches.
How much: $90
Where: Nth Degree Mobility, 2190 Lockheed Way, No. 1, Carson City, NV 89706, 775/885-8454, www.nthdegreemobility.com.
Convert to Platinum
Who: Skyjacker
What: Available for '97-'03 TJs equipped with a stock Dana 30 or aftermarket Dana 44, 60 or Ford 9-inch front differentials, the Platinum Series Coil Over Conversion is a 10-inch lift. Designed specifically with rockcrawling in mind, this kit features a 9-inch coilover assembly, replacement polyurethane cab-mount bushings and a 1-inch body lift. The Platinum Series Coil Over Conversion does not include bracketry.
How much: $1,198
Where: Skyjacker Suspensions, P.O. Box 1678, West Monroe, LA 71294, 866/ROCK-READY, www.skyjacker.com.
Three into Two Won't Go
Who: Black Diamond
What: Sometimes after you install a 3-inch lift kit, it settles in and actually becomes a 2-inch lift. Black Diamond addresses that issue with its new 3-inch lift kit for TJs. According to Black Diamond, this system features coil springs that are preset during the manufacturing process to minimize settling and help maintain factory ride characteristics. Other components in the kit include front antiroll-bar quick-disconnects, longer rear antiroll-bar links, a rear track-bar extension bracket, longer polyurethane bumpstops and a transfer-case lowering kit. This system provides enough clearance for up to 33-inch tires.
How much: $465
Where: Black Diamond, 274 Huey Lenard Loop Rd., West Monroe, LA 71291, 866/680-6666, www.blackdiamondoffroad.com.
Basic Suspenders
Who: Fabtech
What: This 211/42-inch Basic Suspension system features an adjustable coil-spring seat that retains the stock front and rear coil springs or aftermarket springs. According to Fabtech, the heavy-duty steel billet coil adjusters do not change the ride quality and allow adjustment to the suspension ride height. The vehicle can be adjusted front to rear to compensate for heavy cargo or a winch or bumper. This kit includes extended-length bumpstops and a wrench to allow adjustment with the vehicle on the ground.
How much: $485
Where: Fabtech, 4331 Eucalyptus Ave., Chino, CA 91710, 909/597-7800, www.fabtechmotorsports.com.
Go Topless
Who: RJR Products
What: When you're in the mood to go topless, get your TJ a mesh Breezer Top, from RJR Products. A great addition to any outdoor-loving TJ, these tops are made from high-quality polypropylene, a tough stretchy fabric. According to the manufacturer, these tops will not balloon or flap in the wind, and installation takes just minutes.
How much: $60
Where: RJR Products, P.O. Box 1482, Colton, CA 92324, 800/632-9192, www.rjrproducts.com.
Articulate Clearly
Who: Tuff Country
What: The 4-inch EZ-Flex system for '97-'01 Jeep TJs features unique threaded lower control arms that, according to the manufacturer, allow a greater range of movement, thus boosting your TJ's articulation. The kit's control arms feature polyurethane bushings and the track-bar relocating brackets are computer laser-cut and powdercoated. EZ-Ride coil springs offer quality ride characteristics and performance for standard and off-pavement conditions. This kit clears 33-inch shoes.
How much: $1,104
Where: Tuff Country, 4165 W. Nike Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84088, 800/288-2190, www.tuffcountry.com.