Bottom line
As you can see below, the Rough Country long-arm kit for the XJ did exactly what one would expect, and it dramatically improved suspension flex. On a 20-degree ramp we saw a 79-point improvement in the XJ's RTI score from stock to modified, and a 326-point improvement in modified form with the sway bar disconnected. That's a 16.7- and 68.8-percent improvement, respectively.
The height afforded by the suspension and larger tires translated to a 23-percent improvement in approach angle and a 31.3-percent improvement in departure angle. These are very welcome numbers when a rock ledge is in your path.
On the road, the XJ felt stable and controlled, with no weird bumpsteer after the install, albeit with a slightly stiffer ride as one would expect. On the rocks, the XJ crawled confidently, and there were no unhappy sounds audible as the suspension articulated.
The install itself was what we expected. Rough Country says this kit takes a professional mechanic about six to eight hours to install. This time should hold true for the 61/2-inch kit as well.
When it's all said and done, the Rough Country kit delivers, and it does so at an attractive price point.
Stock (28.3x8.90-15 Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires)
RTI (in traveled): 48
RTI score: 474
Front/rear bumper to ground (in): 14/18
*Approach/departure angle (deg): 44/32
Modified (31x10.50-15 Dick Cepek F-C II tires)
RTI (in traveled): 56 (sway bar connected), 81 (sway bar disconnected)
RTI score: 553 (sway bar connected), 800 (sway bar disconnected)
Front/rear bumper to ground (in): 203/4/25
*Approach/departure angle (deg): 54/42
*Measured in a direct line from the tires, not including rear trailer hitch
The kit includes a beefy new...
The kit includes a beefy new track bar drop bracket, and it mounts in the factory track-bar bracket location with no drilling.
The new coil spring rate is...
The new coil spring rate is 10 lb/in greater than stock. Rough Country says this is to help control body roll due to the higher center of gravity created by the lift.
Rough Country's Performance...
Rough Country's Performance 2.2-series shocks have a 2.2-inch-diameter body to optimize oil flow as well as to maintain a cooler core temperature. They also have a large 41.4mm piston and a built-in bumpstop, among other things. They were designed specifically for vehicles with larger aftermarket tire/wheel combinations.
In place of the factory track...
In place of the factory track bar is Rough Country's unit made from 1-inch-diameter, 0.250-inch-wall DOM tubing.
A nice and beneficial touch...
A nice and beneficial touch to the kit is this transfer-case skidplate. It's held in place by four bolts, and like the transmission crossmember, it's made from 1/4-inch-thick steel.
We also installed Rough Country's...
We also installed Rough Country's optional steering stabilizer kit. This kit bolts directly in place of the factory unit.
Front sway bar disconnects...
Front sway bar disconnects are also included with the kit. They simply mount to the sway-bar hoop where the stock links were secured.
Lifting the rear of the XJ...
Lifting the rear of the XJ was easy. The first step was to remove the factory shocks, U-bolts, and leaf springs.
The factory shackles were...
The factory shackles were transferred to the new spring packs. The new spring packs' rate is 20 lb/in greater than the stock packs to compensate for towing and gearing.
In virtually no time, the...
In virtually no time, the new springs, shocks, and brake lines were installed. Through the years, some XJs were fitted with the Dana 35 rear axle, while other came with the Chrysler 81/4-inch axle or Dana 44. Rough Country includes U-bolts for all of those axles.
Before.
After.