Word on the trail is that longer is better. Though some of you have heard this in a different connotation, we're referring to suspension. To be more precise, we're speaking of the Jeep Wrangler TJ suspension. With the plenitude of available aftermarket suspension systems for Jeep TJs, only a few address the factory control arms, and of those that do, most simply include replacement short-to-medium length arms. With Full-Traction's 6-inch Long-Arm Lift System designed for Jeep TJs and Rubicon TJs, the company took its kit a step further, offering a true three-link long control arm design in the rear and 35-inch long replacement lower control arms up front. Adding to the cool factor, the kit is entirely bolt-on and is designed to ride and steer better than stock.
Full-Traction Suspensions offers its bolt-on, 6-inch TJ Long-Arm Lift System for '97-'03 Jeep Wranglers and '03 Rubicon Wranglers. | 
1. The Full-Traction long-arm kit comes with all hardware and components necessary for installation, including the upper rear V-link and V-link differential support bracket. Shocks are sold separately. | 
2. Installation of the Full-Traction kit necessitates modifying the exhaust system. We cut the pipe just behind the Y-pipe and removed the remaining system. We'll reroute the pipe once installation is complete. |
3. The lift system uses a new track bar, track-bar frame brace, and bracket, which bolt to the cast-iron factory track-bar mount. We also installed the Full-Traction pitman arm on the steering box. | 
4. We used a grinder to remove the front upper control arm mounts from the frame. With the new upper control arm support brackets in place, we measured from a reference point so the brackets would be even side-to-side, then marked and drilled the frame. The bracket was then bolted in place. | 
5&6. The new Full-Traction adjustable upper front control arms were installed in the new support bracket and to the stock axle bracket. The upper mount uses greaseable bolts torqued to 85 lb-ft. Once the vehicle is on the ground, the new arms can be adjusted to maintain the proper pinion angle. |
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7. To begin installing Full-Traction's side skidplate brackets and control arm mounts, it was necessary to remount the vehicle brake hard lines along the framerail. Full-Traction provides three brake-line standoff tabs to reposition the brake lines. | 
8. With the stock transfer-case skidplate removed, we marked and drilled the necessary holes in the framerail using the side skidplate brackets as templates. Full-Traction provides steel crush sleeves, which we inserted in the framerail. |
9&10. The side skidplate brackets were then positioned along the framerail, and the bolts were torqued to 75 lb-ft. |  | 
11. The Full-Traction skidplate was then bolted to the side skidplate brackets. The bolt studs from the transfer-case mount were aligned in the skidplate, and the factory nuts were snugged in place. |
12. After removing the stock rear sway bar, the new upper rear differential V-link support bracket was installed on the rear axle. The factory sway bar then bolts to the new bracket. | 
13. The Full-Traction V-link is the key to the new TJ Long-Arm Lift System. The V-link pivots on a high-misalignment uniball joint and eliminates the need for a rear track-bar. | 
14. The V-link was then installed in the rear differential support bracket using the supplied misalignment spacers and hardware. The mounting bolt was torqued to 150 lb-ft. |
15. With the arms from the V-link already secured in place, we installed the rear lower control arms in the side skidplate brackets using the supplied spacers and hardware. The front lower arms were also installed at this time. We'll make final adjustments to the arms once the vehicle is on the ground. | 
16. When installing the Full-Traction kit on an '03 Rubicon Wrangler, it's necessary to use this air-compressor skidplate, which mounts to the center skidplate and holds the factory air compressor in place. | 
17. The Full-Traction TJ kit includes upper and lower aluminum bumpstop extensions for the front and rear. We also installed the provided sway bar links at this time. |
18. The new Full-Traction 6-inch coil springs were installed at each corner. | 
19. We installed Full-Traction's FS5100 Hydro Series shock absorbers at each wheel, in addition to the extended brake lines provided in the kit. | 
20. Installation of the Full-Traction 6-inch Long-Arm Lift System requires using a rear CV driveshaft. Full-Traction also recommends installing a slip-yoke eliminator in TJs equipped with the factory NP231 transfer case. |
21. We hooked up the new front trac-bar and replaced the factory steering components before mounting up the new wheels and tires. | 
22. With installation of the Full-Traction suspension system complete, we installed a set of 36-inch Super Swamper TSL Radials mounted to 15x8-inch Circle Racing Wheels forged from 6061 T-6 aluminum and equipped with bead locks. The kit offers plenty of space under the fenders for the new hefty rubber, even at maximum articulation. | 
23. The center skidplate and long-arm bracket supports fit snugly beneath the framerail, providing a smooth surface. |
24. The flexibility of the Full-Traction 6-inch Long Arm Suspension Syatem is obvious, boasting a ramp-travel index rating of more than 1,000. | | |