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Rubicon XJ Extreme-Duty Long-Arm System - Absolute Improvement



Before we began disassembly of the Cherokee's stock suspension components, we took some measurements to see how much lift we'd actually gain from the installation of the Rubicon Express system. Measuring the distance from the ground to the bottom of the fender flare, we found that the stock setup offered just 30 inches - barely enough space to fit even the stock-size tires.
Before we began disassembly of the Cherokee's stock suspension components, we took some measurements to see how much lift we'd actually gain from the installation of the Rubicon Express system. Measuring the distance from the ground to the bottom of the fender flare, we found that the stock setup offered just 30 inches - barely enough space to fit even the stock-size tires.		The crew at Off Road Evolution had plenty of work ahead in removing the stock suspension components. Nearly every nut and bolt was thoroughly rusted solid and required cutting or torching to remove. This is common practice for a lot of shops in areas that receive heavy snowfall, attributed mostly to the fact that salt is spread on roads to melt ice and snow and keep it from refreezing. With the constant bathing of saltwater the undercarriage receives, rust develops and spreads very rapidly.
The crew at Off Road Evolution had plenty of work ahead in removing the stock suspension components. Nearly every nut and bolt was thoroughly rusted solid and required cutting or torching to remove. This is common practice for a lot of shops in areas that receive heavy snowfall, attributed mostly to the fact that salt is spread on roads to melt ice and snow and keep it from refreezing. With the constant bathing of saltwater the undercarriage receives, rust develops and spreads very rapidly.
Since we were lifting the Cherokee more than 3.5 inches, we needed to address some issues with the stock NP231 transfer case. The long slip-yoke at the rear of the NP231 would force the rear driveshaft to operate at too steep an angle and would also create excessive vibration. We'll alleviate the issue with the installation of a slip-yoke eliminator (SYE) kit and rear CV driveshaft. We'll detail the installation of an SYE kit and other NP231 upgrades in an upcoming issue.
Since we were lifting the Cherokee more than 3.5 inches, we needed to address some issues with the stock NP231 transfer case. The long slip-yoke at the rear of the NP231 would force the rear driveshaft to operate at too steep an angle and would also create excessive vibration. We'll alleviate the issue with the installation of a slip-yoke eliminator (SYE) kit and rear CV driveshaft. We'll detail the installation of an SYE kit and other NP231 upgrades in an upcoming issue.		Installation of the RE long-arm system means that the factory control-arm mounts on the unibody are no longer necessary.
Installation of the RE long-arm system means that the factory control-arm mounts on the unibody are no longer necessary.
To create room for the new long control arms, ORE cut off the factory control-arm mounts on the unibody and ground the area smooth. The exhaust was cut to clear the new control arms. Fantasy Muffler in Buena Park, California completed the exhaust modifications.
To create room for the new long control arms, ORE cut off the factory control-arm mounts on the unibody and ground the area smooth. The exhaust was cut to clear the new control arms. Fantasy Muffler in Buena Park, California completed the exhaust modifications.		The transmission was supported, and the transfer case and crossmember were removed. Here, the transmission adapter bracket is shown installed.
The transmission was supported, and the transfer case and crossmember were removed. Here, the transmission adapter bracket is shown installed.
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