XJ Cherokee/Iron Rock critical-path long arms are on...

Black00XJ · 03-15-2011, 05:07 PM

So, I bought the Iron-Y from Iron Rock Offroad and finally got it on. The following are just my thoughts so far. I warn you; this could get boring! Read at your own risk lol.
Anyways, the kit is extremely simple and very heavy duty. The only hitch in my gitty-up was the new Xmember/center section. It was 3/16" too short so it got welded (removable center section, so no biggie). I think alot of my problems came from the rotten trans mount. I bought a new poly unit and everything is great. This kit does not require the removal of the OE control arms mounts. I did however have to use a wrench to bend them about an inch. I will cut them off later but Ive had horrible luck lately so Im not burning that bridge yet. The passenger arms looks extremely close to the exhaust down pipe. However, even under good flex (which this thing does now!!! A lot!) it hasnt touched yet... Caster is SUPER easy to adjust as well. The camber adjuster is brilliant and beefy!
Ive logged about 200 miles on the long arms so far. I was warned about body roll on XJs with long arms. Here it is; No sway bar- cornering at 10 mph is like hitting 3-wheel in my Impala... If you are running your sway bar- cornering is very stable and has no more body roll than my short arms. I believe this myth came from owners of converted 4.5-5.5" short arms lifts. At this height, w/short arms, the syspension is locked and has no down-travel w/OE arms, so roll is minimal. Long arms correct this and allow full range of travel.
All-in-all, very similar to stock except flexy. My XJ no longer feels stiff or tippy. Lane changes are no longer scary and it feels more balanced. The kit I bought is the non jam-nut, adjustable. Instead it uses a neat clamping collar that holds very well. The adjustable kit allows what looks like 6 useable inches of adjustment (crazy...). I did opt to push my front axle a bit forward of the OE possition. I feel it rides, handles and looks better because of this. I did have to make adjustments in other areas because of this as well. Mostly just some steering adjustments and lil adjustment from the trac bar.
This thing is FLEXY! My shocks and brake lines are holding me back right now. Even with longer lines and shocks i dont think my steering will flex as much as this kit. It just doesnt bind up...
Ill add some more after more seat-time. I'll also try to learn how to post some pix of the system. Hopefully there is a lil something useful to someone in this.

03-15-2011, 05:07 PM	#1
Black00XJ Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: dont ask Posts: 18	XJ Cherokee/Iron Rock critical-path long arms are on... So, I bought the Iron-Y from Iron Rock Offroad and finally got it on. The following are just my thoughts so far. I warn you; this could get boring! Read at your own risk lol. Anyways, the kit is extremely simple and very heavy duty. The only hitch in my gitty-up was the new Xmember/center section. It was 3/16" too short so it got welded (removable center section, so no biggie). I think alot of my problems came from the rotten trans mount. I bought a new poly unit and everything is great. This kit does not require the removal of the OE control arms mounts. I did however have to use a wrench to bend them about an inch. I will cut them off later but Ive had horrible luck lately so Im not burning that bridge yet. The passenger arms looks extremely close to the exhaust down pipe. However, even under good flex (which this thing does now!!! A lot!) it hasnt touched yet... Caster is SUPER easy to adjust as well. The camber adjuster is brilliant and beefy! Ive logged about 200 miles on the long arms so far. I was warned about body roll on XJs with long arms. Here it is; No sway bar- cornering at 10 mph is like hitting 3-wheel in my Impala... If you are running your sway bar- cornering is very stable and has no more body roll than my short arms. I believe this myth came from owners of converted 4.5-5.5" short arms lifts. At this height, w/short arms, the syspension is locked and has no down-travel w/OE arms, so roll is minimal. Long arms correct this and allow full range of travel. All-in-all, very similar to stock except flexy. My XJ no longer feels stiff or tippy. Lane changes are no longer scary and it feels more balanced. The kit I bought is the non jam-nut, adjustable. Instead it uses a neat clamping collar that holds very well. The adjustable kit allows what looks like 6 useable inches of adjustment (crazy...). I did opt to push my front axle a bit forward of the OE possition. I feel it rides, handles and looks better because of this. I did have to make adjustments in other areas because of this as well. Mostly just some steering adjustments and lil adjustment from the trac bar. This thing is FLEXY! My shocks and brake lines are holding me back right now. Even with longer lines and shocks i dont think my steering will flex as much as this kit. It just doesnt bind up... Ill add some more after more seat-time. I'll also try to learn how to post some pix of the system. Hopefully there is a lil something useful to someone in this.