Rubicon Express Radius Long Arm System – Body, Fender and Flare options
Most everyone understands and appreciates the benefits of running large tires while retaining a low center-of-gravity. The result is a super stable yet capable vehicle. For this reason, there are a lot of people interested in our 2.5″ Radius Longarm System for the TJ. However, often times people opt for one of our other kits because they are unsure of what the additional “hidden” costs of this kit may be. Specifically, “Will I need to invest in an expensive high-fender/hood kit and a modified fuel tank for this kit to work?” The following should help to answer those questions, and clarify exactly what the options are.
The Silver Jeep pictured above on the left looks quite a bit taller than the white one on the right, and yet they both have the identical lift heights and tire size.
Let’s start with the white Jeep. This TJ has a standard-length Radius Long Arm System (non-stretch) and required no additional parts to make the kit work. Some body and fender flare trimming was done, but we will cover that in our next post on this subject “Rubicon Express Radius Long Arm – Fit those 37′s under your Stock Fenders” The result is a very stock-ish look, with 37″ tires peeking out from underneath. (this kit also works very well with smaller size tires, 33” or 35”)
The Silver TJ features the 4″ wheelbase Stretch version of our Radius Long Arm System. On this Jeep, we’ve also installed a high fender/high hood kit and a modified fuel tank. The fuel tank is the only required option to install the 4″ wheelbase stretch version. (Standard -length rear radius arms can be used with the stock tank) We’ve also installed a set of steel rear corner panels, with the rear wheel cutouts moved back 4″. The result is still a stock-ish look, with a bit more aggressive styling than the white TJ and a 4″ increase in wheelbase.
Neither of these Jeeps attract a lot of attention from law enforcement, even with our ever-increasing regulations.
Our stock fendered, standard -length Jeep only requires 1″ more front bumpstop than it’s high fendered counterpart to keep the tires from rubbing at full compression.
The 4″ Stretch setup also allows for a bit more travel in the rear, due to the re-orientation of the rear shock mounts. Both of these kits, as well as all of our other systems AND our competitor’s suspension systems are limited (or “constrained”) in articulation by the stroke length of the shock absorber. The RE Radius Long Arm provides an exceptional amount of axle control, AND all of the articulation allowed by the shocks. Read more about the Radius Long Arm here
There are many other body and fender combinations available on the market……Tube fenders, fiberglass and plastic front ends, comp-cut kits and of course lots of creative trimming. Whatever your style preference or budget, the RE Radius Long Arm is a great choice for your TJ Wrangler.
Tech Tip: Don’t use your shocks as bumpstops! Shock failure will be the result. Always be sure to have the proper amount of bumpstop installed to limit suspension before the shock is fully compressed. (or before the tires contact sheet metal) Proper setup requires cycling the suspension to full compression with the coils and the soft rubber bumpstops removed, but with the wheels and shocks installed. Compress the entire axle until the shock is almost bottomed out. This is the point where you need to limit uptravel with a rigid stop. Also compress one side at a time while allowing the other side to droop and adjust your bumpstops as needed; this is also a great way to make sure that your brake lines are not too short or interfering!
