BDS 8.5" Long Arm XJ Suspension

[Starscream]

I thought some of you XJ owners might enjoy this....

This is an XJ we just built at work that features the brand new 8.5" BDS Long Arm Suspension. I have driven quite a few lifted vehicles in my day and this system is AMAZING! I was extremely impressed with the drivability of this Jeep. I drove it 40+ miles to deliver it to our customer and it performed flawlessly and I don't have a single complaint. It rode smooth and tight even at 55-65 mph. No squeaks, rattles, or shakes.

However, I will caution that this install is not for the novice mechanic! There was a considerable amount of cutting, welding and minor "re-engineering", but the finished product was well worth it.

Here are some specs pertaining to the install:

-BDS 8.5" Long Arm Suspension System w/ 9500 series gas shocks
-BDS weld-on LCA skids
-4.56 Gears
-Tom Woods Driveshaft & SYE
-35x12.50R15 BFG Mud-Terrains on 15x8 steelies (4.5" B/S).... these fit WITHOUT cutting the bumper or fenders.


And a few pics...

*I apologize for the not-so-great photo quality, it was about 8:45pm so daylight was at a minimum.

 

[FourByLand]

What a great offroad vehicle.

Are they using procomps all around?

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I used BDS stuff on all the Jeeps i have built/owned!

Never ONCE had a problem with their stuff! Super high quality bulletproof gear!

They were always the smaller/not so "mainstream" brand, but the hardcore folks loved them, glad to see they are still around!

 

[Starscream]

What a great offroad vehicle.

Are they using procomps all around?

Not sure if you're talking about the tires, but they are 35" BFG Mud-Terrains.

If you are talking about the shocks, they are BDS 9500 Series Gas Shocks.

-Matt

 

[Starscream]

I used BDS stuff on all the Jeeps i have built/owned!

Never ONCE had a problem with their stuff! Super high quality bulletproof gear!

They were always the smaller/not so "mainstream" brand, but the hardcore folks loved them, glad to see they are still around!

We install a ton of their kits, especially for GM IFS trucks. We have had exceptionally good luck with them, and nothing beats their warranty!

 

[XXXpedition]

No squeaks, rattles, or shakes.

wait till it's been on the trail and got articulation a few times...
squeaks will come ))))

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

Man thats tall. How much did the kit cost if you dont mind my asking?

 

[Starscream]

wait till it's been on the trail and got articulation a few times...
squeaks will come ))))

Yeah, I'm sure eventually that will probably happen.

 

[Starscream]

Man thats tall. How much did the kit cost if you dont mind my asking?

No problem.....

The 8.5" Long Arm w/ Flex Arms and the upgraded 9500 series shocks and steering stabilizer the kit is roughly $3,000.00. This XJ had a NV242 Transfer Case, so we got a Driveshaft & SYE kit from Tom Woods, that was about $500.00.

There are a few optional add-ons that BDS offers: lower control arm skids, diff guards, transfer case skid (NP231 Only). We installed the skids and diff guards on this particular vehicle.

-Matt

 

[Root Moose]

Do they package a "shorter" kit, say something in the 5"-6" range? Alternatively, can you buy without springs?

Just curious.

 

[Starscream]

Do they package a "shorter" kit, say something in the 5"-6" range? Alternatively, can you buy without springs?

Just curious.

Basically thier lineup for XJ's is as follows:

1.) .75" Front / 1" Rear (Fr. Spacers & Rear Shackles)

2.) 1.75" Front / 2" Rear (Fr. Spacers & Rear Add-A-Leafs)

3.) 2" Front / 2" Rear (Fr. Coils & Rear Add-A-Leafs)

4.) 3" Front / 2.5" Rear (Fr. Coils & Rear Add-A-Leafs + Block)

5.) 3" Front / 3" Rear (Fr. Coils & Rear Leaf Springs)

6.) 4.5" Front / 4" Rear (Fr. Coils & Rear Leaf Springs)

7.) 6.5" Front / 6" Rear Long Arm (Fr. Coils & Rear Leaf Springs)*
*This is available with fixed arms or adjustable flex arms

8.) 8.5" Front / 8" Rear Long Arm (Fr. Coils & Rear Leaf Springs)*
*This is also available with fixed arms or adjustable flex arms

BDS kits are able to be bought as a kit or pieced together.....Every component of every kit is available to be purchased individually.

Hope this helped!

-Matt

 

[XXXpedition]

you need to tellyourclient that the jeepis WAY too clean :victory:

 

[Starscream]

you need to tellyourclient that the jeepis WAY too clean :victory:

LOL! He just bought it, the temp. tag is still in the window!

 

[FshTaco99]

I ran the Rusty's 8'' kit on my XJ for two years. Then it was switched to a T&T 6.5'' kit. It was cool being high. On the trail it was a handfull. Since then I'd rather enjoy a low COG for DD purposed. That thing is def. a mall crawler!

 

[Explorer 1]

Compromise and Balance

I have wrestled with building a vehicle, which I can take on longer “expedition” type trips and also do some more difficult rock crawling. Having the ability to go out for extended long driving trips, camping in the wilderness, carrying along all I need to live and thrive but then also handle trips like the Rubicon, Moab and other difficult challenges.

The problem has always been to handle bigger tires, the usual answer has been more lift, with more lift also comes more instability and a higher center of gravity. In addition, I have found that with more lift you don’t necessarily get more articulation, which is necessary to maintain traction and balance. When I hear of 8.5” on an XJ, wow, that is way up there. I have friends that have gone the route of 5+” of lift but they don’t seem to loose some balance and articulation especially on the rear axle on the droop side. Without enlarging the wheel wells it looks like you might only have 2-3” of upward movement before the rear tire rubs.

In the long run you might have to cut away to realize what your suspension is capable of. Of course, if you aren’t going to subject this nice looking XJ to the riggers of such stress, you can leave it as is and enjoy its appearance.

Again, very nice looking rig, Hope it meets all you expectations off-road.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1