TNT Long Arms for YJ

[Root Moose]

TNT is redesigning/retooling their long arm lift for the YJ. Here is a link to a prototype build they are working on:

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=172751

I'm very interested in this setup. Long arms with about 4" of lift using stock TJ coils. That'll be perfect for my full bodied, granny Jeep that I'm building.

I've been exchanging emails with TNT. This setup will be "productized" but they weren't willing to commit to details on final configuration, release date or pricing yet. I'd guess taking a look at their existing kits will give an idea of what pricing will be.

 

[cocco78]

I love a clean build :sombrero:

I would never buy anything I could build (or learn to build), but that is very nice! You can get every piece you need to do a 4-link just as clean as that from www.ballisticfab.com Its just not a "kit" so you would need to do some research first.

 

[Douglas S.]

Radius arms...not what I would choose.

 

[Patman]

Radius arms...not what I would choose.

I would normaly agree, however on a non "maxflex" rig, I think the built in bind fixes more issues than it creates. Apparently toyota, rover, ford, and pretty much all long arm tj kit producers feel the same way.

They prototype build looks really clean and assuming the production kit is of the same quality it looks promising.

 

[jesusgatos]

Looks like a bunch of well-made parts, but at the point where you're doing that kind of work, you might as well buy/build exactly what you want. If that's what they're selling, lucky you. Personally, I'd ditch those radius arms and would never go to that much trouble to install coils and shocks when you could just as easily install coil-overs. Well, maybe not JUST as easily in the rear, but still pretty easily...

 

[96discoXD]

That is pretty cool, but despite my affinity for YJ's (I am building one right now) why not just buy a TJ and modify it accordingly?:coffeedrink:

 

[Root Moose]

Lots of interesting perspectives. I'll counter point, not to be contrary but for the sake of a complete debate.

I could make a long arm kit like this, no problem, even a four link. If you've seen my projects you know I can fab pretty much anything I wanted. That mechanical engineering degree hanging in the office may feel like a lifetime ago (oops, it was) but I still know how to read.

But, having the time and interest to do it is another issue. By the time you buy all the parts and steel you are only paying a few hundred bucks more for the kit. Couple hours of over time... BFD.

The whole radius arm vs four/three link thing is over stated in my opinion. If you are building a competition buggy have at 'er, otherwise it's blather IMO. Even then... chasing the last 2% of performance when it really doesn't matter... Disagree if you want but the reality is that for most people (especially me) radius arms are plenty fine. Besides, like someone posted above, it works fine for Gwagens, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers, Fords, etc. I'm building a rig in the overlanding style, not a comp buggy. Between the improved ride quality and flex compared to leaves it's all win IMO.

Coil overs: I'm not convinced they can/will survive in this climate. Also, try getting spares out of an urban centre; he!!, try getting spares in most urban centres for that matter. I'm old fashioned, I prefer normal springs and shocks.

As for TJs, sure, if you like TJs fill yer boots. The TJ was released in 1997 and I've only gotten used to the front clip in the last few months. And the dash, well, since this is a family oriented forum I'll let your mind go wild with that one. Besides, if I had a TJ I'd still be installing a long arm kit so there is no net gain there per se.

I may be the only person on the planet that still "loves" the YJ. I'm ok with that.

 

[96discoXD]

Don't get me wrong, I do love my YJ, and while I haven't been in a TJ in a long time so I can't compare first hand everyone says the YJ feels more roomy inside than a TJ. If I had the money I wouldn't hesitate to look at something like that, but on a realistic budget the TJ seems like you could get much of the off road capability of that build with off the shelf parts.
I don't have a ME or the ability to fabricate much of anything aside from empty piles of beer cans, so I'll defer to you sir.:ylsmoke:

 

[Karma]

HI Root Moose,
Just to let you know you are not alone. I love my YJ too. To prove my point, who would ever go to the trouble to build an expedition style vehicle out of a Jeep that HAS NO ROOM??? NOBODY!!! Well.....almost nobody.

But I am. So, it must be LOVE cause it ain't easy. Hmmmm. Maybe I'm just crazy.

Seriously, my build is almost done and I'm taking out for a 10 day shake-down trek starting today. Wish me luck.

Sparky

 

[96discoXD]

HI Root Moose,
Just to let you know you are not alone. I love my YJ too. To prove my point, who would ever go to the trouble to build an expedition style vehicle out of a Jeep that HAS NO ROOM??? NOBODY!!! Well.....almost nobody.

But I am. So, it must be LOVE cause it ain't easy. Hmmmm. Maybe I'm just crazy.

Seriously, my build is almost done and I'm taking out for a 10 day shake-down trek starting today. Wish me luck.

Sparky

Good luck and post some pics!

 

[cocco78]

I run a radius are setup I built on my TJ, I built most of the brackets and bought some from ballistic fab along with all my joints. I bet that this kit doesn't come in at a couple hundred dollars more than piecing a system together. If something like this comes in under $2500 i'd be surprised! My radius arm setup flexes very good, I run 37" tires on the street and for mild or expo wheeling, and 38" swampers with 3.5" of lift for off-road parks and rockcrawling. The only issue I have had with the radius arms is the front end tends to unload on steep climbs. Other than that they work great. Also living in Northern MI I would never run coilovers. With all the preventative maintenance in the world they wouldn't last a season or 2 before rust killed them.

Swampers 38x15.50r16.5

37x13.50r17 Toyo's

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

TnT Customs Y-Link suspension has no problems with flex.