Our mission was simple. While the Jeep Rubicon is arguably the most capable stock vehicle ever made, its suspension is no different in function than a regular Jeep. To match the capability provided by the lockers and low-range gearing on our 2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon, we wanted more articulation than the stock suspension could ever provide. Besides simply more articulation, we also desired a well balanced suspension with improved control and enough clearance to run 35-inch tires.

Long Arm Suspension Solutions

The solution for us was to peruse the many long-arm suspension systems available for the ’97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ. Almost every suspension manufacturer produces one, as Jeepers rarely leave a vehicle stock. Also, while it is a good setup that produces decent articulation, the stock suspension can be greatly improved on.

The concept behind a long arm setup is simple. With fairly short control arms from the factory, there is only so much flex available. By simple physics, longer control arms allow for more articulation. A basic illustration is to hold your arm straight out and move your forearm upward using your elbow as the pivot point.

Next, use your shoulder as the pivot point and move your whole arm. Notice how much more range of movement there is and how the angle change of your fist is a lot less. Now imagine an axle attached to the end of your arm and you can visualize the benefits of a long arm system.

However, getting longer arms onto a Jeep TJ is not a simple operation. The systems are expensive and the install is complicated. Usually additional costs, such as new driveshafts and sometimes exhaust mods, are also part of the equation, but the results are well worth it and the increases in articulation and suspension performance is dramatic.

Fabtech’s 6-inch Long Arm System

After comparing different suspensions we finally selected Fabtech’s 6-inch Long Arm system (www.fabtechmotorsports.com). Like many of Fabtech’s suspensions, the build quality and engineering is top notch. In fact, it is almost overkill as our Jeep TJ’s new suspension looks more like a desert race truck than a rock crawler. In the front, the Fabtech system converts to a radius arm-style setup, while an extremely beefy three-link is used in the rear. The front is designed to produce zero caster change while the rear keeps the pinion angle at zero to driveshaft at all times.

We also chose to utilize Fabtech’s Coilover Conversion System. The conversion allows for one of their Dirt Logic 2.5-inch coilovers to be used for better shock control along with the benefit of running dual-rate coils. Check out the photos and captions for the full details on the system.

Fabtech Long Arm Suspension Results

Like most long arm systems, the install was fairly complicated but the crew at SoCal Super Trucks (www.socalsupertrucks.com) did an excellent job and very clean installation. However the labor is well worth it as the increase in articulation and suspension performance is amazing. The long arms really allow the TJ’s suspension to flex and increase its off-road capability radically. At Moab, our TJ was able to crawl through anything it encountered with relative ease.

Our only gripes would be that so far the system has felt fairly stiff at low speeds in light chatter bumps or small rocks. This makes driving to the trail head a sometimes bumpy affair. At higher speeds the spring rate seems more spot on but is a bit firm for low-speed work.

We love the belly pan and its 3/8-inch thick, high-density skid pan cover. Typical with the majority of the Fabtech suspension, it is extremely stout. However it does make replacing a front driveshaft almost impossible on the trail. We plasma-cut a narrow slot in it to allow access for a wrench should our driveshafts ever fail. Another hole was also plasma cut into the skid to allow access to the change fluids without having to remove the whole skid plate.

Overall the Fabtech 6-inch Long Arm suspension system is a great addition to our TJ. It radically improves off-road capability without too many drawbacks. Teaming that with its over engineering and stout construction make it a winner.

Click over for the photos and captions and see for yourself.