Got a built-up Cherokee, but need a better front long long-arm setup with almost perfect geometry? The crew at Synergy Suspension has just the thing for you: The company’s new four-link link XJ Long Travel System is a system that can be added to any existing lift kit, or it can be used as a starting kit on a stock Cherokee that you want to add coil springs, shocks, and rear leaf springs to.
Synergy’s main goal with the Long Travel System is improving steering/suspension geometry and allowing increased wheel travel. The system also dramatically improves handling and overall vehicle dynamics. It’s a full bolt-on DIY system and can be completed in your driveway with basic tools. For added strength, you can weld the kit to the subframe.
The Cherokee we started with was a reminder
of poor upkeep and almost total neglect. XJ
Cherokees are one of the few vehicles that
can take this sort of abuse, keep going, and be
revived for a reasonable cost.
The control arms are designed to maximize ground clearance and will allow the use of OEM wheels with up to a 33-inch tire size (turning steering lock to lock), without the need of wheel spacers. Thirty fve-inch-tall tires can be used with minor fender trimming and 3.5-inch backspaced wheels. A 1.5-inch rear lift shackle compliments the long travel leaf springs. The stock front driveshaft will work for most applications. For this install we reused the stock front driveline and bolted up a custom rear JE Reel driveshaft to avoid problems down the trail. A slip yoke eliminator is required for the rear transfer case output for most lifted XJs to prohibit driveline vibration, so an Advance Adapters SYE Kit was also used on this build.
Synergy’s kit can be optioned with Fox’s high-performance IFP shocks, Synergy front coil springs, and Deaver rear springs to round out the package if you’re starting from scratch. This particular Cherokee was totally stock, so we went with every option we could.
After you turn the last bolt, you are ready to tackle the next Jeepspeed race on the schedule. Follow along as we install Synergy’s proven suspension system for the XJ Cherokee.
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