28 Jp jpmagazine.com NOVEMBER 2019
THE STRETCH FACTOR
Sources
Low Range 4x4, 910/392-3204,
lowrange4x4.com
Rock Krawler Suspension,
518/270-9822, rockkrawler.comDirt Pro
We got a chance to tag along for
the Jeep’s first time in the dirt post-
install. While the owner reports that the
on-road handling is light-years better
than before, we were able to witness
the new setup in action off-road. We
were extremely impressed with how
smoothly the Jeep took obstacles and
uneven terrain, which we attribute
partly to a well-paired spring and shock
combo and the nearly flat control
arms. The only downside of the longer
control arms is typically you will hit
them a bit more off-road. Now working
with a more hill-friendly 99-inch wheel-
base, the Jeep is more planted and
stable on the trail. We are told 37s with
beadlocks are the next upgrade to the
TJ, which should increase the Jeep’s
trail performance even more.This TJ owner knew he’d likely move to
coilovers in the future, so he had Low Range
4x4 modify a set of coilover towers to accom-
modate the Rock Krawler 2.0 RRD Spec’d
Prodigy Shocks. These sport-tuned absorb-
ers work great with the 3^1 ⁄ 2 -inch multirate coil
springs. To ensure that the shocks wouldn’t
have to car r y the load of the a xle on droop, a
set of limit straps was added.
Jeeps are often a hodgepodge of aftermar-
ket parts, and this one is no exception. To
accommodate the 5 inches of new wheel-
base, a new fuel tank, rocker guards, and
rear corners from GenRight were installed.
Coupled with the aftermarket front fenders,
there was ample room from the 35-inch-tall
BFG KM2 tires to travel.Up front, Rock K r awler uses a heav y- dut y
control arm mount that welds to the axle on
the passenger side. This TJ was equipped
with a TNT truss, which was modified to work
with the weld-on bracket.Unlike out back, the front suspension uses
a three-link suspension design. This setup
uses a track bar to center the axle and works
great to allow smooth, bind-free movement of
the front axle as it cycles and articulates.Since the amount
of lift is relatively
low, Rock Krawler
provides an adjust-
able track bar that
attaches to the stock
track bar locations.
This TJ is fit with
a Dana 44 front
axle from a Jeep
Wagoneer, so it’s
not quite identical to
stock. Also included
with the suspension
are new steel braided
brake lines and sway
bar disconnects.