Clayton Off Road Front 3-Link Long Arm Upgrade Kit | Weld-On Frame Brackets | Double-Adjustable Lower Arms | LH/RH Upper Arm | 6.5" Minimum Lift Required | 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ | SKU: COR-4801513
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Before ordering, verify your vehicle details, current setup, and SKU with OFAS fitment support so your upgrade matches your build.
Shipping & Delivery
Free shipping is available within the lower 48 U.S. states. Large or heavy items may ship by freight, and delivery timing can vary by warehouse, carrier, and product availability.
Fitment, Shipping & Product Support
Verified Fitment
This kit fits the 1984 through 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ in all trims. A minimum of 6.5" of front lift is required — this is a floor clearance requirement, not a geometry preference. Do not install this kit on an XJ running less than 6.5" of lift.
| Year Range | Make | Model | Configuration | Minimum Lift | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984–2001 | Jeep | Cherokee XJ | All trims | 6.5" | Welding required; 3-link brackets must be fully welded before crossmember is installed |
Before ordering — confirm all four:
- Vehicle is a 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ — not a Grand Cherokee ZJ/WJ/WK or Wrangler
- Front lift height is 6.5" or greater — not a guideline, a clearance requirement
- A certified welder is available — weld-on front frame brackets required
- If the optional 3-link truss will be ordered: confirm the front axle is the stock Dana 30 — the optional truss will NOT fit aftermarket axles
Verify fitment by text: (469) 407-7538
Does NOT Fit
| Exclusion | Reason |
|---|---|
| XJ builds running less than 6.5" of lift | The 3-link upper arm geometry will contact the XJ floor without adequate lift height. 6.5" is the confirmed minimum for floor clearance — not a recommendation. Do not order this kit if the current lift height is below 6.5". |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993–1998) | Different front suspension architecture — see COR-4804341 for ZJ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999–2004) | Different front suspension architecture |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee WK (2005–2010) | Different front suspension architecture |
| Jeep Wrangler TJ / LJ / JK / JL | Different platform and front suspension architecture |
| Jeep Gladiator JT | Different front suspension architecture |
| Buyers without a certified welder | Weld-on front frame brackets are load-bearing suspension components — tack welds or temporary hardware are not acceptable |
| Buyers who plan to install the crossmember before welding the brackets | This is a sequence-critical installation — the 3-link brackets must be fully welded before the crossmember is installed in the vehicle. Reversing this sequence results in an installation that cannot be completed correctly. |
| Aftermarket front axle owners ordering the optional 3-link truss | The optional 3-link truss fits the stock Dana 30 front axle only — it will NOT fit aftermarket axles. Aftermarket axle owners must source a compatible truss separately. |
Verify fitment by text: (469) 407-7538
Component Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number | COR-4801513 |
| Application | Complete front 3-link long arm upgrade kit — 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ |
| Minimum lift required | 6.5" — floor clearance requirement; not a geometry preference |
| Frame brackets | Weld-on front frame brackets |
| Lower control arms | Double-adjustable — both ends independently adjustable for caster and arm length |
| Upper control arm | Single 3-link arm — LH/RH threads for in-vehicle length adjustment without arm removal |
| Frame-end joint | Currie Johnny Joint — 40° movement, Tough 88 urethane casing, shock-absorbing, NVH-isolating |
| Axle-end joint | GIIRO dual-durometer bushing — softer outer for NVH isolation, stiffer inner for lateral load resistance, maintenance-free, self-centering |
| Installation sequence | Brackets must be fully welded before crossmember is installed in vehicle — sequence-critical |
| Optional 3-link truss | Compatible with stock Dana 30 front axle ONLY — will NOT fit aftermarket axles |
| Aftermarket axles | Must source compatible truss separately |
| Warranty | Lifetime — all control arms |
| Unit weight | 39 lb |
| Shipping dimensions | 28" × 8" × 8" |
What Is and Is NOT Included
Included:
| Component |
|---|
| Weld-on front frame brackets |
| Double-adjustable lower control arms (pair) with Currie Johnny Joint frame ends and GIIRO axle-end bushings |
| Single upper 3-link arm with Currie Johnny Joint frame end and GIIRO axle-end bushing (LH/RH threads) |
| Hardware per Clayton specification |
Not Included:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Optional 3-link truss | Available separately — fits stock Dana 30 front axle only. Will NOT fit aftermarket axles. Confirm front axle is stock Dana 30 before ordering. |
| Crossmember | Not listed in kit contents — source document does not confirm whether a crossmember is included or separately sourced. Confirm with Clayton before ordering. |
| Professional welding labor | Certified welder required for front frame brackets — not included |
| Aftermarket axle truss | If front axle is not stock Dana 30, source a compatible truss separately before ordering the optional Clayton truss |
Critical Compatibility
| Condition | Interaction | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5" minimum lift — floor clearance | The 3-link upper arm geometry physically contacts the XJ floor at lift heights below 6.5". This is not a geometry performance threshold — it is a physical interference issue. Installing this kit on an XJ with less than 6.5" of lift will result in the upper arm contacting the floor under suspension travel. | Confirm current lift height is 6.5" or greater before ordering. Do not order if lift height is below 6.5". |
| Sequence-critical installation — brackets before crossmember | The 3-link front frame brackets must be fully welded to the XJ frame before the crossmember is installed in the vehicle. This sequence cannot be reversed. Attempting to install the crossmember before the brackets are fully welded leaves no access to complete the bracket welds correctly. Tack welds are not sufficient — full weld-out is required before the crossmember goes in. | Follow Clayton's installation sequence exactly: full bracket weld-out first, crossmember second. Do not deviate from this sequence. |
| Optional 3-link truss — Dana 30 only | If the optional 3-link truss is ordered, it is compatible with the stock Dana 30 front axle only. Clayton explicitly states it will NOT work on aftermarket axles. Ordering the optional truss for an aftermarket axle-equipped XJ results in a truss that cannot be installed. | Confirm front axle is stock Dana 30 before ordering the optional 3-link truss. Aftermarket axle owners must source a separately compatible truss. |
| Weld-on frame brackets — permanent | Full-penetration welds on all bracket-to-frame contact surfaces are required. No tack welds on load-bearing suspension brackets. | Certified welder with off-road chassis fabrication experience required. |
| Crossmember inclusion | Source document does not list a crossmember in the kit contents. If a crossmember is required for this long arm geometry and is not included, it must be sourced separately. | Confirm with Clayton or OFAS whether a crossmember is included in or required with this kit before ordering. Text (469) 407-7538. |
Installation Notes
Skill level: Expert — professional fabrication required. The sequence-critical bracket installation step is the most operationally specific installation requirement in the entire Clayton session — it must be followed exactly or the installation cannot be completed.
Phase 1 — Preparation:
- Confirm XJ identity (1984–2001 Cherokee XJ — not Grand Cherokee ZJ/WJ/WK).
- Confirm lift height is 6.5" or greater.
- Confirm front axle type (stock Dana 30 or aftermarket) if ordering the optional 3-link truss.
- Engage a certified welder.
Phase 2 — SEQUENCE-CRITICAL: Bracket weld-out before crossmember:
- Position the weld-on front frame brackets per Clayton's installation instructions — verify position and angle before welding.
- Fully weld the front frame brackets and 3-link upper arm mount brackets — full-penetration welds on all contact surfaces. This step must be complete before the crossmember is installed.
- Apply weld-through primer and chassis paint to all bare metal at weld zones.
Phase 3 — Crossmember installation (after brackets are fully welded):
- Install the crossmember per Clayton's installation instructions after — and only after — the brackets are fully welded.
Phase 4 — Control arm installation and geometry:
- Install double-adjustable lower control arms at initial length per Clayton's specifications.
- Install upper 3-link arm using LH/RH thread adjustment.
- Set caster and pinion angle at ride height.
- Torque all hardware at ride height.
Optional — 3-link truss installation:
- Install before or during bracket installation if running the optional truss on a stock Dana 30. Do not attempt to install on an aftermarket axle.
Phase 5 — Alignment:
- Complete full front alignment — caster and toe.
- Inspect full suspension travel for binding or floor contact — verify upper arm clears the floor at full compression.
Required tools and services:
| Item | Required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle lift rated for XJ | Yes |
| Certified welder | Yes — brackets must be fully welded before crossmember installation |
| Weld-through primer and chassis paint | Yes |
| Torque wrench | Yes |
| Geometry setting equipment | Yes |
| Alignment equipment | Yes |
Common Questions
Why is 6.5" the minimum lift height?
The 3-link upper arm geometry on the XJ requires clearance between the arm and the XJ floor. Below 6.5" of lift, the upper arm contacts the floor during suspension travel — a physical interference, not a geometry performance issue. This is not a guideline that can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 6.5" is the confirmed minimum for floor clearance.
Why do the brackets need to be fully welded before the crossmember goes in?
Once the crossmember is installed in the vehicle, access to the bracket weld areas is obstructed. If the brackets are only tack-welded when the crossmember goes in, the final full welds cannot be completed correctly — there is no physical access to the weld contact surfaces. The crossmember must go in last, after brackets are fully welded, so the weld-out is complete before access is restricted.
My XJ has an aftermarket front axle. Can I still use the optional 3-link truss?
No — the optional 3-link truss is designed specifically for the stock Dana 30 front axle geometry and tube diameter. Clayton explicitly states it will NOT fit aftermarket axles. If you have an aftermarket front axle, source a truss compatible with your specific axle before ordering.
Does this require a CV-style front driveshaft?
The source documentation for this kit does not list a CV-style front driveshaft or SYE kit as a requirement — unlike Clayton's Wrangler 3-link kits. The XJ uses a different front driveshaft architecture. Verify front driveshaft operating angles after installation as a standard post-install check. Text (469) 407-7538 if you have questions about driveshaft requirements for your specific XJ configuration.
What is the warranty on the control arms?
Clayton Off Road provides a lifetime warranty on all control arms — upper and lower. Confirm full terms at claytonoffroad.com/pages/warranty-policy.
The Obsidian Take
This kit is for the 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ owner running 6.5" or more of front lift who wants a complete front 3-link long arm geometry upgrade. The Currie Johnny Joints, GIIRO bushings, double-adjustable lower arms, and LH/RH upper arm are the correct Pro Series hardware specification for the XJ platform at this lift height.
Two things make this kit operationally distinct from every other long arm kit in the Clayton session. First: the 6.5" minimum lift is a hard floor clearance gate, not a geometry performance recommendation. An XJ at 5" of lift cannot use this kit, period. Second: the bracket-before-crossmember installation sequence is the most specific installation requirement in the entire session — it cannot be reversed. If the crossmember goes in before the brackets are fully welded, the weld-out cannot be completed. Those two gates are what every buyer needs to resolve before this kit ships.
The optional 3-link truss is available for stock Dana 30 front axles and is not included. Aftermarket axle owners must source a separately compatible truss — the Clayton truss will not fit. Confirm axle identity before ordering the optional truss.
It is not for the Grand Cherokee (ZJ, WJ, WK) or any Wrangler. It is not for XJs below 6.5" of lift. And it is not installed correctly if the crossmember was in the vehicle before the brackets were fully welded out.
Manufacturer Data Disclaimer
Product specifications and fitment data are sourced from Clayton Off Road product documentation and authorized product information. Actual product dimensions, fitment details, minimum lift requirements, installation sequence requirements, and truss compatibility may vary by specific vehicle configuration and manufacturer updates. Confirm all build requirements with Clayton or OFAS before ordering.
Non-Returnable Notice
Suspension components are non-returnable once installed. This kit requires permanent welding to the XJ frame. Confirm vehicle identity (1984–2001 Cherokee XJ only), lift height (6.5" minimum — floor clearance requirement), front axle type (Dana 30 or aftermarket — affects optional truss compatibility), and that the bracket-before-crossmember installation sequence will be followed before ordering. Text (469) 407-7538 with any fitment or build questions before your order is placed.