Clayton Off Road Front 3-Link Long Arm Upgrade Kit for 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ

Is This for You?

• You're running at least 6.5" of lift on your XJ and want a complete front 3-link long arm upgrade kit with weld-on frame brackets, double-adjustable lower arms, and a single upper 3-link arm — this is the complete front-half 3-link long arm upgrade kit for the 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Minimum 6.5" of lift is required for floor clearance — do not install on builds with less than 6.5" of lift.
• You want Currie Johnny Joints at the frame ends and GIIRO dual-durometer bushings at the axle ends on both the upper and lower arms — the Currie Johnny Joint provides 40° of unrestricted movement with Tough 88 urethane casing for shock absorption and NVH isolation; the GIIRO bushing at the axle end is maintenance-free, self-centering, and NVH-isolating for on-road comfort.
• You understand the XJ-specific installation sequence and axle truss restriction — the 3-link brackets must be fully welded before installing the crossmember in the vehicle — this is a sequence-critical step. The optional 3-link truss is compatible with the stock Dana 30 front axle only and will NOT work on aftermarket axles. Aftermarket axle owners must source a compatible truss separately.

The Result

• Complete front-half 3-link long arm upgrade kit — weld-on front frame brackets, double-adjustable lower control arms, upper 3-link arm (LH/RH threads), and hardware. Full front 3-link geometry conversion for XJ builds running 6.5" or more of lift.
• Currie Johnny Joints at frame ends (40°, Tough 88 urethane) + GIIRO dual-durometer bushings at axle ends — maintenance-free, NVH-isolating, self-centering. Lifetime warranty on all control arms.
• Welding required. Minimum 6.5" lift required for floor clearance. Optional 3-link truss fits stock Dana 30 only — NOT compatible with aftermarket axles.

The COR-4801513 is Clayton Off Road's front 3-link long arm upgrade kit for the 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. The kit includes weld-on front frame brackets, double-adjustable lower control arms, upper 3-link arm with LH/RH threads, and all hardware. The 3-link front geometry eliminates the binding characteristics of the factory XJ 4-link upper arm arrangement at extreme suspension travel, providing maximum axle articulation for hardcore off-road use. The frame-end joints are Currie Johnny Joints — 40° of unrestricted movement with Tough 88 urethane casing for shock absorption and NVH isolation. The axle-end joints are GIIRO dual-durometer bushings — maintenance-free, self-centering, and NVH-isolating. The double-adjustable lower control arms allow precise geometry tuning for caster and arm length. The upper 3-link arm uses LH/RH threads for quick length adjustment without removing the arm. A minimum of 6.5" of lift is required for floor clearance — this kit is not suitable for builds with less than 6.5" of lift. The 3-link brackets must be fully welded before installing the crossmember in the vehicle — this is a sequence-critical installation step. The optional 3-link truss is compatible with the stock Dana 30 front axle only and will NOT work on aftermarket axles — aftermarket axle owners must source a compatible truss separately. Lifetime warranty on all control arms.

Audit Table

Verified Fitment (OFAS Standard)

✅ Fits 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ — All Trims — Front 3-Link Long Arm Upgrade Kit, 6.5" Minimum Lift Required
❌ Does NOT fit Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993–1998) — different front suspension architecture
❌ Does NOT fit Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999–2004) — different front suspension architecture
❌ Does NOT fit Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ/JK/JL — different platform and front suspension architecture
❌ Not suitable for builds with less than 6.5" of lift — floor clearance requirement
❌ Optional 3-link truss fits stock Dana 30 only — NOT compatible with aftermarket axles

Installation & Fabrication Notes

• Minimum 6.5" of lift required for floor clearance. Do not install this kit on an XJ with less than 6.5" of lift — the 3-link upper arm geometry will contact the floor without adequate lift height.
• SEQUENCE-CRITICAL: The 3-link brackets must be fully welded before installing the crossmember in the vehicle. Do not attempt to install the crossmember before the brackets are fully welded out — partial welds or tack welds are not sufficient.
• Weld the front frame brackets and 3-link upper arm mount brackets per Clayton's installation instructions — verify position and angle before final weld-out.
• After brackets are fully welded, install the crossmember in the vehicle per Clayton's installation instructions.
• Install the double-adjustable lower control arms and upper 3-link arm; set initial lengths per Clayton's geometry specifications for your lift height.
• Optional 3-link truss: Compatible with the stock Dana 30 front axle only. Will NOT work on aftermarket axles — aftermarket axle owners must source a compatible truss for their specific axle before installation.
• Set caster and pinion angle with the vehicle at ride height after full installation.
• Front alignment (caster, toe) must be verified after installation.
• Torque all control arm hardware at ride height, not at full droop or compression.

Wheel & Tire Fitment

Compatible with standard XJ wheel and tire combinations at 6.5" or more of lift. 3-link front geometry affects suspension travel and tire clearance — verify clearance at full droop and full compression with your specific tire size after installation.

Engineering Question: What is your current lift height and front axle on the XJ? This kit requires a minimum of 6.5" of lift for floor clearance — if you're running less, this kit is not suitable for your build. Also confirm your front axle: the optional 3-link truss fits the stock Dana 30 only and will NOT work on aftermarket axles. If you're running an aftermarket front axle, source a compatible truss before ordering.