Before you go running off to buy one of these long travel
kits, it is best to understand what is included so that you can make side by
side comparisons.
All long travel kits include new a-arms, either a completely
new axle assembly or just new axles to use with the stock CVs and either new
tie rods or tie rod extensions. From there, things vary quite a bit
depending on manufacturer and vehicle.
A-Arms - A few different types of a-arms are out
there. Most are made from chromoly tubing, others are boxed, and a few are
made from billet aluminum or mild steel. Each material type has pros and
cons. Ask questions about why a particular material and arm design was
chosen.
Some kits come powder coated in a standard color. Others
come unfinished or offer custom colors.
A-Arm Hardware - Inner and outer a-arm hardware is
typically replaced. The majority of long travel kits come with new bushings
(Delron, Daystar, etc.) on the inner side of the a-arm, but some come with
heims. On the outer or spindle side, some kits use heims, others use uni-balls,
and a few reuse the OEM ball joint. There are pluses and minuses to each
type of setup and quality can vary from heim to heim and bushing to bushing,
so ask questions.
Axles - When you extend the wheels out, you are going
to need new axles. There are two approaches to this. The cheaper route is
to reuse the stock CVs and just replace the axles. The more expensive route
is new axles and CVs.
Tie Rods - Some kits come with tie rod extenders. A
few come with new tie rods.
Shocks - All of the kits include new shocks.
Long travel kit manufacturers will tend to have a favorite. If you don't
want to mess around with shock valving, stick with what the manufacturer
recommends. Shock selection can greatly affect not only the cost, but also
the performance of the kit.
Shock Tower - A few of the kits have optional shock
towers that move out and raise the upper shock mount location and allows for
a longer shock and more wheel travel. Some welding may be necessary.
Spindles - Stock spindles aren't typically replaced,
but a few manufacturers are now offering new spindles as an option. If you
race or like to jump, you should look into new spindles.
Frame Gussets - Long travel kits put more stress on
the factory mounting locations. Several manufacturers are now offering
bolt-on or weld-on gussets to help beef up the stock frame in critical
areas.
