Another Way on the JK

Rancho's Long-Arm Suspension System for  Wrangler JK's.

Not to be out done, or left in the dust on the current Jeep JK craze, Rancho has also developed a long-arm suspension system for this increasingly popular rig.

At this year's Moab Easter Jeep Safari, we had the opportunity to take this new system out for a test drive and check out both its on- and off-roading capabilities.

In case you haven't already heard from everybody and their grandmother, the JK is already quite capable right out of the preverbial box - especially the Rubicon model we drove.

Kit available in red or black finish.

But there's always room for improvement and Rancho does a good job at providing it. Their system is engineered with the usual goals in mind of increased articulation and ground clearance, and like the competitive manufacturers, Rancho also knows that off-roading enthusiasts want larger tires stuffed under their rigs. So, while developed for increased articulation on 35" tires, the system also accomodates 37-inchers, the preferred size to run these days.

The long-arm suspension system includes heavy-duty, tubular-style front radius arms with

extended pivot points and double-cushion high articulation bushings for enhanced off-road performance. Also included is a rear-mounted upper tri-link design, which Rancho says is an easy bolt-on install so you don't have to modify or remove the fuel tank. The system also has front and rear track bar relocation brackets and Rancho's own quick-disconnect front sway-bar end links on non-Rubicon models as well as a forged pitman arm for good steering geometry and minimized bumpsteer. Also available are optional competitiongrade coil springs for vehicles running at maximum GVW.

Improve performance and sound with Rancho's Cat-back exhuast system.

What was unique about this particular rig is that Rancho's sister company, DynoMax, teamed up with them on improving the JK from the "grunt" performance standpoint. They are offering single and dual cat-back exhaust systems for the 3.8L V6 for both the 2- and 4-door models. Dynomax says the single, with an Ultra Flo welded muffler dyno tests at 13 hp and 12 ft lbs. of torque increase while the dual with an Ultra Flo SS Performance muffler delivers 7 hp and 7 ft. lbs. increases.