Coil conversion for overlanding?

[idaxj97]

So I was wondering what would be the pros and cons of doing a rear coil conversion on my xj, now i do understand that doing a coil conversion is expensive and time consuming but so will be the 4BT cummins conversion that will be taking place here shortly also this will be a DD so with that said what are some of the pros and cons of going coils in the rear?

Edit: I also am planning on towing a 10' jayco popup tent camper.

 

[TexasGuidedExpeditions]

Well, let me start with hello there and nice to see an older jeep getting a workout. I am sure you have researched more than enough that you head probably hurts!

You would have better advice from NAXJ.ORG site or cherokeeforum.com, but I can assume that you have already been there & done that. There are plenty of PROS vs. CONS., some of the large ones or more important factors are weight, comfort, and longevity.

Weight, itself compared between 4.0L L6 (gas) (#483) and the 4BT cummins (#782) is a difference of #299 pounds. Take into fact the extra weight you are going to haul around DD. Not that it looks like it matters, to me, because you seem to want to take on a project. Sure Gas vs. Diesel, I would choose a diesel any day. Quick question, ever thought of using the factory 2.5L dsl from the XJ? They do not have as much unff! You save time and money depending on what you have in it now...

My $0.05 worth, if any to anyone?!

"COILS"

Pros:

Improve both ride quality.

vehicle handling (steering only).

Flexibility

Top grade technology

Cons:

break

bend

shoot out from underneath your JEEP.

Expensive

cannot handle weight

Longevity is shorter span.

"LEAF SPRINGS"

Pros:

simpler to fit and easier to adjust

cheaper

Handle more weight easier, it distributed EVEN!

Longevity is great until they sag, then replace and repeat

Cons:

OLD technology

BIGGER pieces

Weight more

NO creature comfort at all

NO improved handling or flexibility to a point.

 

[97tjguzzy]

leaf springs are great for handling loads and they are more progressive when they compress. My vote is stick with the leaf springs.

 

[RugerTrailer]

"COILS"





Cons:

break

bend

shoot out from underneath your JEEP.

Expensive

cannot handle weight

Longevity is shorter span.

'Break, bend, and shoot out from underneath your Jeep' are pretty uncommon happenings unless you go for a budget coil. Even then not so common when using common sense and the get what you pay for approach.

I think leafs will work great for your application. I say keep them on your XJ.

 

[brianjwilson]

Yeah those cons on coils are only relevant if they are poorly matched or the mounts are not setup properly.
However digging up the right, progressive coils with correct lengths and everything might be a pain. I'd just stick with leafs in your application. I don't see the cost/benefit adding up for coils personally.

 

[Chi-Town]

Stay with the leafs. They handle load better than coils and they are much more predictable in flex situations on an XJ. You can work with your local spring shop and get the spring rate and type of leaf that will suit your needs best.

As far as the 4bt swap, I've looked at almost every diesel conversion available and for the money none are really worth it. The extra weight, noise, and vibration just doesn't really add up when you're considering spending extended periods of time in the vehicle. You can shave weight, gain hp and torque, and save money over the 4.0 and the diesel conversion by doing a 5.3l LS conversion. You can buy a bolt in kit from Novak that has been tried and tested for reliability and an engine and trans for roughly $500-1000. This conversion also helps if you need service parts in the middle of nowhere. LS parts are everywhere, 4bt parts not so much.

 

[wADVr]

Invest in a set of Alcan leafs for the rear and be happy and done with it. Worth the additional cost over cheaper leaf sets for sure. Cheaper leafs can sag quickly, allow for axle wrap, ride too soft/too stiff etc. I have been very impressed with my Alcan leafs from Big offroad. Before these leafs I had run a few sets of RUbicon Express and had all sorts of trouble and even considered a coil conversion myself to get rid of all the issues, thinking that my RE leafs were good quality etc. I wouldn't mess with coil/link conversion rear unless you want to turn it into a rock buggy which if that is the case you've got the wrong rig to start with. There is no sense going through all the hassle to over complicate it when you have a good stable set up already with the current leaf set up. Coil conversions usually end up adding sway bars and adjusting spring rates etc just to get them back to where it was before.

 

[reece146]

Leaves are better for towing and heavy loads.

Rear coils on an XJ are for Juggies and ramp queens.

 

[idaxj97]

Thanks everyone for the inputs. I dont have to worry bout this subject anymore as im trading off my jeep to my dad for a 4runner he has as the engine is knocking badly and I just dont want to sink anymore money into it, the good thing about all this happening is that my nephue is coming of age to were he will be driving here in the next couple years so him and I will rebuild an engine and he will take over the jeep.

 

[wADVr]

Or at least check the flex plate to torque converter bolts. A very common misdiagnosis.

 

[idaxj97]

Or at least check the flex plate to torque converter bolts. A very common misdiagnosis.

That was the first thing I did and they were all tight.