WK2 Coil Suspension 2.5-3.5" Options

[DamonP]

Hey All,
Just picked up a '11 WK2, Hemi, QTII, ORA1 and I'm looking for suspension upgrade options in the 2.5-3.5" range to fit 33's on stock 18" wheels (possible upgrade to MOpar wheels). Specificaly I am looking for a good overlanding set-up (not rock crawler) that will meet or exceed current on-road handling. I am 95+% on highway, snowy mountain and city driving; probably not needing to do much more than class-3 trails.

Any good comparisons out there? or any recommendations and/or first-hand accounts?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[DamonP]

Did some digging and, so far, have found only two options (neither of which will give me any much needed additional articulation): The best I found is a 2.5" spacer lift by Rocky Road Outfitters; a distant second option would be Tuff Country's Leveling Kit which boosts by 1.75". I have taken the WK2 out on two short excusions so far, and have found the limited articulation to be as much of a hinderance as the lack of mid-belly height. I haven't begun research yet (due to limited funds for multiple upgrades at this time), but also feel that a rear-loccking diff is in order. I plan to get a Roof rack/light bar, Mopars Rock Rails, 275/70/18 Duratracs, rear bumber tire mount and am having a Class-III front reciever hitch installed for a portable winch (Warn XD9000i Portable). The front hitch goes on Oct 28th.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and/or critcisms...

 

[DamonP]

BTW, I live in Tahoe and plan to do our local trails on mostly granite and packed dirt/sand most often. The reality is on my two short outings I've been held back from my goal by the vehicle's capabilities. Nothing too serious (class II+ trails), but enough to make me know I need to beef this rig up. I may be solo in the backcountry at times and the winch is mostly just a safety precaution for those times and the rear diff is as much for getting out of my driveway in huge snow storms as it is for anything else (I live at +/-7,000 feet and we often get over 300" of snow a year). I have owned a CJ7, TJ, XJ and now the WK2 in addition to a Disco2 up here. Every one of those past vehicles has gotten stuck getting in/out of the roads around my house (just getting to/from work; not playing offroad) before the plow truck clears a path in the mornings. In the Winter I plan to run studded Duratracs for traction, and I need the lift to avoid getting high-centered on the snow banks the plows leave. I am hoping to make a run to Alaska and quite a few to MX over the next ten years and want this vehicle to be set-up to take me there (and back).

 

[jeep-N-montero]

There isn't much support for these cars, too bad you found this out after buying it. And I thought the Hemi model came with a limited-slip rear from the factory?

 

[silvrzuki77]

Hey there, the wife had a 05 that i did the rockkrawler budget boost on and put a set of 32"s on it. TandJperformance.com had a coilover setup for the front that was pricey but awesome as did fabtech. The little lift did help alot but still really limited on what you can do with it. Hope this helps.

 

[brianwj]

I think all the QDII have an electronic limited slip in the rear and the traction control helps that out. Wait a little while and I'm sure more upgrade will be available but with that IRS you may never find a locker. Its a great vehicle I keep drooling over a charcoal Overland at the dealership.

 

[Doctor W]

The new WK2 doesn't have a front locker when you order the QuadrDrive2 package, only at rear and centre........... funny thing is that the previous model incuded a front locker too, maybe you can do a retro fit if they use same diff?

QuadraDrive2 is standard on the Overland model, but I'm not sure if you can have QD2 without the QuadraLift suspension on the Limited and Laredo.

 

[DamonP]

Thanks for the information, feedback and replies. I had spent many hours planning a '12 JKU Rubicon build, but with our first child on the way I balked at going that route and compromised by choosing to go with a WK2 w/QDII. I needed something that can be flat towed behind our RV ('11 Tiffin Allegro 35QBA), so had to rule out G500, LR4 w/HD, 4Runner Trail and Exterra Pro-4x. The primary reason for ruling out the Rubi was part-time 4wd; I wish they had a J8 like LSD front and rear full-time 4wd system in a Sahara based model -- That would have kept me in the JKU!! My previous car (BMW X3) died unexpectedly which forced me to move forward within a one-week time frame and much to my disappointment not one of the five Jeep dealers within a 100-miles of me had a WK2 w/QDII available either new or used (nor did they even have a used WK with lower miles and QDII). Long story short, I was forced into my WK2 w/QTII. It does have a locking center diff, but not a rear LSD. In a couple simple test runs, I have easily found the QTII's weaknesses and only now am I learning that not only is additional articulation not going to be possible (just a 2.5" spacer lift), but that I also do not have an after-market lockable rear diff available. I am bummed, but will build the absolutely most capable overland vehicle I can out of it.

 

[brianwj]

If you are keeping the WK long term you can allways look around junkyards for a rear diff and swap it in. Get some rails fabed for it and skids to fill in where the factor missed and you should be good.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre using Forums

 

[Timgco]

here's some pics for you to look at until you get your lift picked out. From what I have read, the RR lift is a pita to install. The end result looks good to me though. There are also new endlinks you can get now too.

 

[Doctor W]

This last picture is of the Mopar-ized WK2 that has been doing the rounds since its debut appearance at Moab last November........I'm pretty sure that Jeep had ARB do a suspension kit (spacers only??) for it. mabe you should check on what they did to it exactly.

So far nobody seems to have done anything with the air suspended WK2's......will they work with extended rods in the height sensors ???.... as some people have done with Land Rover Discovery 4's.

Unfortunately despite the QuadraLift (air) suspension being better for lift, angles, articulation etc than the steel sprung models it seems to have two design "flaws"/oversights..... short control arms and not having cross axle air linking, both features that are on the D4 - making it a much better expedition suspension straight off the showroom floor.

Also unfortunately the diesel WK2's don't have the great Mercedes 3.0L V6 but use a new Motori VM 3.0 V6, a company owned by Fiat. Given that the WK2 is based on the M-Benz ML model and designed with the M-B 3.0 V6 diesel as part and parcel of the overall design, this is another major compromise that disappoints.

 

[DamonP]

I am defintiely going with the Mopar Rock Rails (as opposed to the RRO Sliders) and since I do not have patience to wait for a full suspension system to come out, for the time being, I plan to go with RRO's 2.5" spacer lift and the extended sway bar links from bwoodyperformance.com. I was thinking of maybe going with Mopar's 18" offroad wheels, but those black painted wheels on that last pic look sweet too. Does anyone have a guess as to what they are? I am wondering if they are the stock painted Laredo wheels that they had a paint shop make black or if they're something else? I saw on another forum that some guys are wanting to put on 17" Rubicon Wheels. Maybe this photo is where they got that idea? I like the idea of going down in rim size to get more sidewall. The Duratracs on the vehicle in the first two photos prove to me that they'll look great on mine!!

I really appreciate the encouragement and support. I was in a funk last night, but have renewed hope that this will work out just fine for my actual needs (versus perceived and/or desired needs). I may not be running the Rubicon Trail anytime soon with this rig, but certainly can do the majority of what I want/need to do.

BTW, Doc, I did see on that other forum discussion from the QL guys of a way to cross link the air suspension. Slowly, but surely, the WK2 will imprint itself on the offroading community and the aftermarket support will come.

 

[lysol]

Any updates Damon?

 

[tommudd]

Check out 4XGuard, JeepinByAl owns them and has a 4 inch coilover set up that rides and handles real good
Also has aftermarket UCAs /skids etc
Just tell them I sent ya and they'll take care of you.

As far as RRO mentioned above, wouldn't give them a nickle of my money

 

[DamonP]

Hey lysol,
I wish I had more to say, but the Jeep is still stock. I have gone back to desiring an AEV JKUR and am bidding my time. My wife is due for a replacement of her DD soon and I hope to convince her the WK2 is perfect for her needs; whereas, I really 'need' to get back into a Wrangler.

Hopefully you're getting good use out of your Overland WK2!! My decision to accept QTII vs. waiting for a QDII to be available locally basically killed this vehicle as an acceptable alternative for me (at least until aftermarket support steps in with lockers and complete suspension kits).

Happy Trails...