ZJ Suspension Build Advice

[bobfoe95]

I am starting to gather the parts for a mild height suspension build on my ZJ. It is a 1998 5.2 with 80,000 miles. I want to build a pretty complete kit that is good quality. I want to keep the price point fairly low so I am going with generic hydro shocks ( which I had on my last ZJ and actually enjoyed). I will be running the stock 225 75r15 tires for a while as mine are only 3k old and have a decent tread design and full size spare.

So far I have-

Front and rear OME coil springs from Morris 4x4

Front Bar Pin eliminators, front and rear coil spring isolators (.75 inches tall), heavy duty steering damper, and hydro Shocks from Iron Rock Offroad

The only items I am missing that I think I should add would be bumpstops and sway bar end links, as mine are shot. Any recommendations on these 2 items?

Thoughts on how the list is looking so far?


Any advice is greatly appreciated,

Thanks!

Edit: This is a "stage one" of sorts. After this summer I will be adding full adjustable control arms as well.

 

[Mitch502]

Well, look through my build, I'm sitting with 3.5" IRO springs and 2" spacers.

5.5" is a lot higher than you think, especially with tires. From Ground to fender lip my lift totaled around 11.5" I think after tires and everything...If I had to do it again, I'd probably go 3.5" with 32" tires. I am unwilling to cut my jeep up, so that limted me to only go higher to fit 33" tires.

Get track bars. And as far as sway bar end links, IRO has theirs for $50 or so, but I'd buy JKS...look at parts in terms of "$50 more over the life and use of this vehicle will translate into $X.xx per year" instead of "Those are $50 cheaper" and you'll be much happier with the results. My 5.5" did not require a new driveshaft, and I only get vibrations from my rear diff I think...

So, get track bars, and honestly, why buy .75" spacers if you plan to upgrade later?

 

[wmeyer116]

One thing you may consider is going with bilstein or OME shocks. I had an iron rock on my old Cherokee 4 years ago, and their shocks were nothing to write home about.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[bobfoe95]

I am at the point where upgrading the shocks now would set back the build. I had the IRO shocks on my last zj and they weren't even that bad in my opinion. The reason I am going with the .75 is because my isolators are totally shot and need upgrading anyways. The JKS endlinks would be a great upgrade! Now if I could just find a track bar for under 3 inches of lift...

Awesome build mitch!

 

[bobfoe95]

I am at the point where upgrading the shocks now would set back the build. I had the IRO shocks on my last zj and they weren't even that bad in my opinion. The reason I am going with the .75 is because my isolators are totally shot and need upgrading anyways. The JKS endlinks would be a great upgrade! Now if I could just find a track bar for under 3 inches of lift...

Awesome build mitch!

One question about the end links, since I am only going about 1-1.5 inch lift should I do a stock sized end link?

 

[Mitch502]

You probably can get away with stock. Serious question: Have you considered a 2" BB lift? Sounds like you're doing all of the things anyway, and 2" will give you more clearance, even if it's just for flex clearance and not tire clearance?

 

[Mitch502]

And if you're only going less than 3" total, no track bar is needed. Nothing is needed honestly, outside of what you've mentioned...I'd suggest changing to a u-joint front shaft from your CV front shaft.

 

[bobfoe95]

The reason for the new coils is because of my poor condition coils springs. Also this way in the future I can easily expand cheaply with adding a spacer. Thanks for all the feedback! Still trying to decide if I should upgrade my end links with better but stock length ones, or if I should go quick disconnects.

 

[dirtyzj]

keep it simple...a couple of inches and 31s are mighty capable (more tire if you trim).
level head , common sense and some armor go a long way

 

[AdidasCJ]

From what your saying, I would just do a 2in BB like mentioned above. At 2in, there REALLY isnt anything you need to swap out that will keep your cost down. 3.5+ is where you need to start changing out other things like control arms, track bars etc.

I have the 4.5 IRO sitting on billstein 5100 shocks and they are doing great. However, its about 2k vs a 2BB at about ~ 100?

And whatever route you decide to take, pop for new isolators. You wont regret it.

 

[K2ZJ]

From what your saying, I would just do a 2in BB like mentioned above. At 2in, there REALLY isnt anything you need to swap out that will keep your cost down. 3.5+ is where you need to start changing out other things like control arms, track bars etc.

I have the 4.5 IRO sitting on billstein 5100 shocks and they are doing great. However, its about 2k vs a 2BB at about ~ 100?

And whatever route you decide to take, pop for new isolators. You wont regret it.

+1

 

[BigDaveZJ]

Another vote for the 2" BB. At 80k I doubt your springs are really that worn. If they are, keep an eye out at the yard for a ZJ with the UpCountry package to net another .75-1" of lift.

K2ZJ and I have both taken budget boosted ZJ's to places that surprised us both, and if you trim you can fit 32's on a BB, especially with the UC springs. Another thing to consider would be the F>R swap. Easy way to get 3.5-4" of lift and save some cash on springs.

 

[OverlandZJ]

I just sold a ZJ with 4.5" and 33's.. new ZJ will be 2" BB and 31's.

 

[Mitch502]

I just sold a ZJ with 4.5" and 33's.. new ZJ will be 2" BB and 31's.

As you can see, me included, the consensus is lower is capable and more practical.

 

[BigDaveZJ]

As you can see, me included, the consensus is lower is capable and more practical.

Also more reliable. Less stress on control arm mounts and such. If you're not going to go long arms, I wouldn't do more than 2-3".