Looking for progressive rate springs for a JKU

[Two Jeeps]

Well I did a long reply to this thread earlier and for some reason it went to the moderators. Maybe it will show up later.

Ayway for progressive front springs look at Synergy and Rock Krawler.
I have Synergy on my JKUR and have no experience with Rock Krawler. These were the two that I looked at for dealing with the added weight.

 

[dstock]

The reason I am looking for a progressive rate spring is because I have a winch and bumper on the front of my Jeep and plan to add a tire/fuel carrier . The springs in the front are significantly compressed. Currently have the AEV spacer lift(I know a spacer do nothing for spring rate) with factory springs.

The AEV lifts are designed with the additional weight you describe in mind. I have the AEV 2.5" lift, front and rear ARB bumpers and a winch and at times a Gobi rack.

Some will say the AEV ride is stiff, but I think it rides better than factory, and handles WAY better. I live in Los Angeles and freeway speeds (when traffic isn't sucking the life out of you) are 70+mph and I absolutely love the way it handles. There are those that will say, "it's a Jeep not a sports car", but I think they have found an amazing balance of on-road and off-road performance which is what I need out of my daily driver.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[harv3589]

Went thru this myself and decided on Rok Krawler for my jeep...its been delivered for me in Babb, just have to go pick up and install in the next week or two.

 

[TxJprs]

you do not need a progressive spring to handle the weight of a winch and extra weight. Teraflex makes a good video on spring types. Here is some fact. Call the vendor and prove me wrong if you don't believe it.
Teraflex - linear
AEV - progressive
Metalcloak - dual rate
Synergy - mostly progressive depending on height, most rears are linear
Rock krawler - mostly triple rate
old man emu - linear
Evo - linear

 

[FosterWV]

I'd throw Savvy on that list, mixed with Fox RR shocks.

 

[comptiger5000]

For fast running, a progressive spring can let you get away with a cheaper bumpstop setup. Other than that, I've never really felt the need for them up front. I do like them as rear springs though (less sag when loaded up without it getting too stiff when empty).

 

[Greg@RME]

you do not need a progressive spring to handle the weight of a winch and extra weight. Teraflex makes a good video on spring types. Here is some fact. Call the vendor and prove me wrong if you don't believe it.
Teraflex - linear
AEV - progressive
Metalcloak - dual rate
Synergy - mostly progressive depending on height, most rears are linear
Rock krawler - mostly triple rate
old man emu - linear
Evo - linear

x2!

TeraFlex has a VERY informative video about springs, including a discussion about progressive rate springs and why they're not ideal. The spring tech starts at 3:30 and progressive spring talk starts at 4:50 -

 

[RubiconGeoff]

I liked my AEV 3.5" springs, but I hated their Bilsteins - way too stiff. I replaced the Bilsteins with adjustable Rancho RS9000XLs and fell back in love with my Jeep. That is, until the rear AEV springs sagged and lost 1.5" of their ride height. I always thought they were too soft, as my trailer's 115lb tongue weight along with a little bit of gear in back of the Jeep was enough to give the bumpstops a workout (even with the Ranchos at their stiffest setting).

I replaced the sagged springs with Metalcloak's 3.5" springs and now my Jeep is back to its proper ride height, it can handle a couple hundred pounds in back without sagging, and it no longer wallows over large bumps on the freeway. I'm much happier with the suspension performance now, both empty and partially laden (I still haven't taken my Jeep up to its full GVWR).

I hate to admit it, but I used to be a bit of an AEV fanboy. Now that I've been forced to replace two out of three of the main components of their suspension kit (first the shocks and then the springs - the third being the control arm brackets which are still installed) I'd have to recommend going with a similar kit from another brand such as Metalcloak or Rancho. I can't vouch for Rancho's springs, but the Metalcloak springs are fantastic. I can't vouch for Metalcloak's shocks, but Rancho's are awesome in all conditions.

 

[vtsoundman]

That is, until the rear AEV springs sagged and lost 1.5" of their ride height. I always thought they were too soft, as my trailer's 115lb tongue weight along with a little bit of gear in back of the Jeep was enough to give the bumpstops a workout (even with the Ranchos at their stiffest setting).

Any Photos?

I hate to admit it, but I used to be a bit of an AEV fanboy. Now that I've been forced to replace two out of three of the main components of their suspension kit (first the shocks and then the springs - the third being the control arm brackets which are still installed)

I am in a similar boat as the OP...I'm looking for decent springs for my jeep since it serves so many purposes. Use it like a pickup, kid mobile, overlander, and road tripper. Progressive seems ideal comprimise ... However, I have to agree with Geoff, I'm not thrilled with the defacto AEV kit. The AEV shocks aren't spectacular (strike 1), the kit feels overpriced for what it is (Strike 2). These are what is holding held me back from getting the AEV kit.

Right now I am considering EVO 2" Plush for the front. For the rears, I have not settled - thinking Synergy or RK Rears (At 100k, My OEM springs are shot). Shocks are likely Fox DSC 2 or 2.5(?)

 

[comptiger5000]

As far as getting the best combo of parts, I've found it's often worth skipping the kits and piecing it together. That gives you more flexibility to get it to work how you want/need. And remember, shocks need to match the springs, so pick your springs first, and then figure out what shocks have appropriate damping to go with them (this is how I ended up with 7100s under a mostly stock height ZJ, I needed the valving choices).

 

[Ericwc]

I just put on the JKS J Kontrol kit 3.5" handling on the road is as good and then some compared to stock JKU Rubicon handling. They have Progressive springs. I've watched Teaflex video on springs awhile back and the thing to keep in mind is not a springs are created equal especially progressive. Only time will tell but so far I very impressed with JKS. JKS was recommend by a small shop in my area (Trail Jeeps) that does a lot of custom builds they used to recommend AEV for the type of wheeling that I do but now recommend JKS and I see why. So just another option to look at. They have different kits to fit different budgets.

Good luck.
Eric