Rear Shocks Under Load

[Deleted member 48574]

Hi Folks,

Just took a pretty big road trip with my JK loaded to the gills. 2 people, gear, and the dog. Some of our gear was in a rear basket that plugs into a tow hitch, and we had an RTT on top.

However, the sag on the rear shocks was huge. In a few cases, later that same trip, I had 4 adults in the jeep and on a couple of occasions it felt like I hit the bump stops when going over bumps.

Any suggestions on beefing up the rear suspension to better handle a load? I don't want to sacrifice too much if it's daily driver usage. I know of things that exist - lift kits, air bags, coil over shocks, etc. - but I'm looking for what people have experience in using and what they would recommend.

Regards
Craig

 

[xjman88]

Im trying to solve the same issue w my zj. Good luck.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: You've probably got the stock shocks and #55/56 rear coils--

The shocks have nothing to do with the "SAG", thats the weaker coil springs--you'll need a transplant of JKU-#19 forward coils and-#60 rear coils/w some Rubi takeoff shocks--

The Numbers I'm refering to, are the last two numbers on the MOPAR coil pt#s for the coils and the JKU coils are longer and stronger !

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[jeep-N-montero]

:sombrero: You've probably got the stock shocks and #55/56 rear coils--

The shocks have nothing to do with the "SAG", thats the weaker coil springs--you'll need a transplant of JKU-#19 forward coils and-#60 rear coils/w some Rubi takeoff shocks--

The Numbers I'm refering to, are the last two numbers on the MOPAR coil pt#s for the coils and the JKU coils are longer and stronger !

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

As he said, sag is due to too weak of a spring rate and not the shocks. I happen to have a set of the springs he mentioned if you need them, PM me if I can help.

 

[Deleted member 48574]

Thanks Jimbo! That makes perfect sense. I should drink more coffee or whiskey (or both) before posting -- of course the sag is due to spring support where as the shocks just dampen the unevenness of the road.

Black ZJ, PM pending momentarily!

Regards
Craig

 

[irish1371]

OME springs and shocks will make ya happy

 

[brianjwilson]

I'm on a trip right now with 4 people, loaded with gear, and a hitch rack with 62qt cooler and have minimal squat with the AEV 3.5" lift. Some good progressive springs and quality shocks would probably be a huge help.

 

[1stDeuce]

When I extended my jeep, the rear was too soft for loading it much without sagging. (OEM spring) I ended up going with some AirLift airbags in the rear springs. They worked awesome because I could air them up and level the jeep out when loaded, and air them down to get a nice ride when empty. They lasted about 4 years, and I finally poked something through one of them. I think the kit was about $60 on fleabay.
Either AirLift or Firestone probably make them for JK's by now.
Chris

Edit: Bummer, it looks like the kits are more like $80 now. Still cheaper than springs, and much more adaptable.

 

[Weeds]

OME springs and shocks will make ya happy

2x

 

[Kelly 4x4]

You can match the Length & ends on a set of Gabriel air shocks and you can get them at Autozone for about $80. a set .I have them on a 05 & 06 Rubicon air up to 70 psi to tow the 5x10 trailer then down to 20 psi for the trail .

 

[bobholthaus]

I added Airlift helper bags. Bought their Load Controller compressor kit. Modified the bracket for the gauge/power/air release valve and mounted to holes in driver seat of my '12 JKU. Mounted compressor under passenger seat. It looks awesome and the bags work great.

Sprayed with AEV texture paint after I bent it to work.

 

[X-plorenow]

X2, springs not shocks.

Thanks Jimbo! That makes perfect sense. I should drink more coffee or whiskey (or both) before posting -- of course the sag is due to spring support where as the shocks just dampen the unevenness of the road.

Black ZJ, PM pending momentarily!

Regards
Craig

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

Speaking of springs...

Are the sport springs and the Rubi springs the same? If comparing 4 doors and 2012 models. Is the extra clearance all in the tires?

Sorry for the slight hijack

 

[Septu]

OME springs and shocks will make ya happy

I'd go that route first, but you can always use airbags if you're loaded right down.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero:--NO--the springs are even different between Rubi's and different between Sports-

Speaking of springs...

Are the sport springs and the Rubi springs the same? If comparing 4 doors and 2012 models. Is the extra clearance all in the tires?

Sorry for the slight hijack

The springs are different between 4drs and 2drs/w the 4drs being stiffer and longer, but

There doesn't seem to be any system for the spring stiff/strength selection in the factory assembly line and it doesn't matter whether you choose "Tow-Package" or not-

The strongest/longest/stiffest springs pt# end in 19 front and 60 rear, for the 4dr jeep--model doesn't matter-

DON'T JUST BUY RUBI SPRINGS FOR AN IMMEDIATE LIFT ON YOUR 2DR--you've gotta check the last 2 numbers on the springs--FIRST

I speak truth-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO