Suspension solution for a very heavy 2007 JKU

[OpenTrackRacer]

The front end is riding well so I'm not to concerned by it being 4" instead of 3.5".

I just double checked with AEV and there should be no reason (other then stuffing them in place) why I can't run 1" spacers and end up with 4.5" of static lift. I expect to lose about 1.75" in the back when fully loaded for a trip so it'll work but not be ideal. Time will tell.

change springs and sell the others. easy peasy. there is a point when a jeep is too high 4" without a bumper/winch combo to weigh it down is borderline.

 

[kojackJKU]

I doubt you will even loose that. Mine don't squat that bad with stock springs.

 

[OpenTrackRacer]

Did a test today with two guys who weigh 500 pounds combined. Lost .66" at the bumpstops when they stood on the rear bumper. It's kinda worst case with the weight so far back but I usually have about 650 pounds worth of gear loaded for trips so it'll probably be similar. My stock springs were totally unable to cope, even with airbags or Summo coil spaces.

 

[kojackJKU]

Right on. .77 of an inch with 500 lbs, I think your good to go with that. I had 2 16 year old boys, 170 each, plus their hockey gear 2 sets at 50 lbs or so, plus my wife, 120 lbs, plus all our clothing another 150 lbs or so, for a week of hockey and I never had an issue with the stock springs, I noticed a small ride difference, softer in the rear over unloaded but nothing bad. We will leave the wife out as she was sitting in front....so my weight over the rear wheels was 590lbs with the two 16 year old oafs in the back seat. I would say I lost 1/2 in of fender gap. That's it. The jeep drove fine, no ill handling effects, no bottoming nothing. Our roads here are horrible with big whoops, pot holes etc. Pretty well a really hard off road style pavement. ha ha. I am installing airbags for my pop up, What ones did you use. Firestones or Airlift?

 

[OpenTrackRacer]

Believe it or not, in it's "daily driver" configuration, my Jeep weighs 760 pounds more than stock. My stock springs couldn't even come close to coping. When I go on a trip, I add another 700 pounds worth of gear! With the new suspension and rear bumper, I expect my expedition weight to be right around 6,150 pounds.

Insane.

 

[kojackJKU]

Holy crap! yeah. That's why im keeping my weight low and adding only the gear that is somewhat necessary. I am keeping and modifying the stock bumpers, adding a winch (8500 lb), stock wheels for now, and 285s. I am adding a roof rack that I can remove easy, and I am putting waterproof electrical plug in to have perimeter lighting when I am camping.

 

[MOguy]

Air bags. Firestone 4172. They work great. They won't change the unloaded ride, easy to install and will increase rear load capacity up to 5000 lbs. I've installed these in many different vehicles with good results.

I am not sure why this didn't get more intention. For towing air bags are a great option. You can adjust the pressure to suit your needs for each individual trip. What problems could you have with air bags, could they be vulnerable to punctures on the trail?

 

[kojackJKU]

People have issues with the lines leaking, but if done correctly you should not have an issue. The only other thing would be if you let them run without any air pressure. Up here they water in them and then freeze and tear. They have a lifetime warranty, so you just get them replaced.