How can I limit max shock extension?

Josh Harder

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Dec 15, 2019
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Alberta
Hey im curious if i can set max/min on coil springs. I assume bumpstops are a way to limit tires from rubbing inside the fenders. Im wondering if there is a way to limit how far the springs on the other side can stretch? Im concerned they might unseat. Ive got a 4 inch lift on th LJ. I know im doing a terrible job of wording that question...

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Limit straps come to mind (y)

But if the suspension is built right from the start, losing a spring shouldn't be an issue in all honesty.
 
I'm new to jeeps so honestly i have no idea. I just couldn't tell if there was anything in place for prevention other than my shocks.
Generally speaking it takes a really good aftermarket suspension to give enough downward flexibility/movement of the axles for a spring to be able to fall out. Your Profile doesn't include any details on your Jeep but my bet is you'll be ok with things the way they are. My suspension is pretty flexible yet even without limiting straps I've never had a spring fall out. :)
 
Find out for yourself. Cycle the axle without springs to figure out the bump stops. Then hang the axles and see what happens with the springs.
 
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Generally speaking it takes a really good aftermarket suspension to give enough downward flexibility/movement of the axles for a spring to be able to fall out. .... My suspension is pretty flexible yet I've never had a spring fall out. :)

Same here. If the suspension is built and pieced together to be well balanced in it's up and down travel, the springs shouldn't be falling out.
 
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Here's an example of 11" /12" shocks with 4" springs not falling out. The bump stops are correct. No limit straps.

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I had a rough country 4" lift and the spring was too short to stay in at full flex. It fell out in Sedona on a trail that I think was called devil's staircase. I had to drive the other side up onto a rock to cram it back in.

If it ends up being a problem I'd recommend something like the Currie 4" springs that have a longer uncompressed length. Limit straps are something I'm currently looking into mounting, but they're more to protect the shock than to retain the springs.
 
A decent guideline is that if the shock travels are divided in half from ride height, chances are good that the springs will stay put. The examples I have seen of springs falling out seem to be from builds that heavily favor down travel.
 
Here's an example of 11" /12" shocks with 4" springs not falling out. The bump stops are correct. No limit straps.

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Yeah this is more than my jeep will be seeing so that's helpful
Generally speaking it takes a really good aftermarket suspension to give enough downward flexibility/movement of the axles for a spring to be able to fall out. Your Profile doesn't include any details on your Jeep but my bet is you'll be ok with things the way they are. My suspension is pretty flexible yet even without limiting straps I've never had a spring fall out. :)
Thanks for noting my lack of info. I'll add more details to my profile
 
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I had a rough country 4" lift and the spring was too short to stay in at full flex. It fell out in Sedona on a trail that I think was called devil's staircase. I had to drive the other side up onto a rock to cram it back in.

If it ends up being a problem I'd recommend something like the Currie 4" springs that have a longer uncompressed length. Limit straps are something I'm currently looking into mounting, but they're more to protect the shock than to retain the springs.
Had a buddy spit out a RC spring from his WJ on a trail near Colorado Springs. He was only on 32’s.
 
Find out for yourself. Cycle the axle without springs to figure out the bump stops. Then hang the axles and see what happens with the springs.
Thanks. I'll try this when I find some time. I just threw in some front spacers and was surprised by how much work that was 🥵