Help with upgrades: Feels like Jeep is stiff and doesn't have enough flex

tonyg

Member
Original poster
Joined
Oct 29, 2019
Messages
40
Location
linden
Hey guys. I need some help. I have an 03 and it seems like it needs a few more upgrades and i am not sure which route to go. I feel like it is stiff and it does not have enough flex. I will list the mods. Teraflex 1” body lift. Cat back system with borla exhaust. Teraflex slip yoke eliminator. Teraflex 3” suspension lift. Teraflex standard flex arms. Teraflex vss twin tube shocks. Adjustable front track bar. Quick disconnects. This is mostly a trail rig. I do not daily drive it. I drive it strictly for fun.

AE4CE878-FC84-4458-9098-10EA75157CEE.webp
 
Stiffness is the shocks. Lack of flex is likely the shocks.

Tell us more about the shocks.
 
Im sorry im not understanding the question.
How much does the shock move from full compression to full extension? Where in that distance is the shock sitting at the existing ride height?

Edit: how much shock shaft is exposed at ride height?
 
  • Like
Reactions: jjvw
How much does the shock move from full compression to full extension? Where in that distance is the shock sitting at the existing ride height?

Edit: how much shock shaft is exposed at ride height?
At ride height there is about 4.5” exposed.
 
about 4.5" of how much?
if you don't know you need to find out.

looks like these shocks also have an internal bump cushion, too.
 
With 4 1/2" showing that should allow for at least 4" up travel. And with the suspension being all 1 kit it should be able to use that. And that should allow for plenty of droop too.
My first recommendation is to replace those shocks. Switching to Rancho 5000x should be a good step in the right direction.
Take several pics of the front steering/spring/shock setup. At least 1 good clear pic of each side showing clearly the spring and bumpstops (those black things in the bottom inside the spring) the shock.
Also some clear pics showing g the entire steering setup from the steering box to the tires. These will help us see if the Jeep is set up correctly or not. I think terraflex tends to use a softer spring in their designs so there should be no problem there.
Also how is the rust underneath? This can help determine if it is worth throwing $$at it or looking for a different TJ. 👍👍
 
With 4 1/2" showing that should allow for at least 4" up travel. And with the suspension being all 1 kit it should be able to use that. And that should allow for plenty of droop too.
My first recommendation is to replace those shocks. Switching to Rancho 5000x should be a good step in the right direction.
Take several pics of the front steering/spring/shock setup. At least 1 good clear pic of each side showing clearly the spring and bumpstops (those black things in the bottom inside the spring) the shock.
Also some clear pics showing g the entire steering setup from the steering box to the tires. These will help us see if the Jeep is set up correctly or not. I think terraflex tends to use a softer spring in their designs so there should be no problem there.
Also how is the rust underneath? This can help determine if it is worth throwing $$at it or looking for a different TJ. 👍👍

54C01877-6003-4600-90A9-B44CE180A810.webp


05EE8922-4E1A-4180-9567-53569ED50823.webp


7D321CA9-51F4-4BC8-87BA-76AB707AB668.webp


FD45B882-2B7D-4C71-A82B-0C9E367BDC22.webp


F12F56A0-C711-4D41-AC30-1DB5B4784004.webp


0BDDB880-5009-4557-90B7-5BD9FC61B7E9.webp


B9099831-1F63-4E7C-85AE-C0124ED0B68D.webp


CB65DC28-64ED-4F11-B7EC-DB9DFC387193.webp
 
Can you get a better pic showing the pitman arm and frame side trackbar mount? I think it looks stock (which is good). A good cleaning with a pressure washer can help under there too. But everything seems old, but o.k. I would first go and replace the shocks with some Rancho 5000x. But if the current shocks are blown that might feel stiffer. Do the 'bounce test' on each corner of the Jeep to test if the shocks are blown out. If the vehicle comes back to rest within 1 or 2 bounces then the shock is working. Either way, upgrading your shocks is a good start. Have you decided on what height you want the Jeep at? Deciding that can ensure any parts upgrade will only be bought for the right height.
If the pitman arm (bottom of steering box) and trackbar mount are stock then you should be in good shape to move forward.
Be sure the tires are at 26-28 psi when you drive around. Higher pressure will make a harder ride and wear the tires out soon er.
 
Those are the old TF arms with the swivel in the middle. If the threads are seized, then the only misalignment available is coming from the poly bushings. That would greatly reduce the suspension's ability to flex.
 
Can you get a better pic showing the pitman arm and frame side trackbar mount? I think it looks stock (which is good). A good cleaning with a pressure washer can help under there too. But everything seems old, but o.k. I would first go and replace the shocks with some Rancho 5000x. But if the current shocks are blown that might feel stiffer. Do the 'bounce test' on each corner of the Jeep to test if the shocks are blown out. If the vehicle comes back to rest within 1 or 2 bounces then the shock is working. Either way, upgrading your shocks is a good start. Have you decided on what height you want the Jeep at? Deciding that can ensure any parts upgrade will only be bought for the right height.
If the pitman arm (bottom of steering box) and trackbar mount are stock then you should be in good shape to move forward.
Be sure the tires are at 26-28 psi when you drive around. Higher pressure will make a harder ride and wear the tires out soon er.

Shocks seem to be working good still. Im ok with the ride height. I dont think ill be going bigger than a 35” tire. I know theres arguements between long arm and short arm set ups. It drives pretty good down the road now. Just seems to lack when approaching rocks and trying to do any sort of 4 wheeling

F4D601E2-7520-4FF0-8D87-C99E795F4242.webp


0D8B4578-2C3C-43AE-90AA-636D6EDA65F2.webp