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

[Jerry Bransford]

Shocks, overinflated tires, and Load Range D and E tires are the causes of a stiff riding Jeep. I wouldn't doubt if your problem is a combination of all three.

 

[tonyg]

Shocks, overinflated tires, and Load Range D and E tires are the causes of a stiff riding Jeep. I wouldn't doubt if your problem is a combination of all three.

The post was in reference to when im on the trails and doesnt have enough flex like i feel like it should. Specifically when approaching rocks and inclines.

 

[jjvw]

Cycling the axles without springs in place using a floor jack will show you if there is a restriction before the shocks run out of travel.

 

[Steel City 06]

Are you disconnecting either sway bar when off road? Most people here would probably keep the front disconnected except for on-road and milder trails.
Is the rear sway bar stock or different?

 

[Goatman]

I'm with steel city. Disconnect your front ANTIsway bar for increased flex. Keep the rear ANTIsway bar stock. And connected. It doesn't prevent rear flex and helps keep the Jeep stable both on and off road.

 

[tonyg]

Are you disconnecting either sway bar when off road? Most people here would probably keep the front disconnected except for on-road and milder trails.
Is the rear sway bar stock or different?

Rear swaybar looks stock and yes fromt gets disconnected.

 

[jjvw]

Cycle the axle without springs, if you really want to figure this out.

 

[k-huevo]

View attachment 153960

View attachment 153961

In the image showing the frame end of the front trackbar, the joint on that end has a degree of misalignment at rest. This misalignment can be improved by adjusting trackbar angles via the axle side. The joint looks dry too. A tweaked trackbar can limit travel.

Comparing the swept length of the front shock shaft with the distance between jounce bumper and bump stop extension, it appears the bump space is a bit narrow. Another image shows evidence a tire has rubbed the front LCA. Insufficient wheel back space and a tire oversize for overall lift could contribute to both rubbing while turning and travel limiting contact with body parts. From what I see in the first image of this thread, too little lift is the elephant in the room.

The image with the left rear shock shows a blown shock for sure, and possibly a sacked spring. I suggest measuring all spring heights/lengths.

I would like to see an image of the space between the rear shock body and lower spring perch. If the shock body is contacting the perch, it can cause shock stiction.

I didn't see an answer for shock specifications; could you provide that please?

 

[tonyg]

Cycle the axle without springs, if you really want to figure this out.
View attachment 155093

Looks like a good idea

 

[tonyg]

In the image showing the frame end of the front trackbar, the joint on that end has a degree of misalignment at rest. This misalignment can be improved by adjusting trackbar angles via the axle side. The joint looks dry too. A tweaked trackbar can limit travel.

Comparing the swept length of the front shock shaft with the distance between jounce bumper and bump stop extension, it appears the bump space is a bit narrow. Another image shows evidence a tire has rubbed the front LCA. Insufficient wheel back space and a tire oversize for overall lift could contribute to both rubbing while turning and travel limiting contact with body parts. From what I see in the first image of this thread, too little lift is the elephant in the room.

The image with the left rear shock shows a blown shock for sure, and possibly a sacked spring. I suggest measuring all spring heights/lengths.

I would like to see an image of the space between the rear shock body and lower spring perch. If the shock body is contacting the perch, it can cause shock stiction.

I didn't see an answer for shock specifications; could you provide that please?

I was thinking about replacing all the springs and shocks but didnt want to get into a mess of steering and other issues if i put a larger lift spring on there. And also didnt know what else i would have to replace. I will get a pic. And the shocks are the teraflex 9550

 

[jjvw]

Looks like a good idea

Doing so will remove many mysteries from what is really going on down there.

 

[TonyArms]

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.

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