Suspension refresh

[Zorba]

I've done searches on this, and don't really see a definitive answer...

I'll keep it short: Next year, I'm going to install the H&R springs, either Rancho or Bilstein shocks, and 31x10.5R15 tires on stock wheels. I also want to refresh the suspension components.

I "assume" that stock spec suspension components are all I need with the H&R springs...

I "think" I need upper and lower control arms, along with new swaybar links - front and rear. Swaybar bushings have already been replaced. Steering "seems" to be fine, not planning on touching it at this time, but I'm getting clicking from the swaybar links at the very least.

1) I'm thinking Moog all around, but saw "Detroit Axle" on Amazon. Good, bad, indifferent? Other makes I could/should consider?

2) Should I be looking at anything else? What about bump stops with the H&R springs? Stock OK, or no?

3) Good source for replacement bolts if I need them?

 

[Fonz54]

Thanks for starting the thread. I am curious to see the answers because I am more than likely going to go down the same road.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Good torque wrench, if yours has been rattling around in the bottom of a toolbox, take it in to have it certified. A couple cans of kroil. A choker for when you bash a finger to muffle the swearing.

 

[cliffish]

I have the H & R springs, rancho5000X shocks with 31.5" tires the only other thing I added was a either a .25 or .5 spring spacer on the front to level it out. I have put in lower control arms on the fronts...not sure I needed them but they were a pia as I had to cut them out as the bolts were frozen.

 

[Apparition]

Just a daily or will you be off-roading at all? Sway bar disconnects?

 

[cliffish]

sadly I never cycled my suspension or adjusted the bump stops. I did not drastically change the height and as of now never leave the street.

 

[Zorba]

Just a daily or will you be off-roading at all? Sway bar disconnects?

Offroading. Do I need/should I have sway bar disconnects for a "trail" jeep? Not intending rock crawling to any great extent.

 

[cliffish]

Offroading. Do I need/should I have sway bar disconnects for a "trail" jeep? Not intending rock crawling to any great extent.

probably not...but I don't believe there is a down side to adding them except added cost. I love the combo of my springs, rancho shocks and duratrack shoes at 26 psi

 

[Hog]

Offroading. Do I need/should I have sway bar disconnects for a "trail" jeep? Not intending rock crawling to any great extent.

No not really a necessity when trail riding.. some say the JKS Quick disconnects make it ride better but I’m not willing to pay 180 bucks to find out its good or the same, your bumpstops will need to be extended but not really an issue while the coils springs are out just add a spacer or 2 to equate for the rise in lift

 

[Zorba]

What about brands? I know and trust Moog. But what about the "Detroit axle" I'm seeing?

 

[Apparition]

Offroading. Do I need/should I have sway bar disconnects for a "trail" jeep? Not intending rock crawling to any great extent.

I hate disconnects so I was just asking if you wanted them. Do you get flexy? Hang a wheel in the air? If not you are likely good as is. I’m sitting in Melbourne right now and things look pretty flat. No idea where you off-road here.

 

[OHFIVETJ]

What about brands? I know and trust Moog. But what about the "Detroit axle" I'm seeing?

Curious ? Why not MOPAR ?

 

[Zorba]

I hate disconnects so I was just asking if you wanted them. Do you get flexy? Hang a wheel in the air? If not you are likely good as is. I’m sitting in Melbourne right now and things look pretty flat. No idea where you off-road here.

I'm 20 minutes north of you, and in normal times, am in Melbourne 2x or 3x a week. I'm thinking of the Ocala off road park, the Ocala Nat'l forest or whatever its called. There's apparently "a place" on 192 between St. Cloud and Melbourne as well. For a start. I'm also planning on going up north, maybe to Harlan, Ky, certainly to the Smokies - whatever "trouble" I can get into!

 

[Zorba]

Curious ? Why not MOPAR ?

If MOPAR is as good or better than Moog, and is priced competitively, sure. In the past, I've found Moog to be an upgrade, but that was on a Ford.

 

[MountaineerTom]

You probably can’t go wrong with Moog parts. I’ve used their stuff on a couple vehicles and the only issue I’ve had is the blue front sway bar sway bar bushings right in front of the grill. They squeak when hitting bumps at slow speeds when the temp is 50-ish degrees or below. I even greased them when I installed them. Might not be a problem where you are. They may do it at higher speeds to but I just don’t hear it. The blue ones aren’t plain rubber but I can’t remember what they are made of. I had thought of replacing them with rubber ones but still haven’t. The rear ones don’t make any noise that I know of.

1st world problems. LOL

 

[D M]

Ive used moog parts for their bushings and for their stock pitman arm since mine came dropped. Also using moog shift boots since mine came ripped as well. I love moog and have no complaints.

 

[Zorba]

You probably can’t go wrong with Moog parts. I’ve used their stuff on a couple vehicles and the only issue I’ve had is the blue front sway bar sway bar bushings right in front of the grill. They squeak when hitting bumps at slow speeds when the temp is 50-ish degrees or below. I even greased them when I installed them. Might not be a problem where you are. They may do it at higher speeds to but I just don’t hear it. The blue ones aren’t plain rubber but I can’t remember what they are made of. I had thought of replacing them with rubber ones but still haven’t. The rear ones don’t make any noise that I know of.

1st world problems. LOL

Exactly. I greased the Moog bushings when I installed them as well - but what's this 50 degrees you speak of? That blue crap Moog makes their parts from is "da bomb" as far as I'm concerned - I've had VERY good luck with Moog in the past. "It won't rust, bust, en-crust, collect dust, shit, stink, or bubble over! Fully guaranteed, its all you'll EVER need, as long as you paint it green!"

Many, MANY years ago - in another life - I had a professional involvement with certain electric motors made by Moog Missile Systems Division. Very well made and a good company to work with - they were very responsive to our needs, which were quite unique. So yea, I have a soft spot in my heart for them.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

I'm 20 minutes north of you, and in normal times, am in Melbourne 2x or 3x a week. I'm thinking of the Ocala off road park, the Ocala Nat'l forest or whatever its called. There's apparently "a place" on 192 between St. Cloud and Melbourne as well. For a start. I'm also planning on going up north, maybe to Harlan, Ky, certainly to the Smokies - whatever "trouble" I can get into!

You will not need disconnects for Ocala Nat’l Forest, you don’t even need a lift for the majority of it. If you head over closer to Ocala to the Hard Rock Offroad Park, you may want both.

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

I've done searches on this, and don't really see a definitive answer...

I'll keep it short: Next year, I'm going to install the H&R springs, either Rancho or Bilstein shocks, and 31x10.5R15 tires on stock wheels. I also want to refresh the suspension components.

I "assume" that stock spec suspension components are all I need with the H&R springs...

I "think" I need upper and lower control arms, along with new swaybar links - front and rear. Swaybar bushings have already been replaced. Steering "seems" to be fine, not planning on touching it at this time, but I'm getting clicking from the swaybar links at the very least.

1) I'm thinking Moog all around, but saw "Detroit Axle" on Amazon. Good, bad, indifferent? Other makes I could/should consider?

2) Should I be looking at anything else? What about bump stops with the H&R springs? Stock OK, or no?

3) Good source for replacement bolts if I need them?

This is the exact build I want to run when I get the $ for the springs. You'll be fine with stock stuff for just a 1" lift. Doubt you need adjustable arms. I would just rock the Crown stock replacements (I have these now) . I'm using both Moog and Detroit Axle stuff and have been pretty happy with both (I don't beat on my rig though, I just DD it).

I get all my replacement hardware at Ace.

Looking forward to seeing other responses...this is seriously my dream build if money were no object, I've already refreshed most everything else.

 

[Zorba]

You will not need disconnects for Ocala Nat’l Forest, you don’t even need a lift for the majority of it. If you head over closer to Ocala to the Hard Rock Offroad Park, you may want both.

I was figuring on hitting "Hard Rock" eventually - but staying on the bunny trails!