Bumpy ride (do I need new shocks?)

[SealsOnWheels]

Newbie here!
This is My first Wrangler (bought Her off craigslist a few months ago). She is a 2002 2DR Tj, 4.0 I6 manual, I think a 2in lift with 32" tires. Great condition mechanically (my mechanic said she drives great and the engine is fantastic for her age).

I have taken her off road a few times now and I found that on a basic washboard road, she is reallllllyy bumpy, like shaking your soul to bits. Im not sure if thats just what comes with driving off road and a 18 year old jeep, or Im not going fast enough on a wash board, or I need new shocks. The ones she has are white and say "751532, NEW MEXICO" on them. Not sure what they are or if they are any good.

TLDR: pretty rough ride off road and would like to make it smoother - any recommendations? Thank you!!

 

[Duck Doctor]

First off, make sure to air down your tires when driving on shitty washboard roads. I run at 10 PSI. Those white body shocks are likely pro comp or other cheap entry level brand. OME and Rancho are popular brands. Zone hydro seems to be popular among the budget minded crowd:

 

[Chris]

What is your tire pressure set at?

A set of Rancho RS5000X shocks will ride better than any off-the-shelf bolt-on shock you can get for a TJ. They are also cheap too.

 

[Jim King]

X2 tire pressure and Rancho 5000X shocks.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Go check your tire pressure and tell us exactly what it is. No guessing allowed. Tire stores and most car owners routinely overinflate tires to higher pressures than are recommended so let us know exactly what your current tire pressure is. 32x11.50R15 tires are usually best when run at 26-28 psi. 26 when the Jeep is carrying just 1-2 passengers, 28 psi when it's fully loaded. No higher.

And realize too that when you go offroad you need to air your tires down, usually to no higher than 12-13 psi.

 

[bobthetj03]

Airing down definitely helps. Disconnecting the front sway bar will also smooth out the rough stuff. Rancho RS5000X shocks are a popular choice for the TJ.

 

[SealsOnWheels]

Thanks for all the advise! Just checked the Tire pressure, its about 32psi. Ive not let out the air when off roading so thanks for the recombination. I'll also look into those shocks, I think she needs some better ones. Would you say shocks and tire pressure are the main to factors effecting the ride? Thanks!

 

[L J]

Would you say shocks and tire pressure are the main to factors effecting the ride? Thanks!

yes ... primarily the shocks

 

[TheBoogieman]

The ones she has are white and say "751532, NEW MEXICO" on them. Not sure what they are or if they are any good

NEW MEXICO or Made in Mexico?

I have a 2005 Rubicon that the previous owner suspension lifted. The existing shocks are not Jeep parts and don't have any name on them. They are all white and they only say 751532 Made in Mexico.

That's a shock from Tuff Country. Id advise going with a better quality shock though

 

[SealsOnWheels]

NEW MEXICO or Made in Mexico?

My mistake, they say made in mexico not New Mexico

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

NEW MEXICO or Made in Mexico?

Same thing in my opinion! We're Mexico, just newer!

 

[Rubicon88]

Couple things...

How fast are you trying to drive over this terrain? A jeep...isn't designed to Baja race the off road. It's most at home just putting along slowly going over insane obstacles, in and through tight gaps amid trees... etc etc.

Trying to be all racy off road....
especially on a wash board road...
will definitely net you some loose teeth.

I think just blindly saying shocks are your problem is doing you a disservice.
Shocks are very much a to each their own kind of thing.
Driver (A) might like a more controlled and firmer ride.
Driver (B) might like a softer ride.
Nobody is wrong.

Air pressure can definitely help.

But I think the biggest thing here IMO
(I dont know you but judging from your post tone) is your expectations are caught up in the mystique of the Jeep.

Jeeps are an incredible machine. Definitely cult like following. Can they go anywhere? Sure.
Can they off road fast?
Sure...in mud and sand.

A washboard road? If concerned about said kidneys and teeth slow and slower are your two friends.

I'd bet you could change your shocks right now and unless you slow it down you're going to get a similar sensation.

Before you spend money on shocks revisit this washboard trail......
air down, sllllooooowwww down
Then see what you think.

Good luck and congrats on said Jeep purchase.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Same thing in my opinion! We're Mexico, just newer!

Do I need a passport or bribe money to get in?

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

Bribes are absolute acceptable here in Newer Mexico!

 

[Welshman]

I have a problem that I am putting out there to the group. I am an older guy and paying for all my crazy actions on motorcycles,mountain bikes and car wrecks in my youth. Two years ago I fell off a ladder and broke three vertebrae in my back, so I can no longer go out there in the dirt, pedal to the metal bouncing back-and-forth inside the cab, that would kill me today. I love my Jeep and wouldn’t even consider selling it to getting a softer riding vehicle. So,I’m looking for suggestions on swapping out different coil systems and shocks to soften the ride. As soon as we get some normality in the coming year I plan on towing a teardrop trailer and exploring more of the West Coast of this beautiful country. I may be going on some light off-road to toe in the back country . Any suggestions will be appreciated

 

[bobthetj03]

I have a problem that I am putting out there to the group. I am an older guy and paying for all my crazy actions on motorcycles,mountain bikes and car wrecks in my youth. Two years ago I fell off a ladder and broke three vertebrae in my back, so I can no longer go out there in the dirt, pedal to the metal bouncing back-and-forth inside the cab, that would kill me today. I love my Jeep and wouldn’t even consider selling it to getting a softer riding vehicle. So,I’m looking for suggestions on swapping out different coil systems and shocks to soften the ride. As soon as we get some normality in the coming year I plan on towing a teardrop trailer and exploring more of the West Coast of this beautiful country. I may be going on some light off-road to toe in the back country . Any suggestions will be appreciated

What tire pressures are you running? What shocks do you have?

 

[TheBoogieman]

I have a problem that I am putting out there to the group. I am an older guy and paying for all my crazy actions on motorcycles,mountain bikes and car wrecks in my youth. Two years ago I fell off a ladder and broke three vertebrae in my back, so I can no longer go out there in the dirt, pedal to the metal bouncing back-and-forth inside the cab, that would kill me today. I love my Jeep and wouldn’t even consider selling it to getting a softer riding vehicle. So,I’m looking for suggestions on swapping out different coil systems and shocks to soften the ride. As soon as we get some normality in the coming year I plan on towing a teardrop trailer and exploring more of the West Coast of this beautiful country. I may be going on some light off-road to toe in the back country . Any suggestions will be appreciated

Suspension seats.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I have a problem that I am putting out there to the group. I am an older guy and paying for all my crazy actions on motorcycles,mountain bikes and car wrecks in my youth. Two years ago I fell off a ladder and broke three vertebrae in my back, so I can no longer go out there in the dirt, pedal to the metal bouncing back-and-forth inside the cab, that would kill me today. I love my Jeep and wouldn’t even consider selling it to getting a softer riding vehicle. So,I’m looking for suggestions on swapping out different coil systems and shocks to soften the ride. As soon as we get some normality in the coming year I plan on towing a teardrop trailer and exploring more of the West Coast of this beautiful country. I may be going on some light off-road to toe in the back country . Any suggestions will be appreciated

Welcome to the "older guy" club here lol. Please complete your profile so we'll know the basics on your Jeep... model year, engine size, what transmission, tire size, etc.

 

[pcoplin]

I have a problem that I am putting out there to the group. I am an older guy and paying for all my crazy actions on motorcycles,mountain bikes and car wrecks in my youth. Two years ago I fell off a ladder and broke three vertebrae in my back, so I can no longer go out there in the dirt, pedal to the metal bouncing back-and-forth inside the cab, that would kill me today. I love my Jeep and wouldn’t even consider selling it to getting a softer riding vehicle. So,I’m looking for suggestions on swapping out different coil systems and shocks to soften the ride. As soon as we get some normality in the coming year I plan on towing a teardrop trailer and exploring more of the West Coast of this beautiful country. I may be going on some light off-road to toe in the back country . Any suggestions will be appreciated

I have a customer that is retired, and his wife couldn't ride more than an hour or two. After an outboard and a good tune in the shocks his wife is able to ride all day. And he mainly wheels at Naches where the trails can be very cobbly.

If you're able to spend the money to do it, it'll be the best thing you can do for your ride.

 

[Goatman]

I Private Message'd you. Hit the red bell on the top of a screen. On an old cripple too.