I recently purchased a 2000 year modle TJ with a 4" lift and I would like to swap to a 2 1/2" lift . Can I just replace the springs and shocks, or will I have to replace all the 4" parts?
Down grade from 4" to 2 1/2" lift?
- Thread starter Retired Fire Dog
- Start date
Sway bar end links,springs,shocks,bumpstop extensions.remove drop pitman arm if it has one. Adjust or replace track bars.
Think about this, boys. He is only dropping 1.5". Unless he is changing to a smaller tire (which granted we don't know), assuming everything is set up correctly now his up travel and bump stops will not change. That means if his driveshaft doesn't bottom out now, it won't with less lift. If the control arms work and clear everything now, they still will with dropping down that 1.5". If his steering works properly now, it will work dropped down a bit - just have to recenter the wheel. If his shocks don't bottom out now, they also won't dropping down.
Go to a 1.5" less lift spring is all he will need.
Even changing to a smaller tire will not change any of this - he will just be giving up up-travel, and maybe getting a bit harsher ride if he is on the bumps stops more. Change the bumps to get back the up-travel, then things can change.
What am I missing?
Go to a 1.5" less lift spring is all he will need.
Even changing to a smaller tire will not change any of this - he will just be giving up up-travel, and maybe getting a bit harsher ride if he is on the bumps stops more. Change the bumps to get back the up-travel, then things can change.
What am I missing?
That is difficult advice to provide. I would be assuming the previous own had you correctly set up and if I know anything about used Jeeps it’s that it is rare for me to get my hands on any one that was set up correctly.
Maybe post some pictures up of your current set up?
Maybe post some pictures up of your current set up?
Not knowing what his Jeep has installed presently; the setup could be anything from meticulous to red neck engineered which is why I responded as I did.
I agree with UUN; you never know what you will find when purchasing a used Jeep.
Sway bar angle,potential for springs to unseat,shocks not in middle of travel,uptravel limited and other things that need optimized on the compromise that is stock suspension.
I'm jealous of your coilovers and longer links!
Thanks for the help. I have been looking at a shyjacker 2 1/2" lift kit with nitro shocks to start with. The 4" lift seem to be ok, It just rides rough and I want smooth it out and to lower it a bit for my wife. I am running 32 " tires and wide fenders. What is your opinion on skyjacker and nitros? This is primarlly street jeep with mild off road. Thanks for the help.
DO NOT get Skyjacker Nitro shocks (I had them) if you don't like a rough ride. Go with their Black Max shocks. Option #2 would be 2" BDS springs with Rancho RS5000X shocks.
2" lift with 32s on my old 98'.
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The ride height is a personal consideration. But a 4" lift doesn't inherrently ride rougher than a 2.5" lift. It's a function of the shock primarily and tastes/preferences vary wildly on those.
Out of left field. What about a set of more compliant shocks. The Rancho RS9000XL would let you dial in low speed compression damping to a softness that's more comfortable while maintaining control on road, and then you can dial them up for better body control off road. You need to measure your current shock length to be sure, but the 3.5" lift version would likely be a perfect fit and a set of 4 is roughly $500. You'd want the current length to be as close as possible to the shock's min length + half of the travel. If between 2 sizes, it's better to go for the shorter one.
Outside of that, I agree with the assessment that lowering to a 2.5" lift should not introduce issues. If you have adjustable sway bar links, shorten them. If you have an adjustable track bar, adjust it. Check the pinion angles at both differentials. If the lift was properly dialed in for 4" they may be rotated down slightly at 2.5".
I am using Rancho's current 2.5" springs bought standalone and RS9000XL shocks. I also have a full set of adjustable control arms, trackbars JKS quick disconnects up front. My TJ Rubicon is on the lighter end of the spectrum without many add ons. Adjustable everything is overkill, but after driving it 20 years with a compromised lift, it is dialed in really well now. I ride on "33s" and have since shortly after I rolled out of the dealer lot with it new. It's been extremely capable offroad with just a 2.5" lift, no body , and appropriate bump stop setup for 33s.
Out of left field. What about a set of more compliant shocks. The Rancho RS9000XL would let you dial in low speed compression damping to a softness that's more comfortable while maintaining control on road, and then you can dial them up for better body control off road. You need to measure your current shock length to be sure, but the 3.5" lift version would likely be a perfect fit and a set of 4 is roughly $500. You'd want the current length to be as close as possible to the shock's min length + half of the travel. If between 2 sizes, it's better to go for the shorter one.
Outside of that, I agree with the assessment that lowering to a 2.5" lift should not introduce issues. If you have adjustable sway bar links, shorten them. If you have an adjustable track bar, adjust it. Check the pinion angles at both differentials. If the lift was properly dialed in for 4" they may be rotated down slightly at 2.5".
I am using Rancho's current 2.5" springs bought standalone and RS9000XL shocks. I also have a full set of adjustable control arms, trackbars JKS quick disconnects up front. My TJ Rubicon is on the lighter end of the spectrum without many add ons. Adjustable everything is overkill, but after driving it 20 years with a compromised lift, it is dialed in really well now. I ride on "33s" and have since shortly after I rolled out of the dealer lot with it new. It's been extremely capable offroad with just a 2.5" lift, no body , and appropriate bump stop setup for 33s.
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