Hey all. With a few years of wheeling on my new (to me) Rubicon, I'm ready to start fine tuning the suspension.
I've researched this topic to death and am now seeking advice on my specific application. Any and all advice through this process would be huge! You will be rewarded with pics
Intended Use:
My jeep is not a rock crawler, but I love to push it to it's limits. My build is leaning more towards an overland rig. 75% of the time, it'll see fire roads with the occasional obstacle detour.
I'm currently running 33's (load E tires at 24 PSI; this is another problem on my radar) and would like to net total lift at around 4".
My main goals with this project are as follows:
Current Setup:
The Jeep was purchased with an equipped Fabtech 4" Basic Lift (all suspension with a tcase drop).
Fabtech wouldn't have been my first choice of lift, but it certainly isn't my last. The lift seems well built, and despite my heavy ass front and rear bumpers, there is no measured sag.
I measured the control arms last night. Eye-to-eye, they are around 15.75" - 16" in length which (to my understanding) is stock length. This is my first concern. I understand as the Jeep lifts in height, generally speaking, the control arms should get longer as to prevent some of perceived harshness or even binding (and also center the axles). The lower control arms are also equipped with greasable poly bushings which I would love to swap out for rubber.
I've already landed on the shocks I want. Between the new OME's, 5100's, and Rancho, I've landed of the RS5000X. A ton of members I trust and respect preach heavily to their comfort. I also can't complain about the price.
With that being said, here are a few of the options I'm considering. Remember, comfort is what I'm seeking.
Option 1:
I've researched this topic to death and am now seeking advice on my specific application. Any and all advice through this process would be huge! You will be rewarded with pics
Intended Use:
My jeep is not a rock crawler, but I love to push it to it's limits. My build is leaning more towards an overland rig. 75% of the time, it'll see fire roads with the occasional obstacle detour.
I'm currently running 33's (load E tires at 24 PSI; this is another problem on my radar) and would like to net total lift at around 4".
My main goals with this project are as follows:
- Smooth out harshness and increase small bump compliance (IE I don't want washboard rattling the fillings out of my teeth)
- Remove the damn tcase drop
- Keep it on the cheap; reuse what I can. Scrap what I can't.
Current Setup:
The Jeep was purchased with an equipped Fabtech 4" Basic Lift (all suspension with a tcase drop).
Fabtech wouldn't have been my first choice of lift, but it certainly isn't my last. The lift seems well built, and despite my heavy ass front and rear bumpers, there is no measured sag.
I measured the control arms last night. Eye-to-eye, they are around 15.75" - 16" in length which (to my understanding) is stock length. This is my first concern. I understand as the Jeep lifts in height, generally speaking, the control arms should get longer as to prevent some of perceived harshness or even binding (and also center the axles). The lower control arms are also equipped with greasable poly bushings which I would love to swap out for rubber.
I've already landed on the shocks I want. Between the new OME's, 5100's, and Rancho, I've landed of the RS5000X. A ton of members I trust and respect preach heavily to their comfort. I also can't complain about the price.
With that being said, here are a few of the options I'm considering. Remember, comfort is what I'm seeking.
Option 1:
- Replace 4" Fabtech lift springs with 3" springs (most likely BDS)
- Add 1" - 1.25" Body Lift
- Add 1" MML
- If vibes are non existent at that height, I would remove the t-case drop and be done with it
- Reuse Fabtech lower control arms and replace poly bushing w/ rubber
- Keep the Fabtech lift installed
- Install Rancho RS5000X shocks
- Equip DC shaft and upper adjustable control arms
- Remove tcase drop
- Replace lower control arm poly bushings w/ rubber
- Scrap it and start fresh. There are better options you aren't considering. Something like the DPG OME Ultimate Kit.
Last edited: