Near-stock suspension upgrade for heavy loads

Ascho7

Ascho7

Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2019
Messages
36
Location
New Hampshire
Hey all,

I know there are about a million suspension and lift posts on this forum, but I’m about to drive myself crazy trying to figure out what to do. I’ve been making my 05 4.0 into a camping/overland setup, and it’s starting to weigh a good bit. I need to recheck springs, but last time I checked they were fine with no sag. I’m looking at doing a pretty big suspension overhaul, but am worried about CoG with a lift, especially since I run with a roof top tent (don’t knock it till you try it). I saw OME has the heavy load setup, but it is pretty pricey. Anyone have any advice on what to do next? I can still go 85 on highway, no stability/steering issues, but practically all suspension is stock and is bound to be getting pretty worn at 175k miles. I also am just craving spending more money and doing more work lol (31” tires) thanks in advance!

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I'm lost on your actual question.

If you're asking about load-leveling, you have several options. You can go with a heavier (stronger) spring, you could add spacers and/or air shocks, or you could do an airbag setup. It just depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. I suggest you start out by putting things on a diet and trim the fat where you can.
 
BlueC said:
I'm lost on your actual question.

If you're asking about load-leveling, you have several options. You can go with a heavier (stronger) spring, you could add spacers and/or air shocks, or you could do an airbag setup. It just depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. I suggest you start out by putting things on a diet and trim the fat where you can.
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I guess really on where to go with springs, and if there are any brands that put out stiffer springs that won’t add any lift to the jeep. I did research that a bit but just didn’t have much luck. I’m really just looking to overhaul my stock suspension with a near stock set up, but one a bit more heavy duty to compensate for the added weight… I appreciate the input nonetheless
 
If you're looking to keep it stock, or very close to it, then I’d look for springs advertised as "HD" or you could swap in rear springs for/from an LJ which should give you about a 1/2" in height if I remember correctly. Are you driving around with a fairly constant load like most RTT vehicles, or are you loading and unloading? If loading and unloading, air shocks might be right for you.
 
I run Air Lift 1000 air bags in my rear springs to level the rear when I'm pulling a trailer. They work great, easily adjustable when needed. I run them at the minimum pressure of 5 PSI when no extra boost is needed, and can't tell they're there. I pump them up to the max 35 PSI as needed, which lifts the rear 1" - 1.5" and gives a firmer ride, which feels just right under a heavy load. P/N 60811 is good for stock and up to a 2" spring lift.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OMVCTQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Air_Lift_1000_60811.jpg


Air_Lift_balloon.jpg
 
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Ascho7 said:
Hey all,

I know there are about a million suspension and lift posts on this forum, but I’m about to drive myself crazy trying to figure out what to do. I’ve been making my 05 4.0 into a camping/overland setup, and it’s starting to weigh a good bit. I need to recheck springs, but last time I checked they were fine with no sag. I’m looking at doing a pretty big suspension overhaul, but am worried about CoG with a lift, especially since I run with a roof top tent (don’t knock it till you try it). I saw OME has the heavy load setup, but it is pretty pricey. Anyone have any advice on what to do next? I can still go 85 on highway, no stability/steering issues, but practically all suspension is stock and is bound to be getting pretty worn at 175k miles. I also am just craving spending more money and doing more work lol (31” tires) thanks in advance!

View attachment 458842
Click to expand...

Some years ago somebody on this forum suggested the Moog Problem solver rear springs for my 06 with stock suspension. I was swaying quite a bit with a little bit of weight and a full gas tank. The new springs raised the rear about 3/4 of an inch, maybe one inch, so I added a leveler to the front springs.

Been happy with the setup ever since. Little bit of easy to moderate off roading, and mostly DD, with multiple trips from Colorado to California and back. I'm not 100% positive on the name Problem Solver, but it was definitely Moog, and not expensive at the time.
Ray
 
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