Options for 1 inch lift?

[TrueTexas]

I am looking for opinions or alternatives to the options I have come up with to lift my 99 TJ 4.0 AX-15 about 1" and maybe level it a bit (still want to maintain a little rake)

I am just trying to open the wheel well up a little and make the Jeep stand a little taller than a stock TJ. I run 31x10.5 x15 tires and am not planning to run any aftermarket bumpers, winch etc... Typically the only things in the back would be some tools and 2 to 3 of my dogs. My driving is mainly paved roads 80%, simpler trails (10%) and beach (10%). I will be going with Bilstein 5100s. I know the Rancho Rs5000x shocks are highly recommended but I have run Bilsteins on all of my trucks and SUVs and love them. My daily driver ( Silverado crew cab 4wd) is running Bilsteins and I wouldn't trade them for any other shock.

So the options I have come up with are
1. H&R 52107 springs front and rear - The only thing I am hesitant about here is my Jeep is chili pepper red. Blue springs seem like they would look weird.
2. Moog 3226 and 3227 springs with .75 spacer
3. 1 inch to 1.5 inch spacers on stock springs. My only concern here is the stock springs have 197k miles on them. Although I don't measure any sag, a refresh may improve suspension compliance.

Looking forward to hearing thoughts on this one

 

[kmas0n]

If you are happy with the way your jeep rides, and this is purely a cosmetic upgrade, go with a 1" spacer. Your jeep will ride near identical to the way it does now. Changing shocks will alter your ride. For better, or worse.

As far as springs, as they sit on the jeep now, the fronts should measure 12" long, and the rears 8" long. If they are still at these lengths they have not sagged and do not require replacement.

 

[TrueTexas]

Thanks. I am definitely not happy with the way it rides but I think it is more related to the shocks than the springs. Just doing spacers is definitely the lowest cost option.

If I go this route, I will be replacing the isolators in addition to adding spacers

 

[kmas0n]

Some people love the bilsteins and some people hate them. I've ridden in a jeep with them and I don't remember them being particularly terrible. I have the Ranchos on now, and they are adequate.

and Queue the coin reference... now

 

[TrueTexas]

I measured the front springs. They are currently at 11.5" on both sides. I measured from the bottom of the coil to the top of the coil without the insulator. Vehicle is completely unloaded.

Based on this, it seems they are slightly sagging. I'm thinking the Moog 3226/3227 combo with .75" spacers and Bilstein 5100s is the way to go. I'm guessing I will get 1.25" to 1.5" from where I am today with this setup.

However, certainly willing to hear and consider additional thoughts on this.

 

[GASnBRASS]

If you just need 1" get some H&R springs and spray bomb them with some black suspension enamel.

 

[Irun]

I am looking for opinions or alternatives to the options I have come up with to lift my 99 TJ 4.0 AX-15 about 1" and maybe level it a bit (still want to maintain a little rake)

I am just trying to open the wheel well up a little and make the Jeep stand a little taller than a stock TJ. I run 31x10.5 x15 tires and am not planning to run any aftermarket bumpers, winch etc... Typically the only things in the back would be some tools and 2 to 3 of my dogs. My driving is mainly paved roads 80%, simpler trails (10%) and beach (10%). I will be going with Bilstein 5100s. I know the Rancho Rs5000x shocks are highly recommended but I have run Bilsteins on all of my trucks and SUVs and love them. My daily driver ( Silverado crew cab 4wd) is running Bilsteins and I wouldn't trade them for any other shock.

So the options I have come up with are
1. H&R 52107 springs front and rear - The only thing I am hesitant about here is my Jeep is chili pepper red. Blue springs seem like they would look weird.
2. Moog 3226 and 3227 springs with .75 spacer
3. 1 inch to 1.5 inch spacers on stock springs. My only concern here is the stock springs have 197k miles on them. Although I don't measure any sag, a refresh may improve suspension compliance.

Looking forward to hearing thoughts on this one

I just installed a set of H&R springs on my Chili Pepper Red TJ . I also have a 1" BL. No weirdness in color.

 

[TrueTexas]

If I measured with the isolator, I get just north of 12.25" on both sides.

Most of what I read on this forum and others said without the isolator. Would probably be good to figure out the general consensus on this one.

My problem is now "solved". I found a smoking deal on Moog 3226/3227 springs, new Moog isolators and .75" spacers for all 4 corners. All for just under $200 so I have ordered those parts. Ultimately, the lift decision amount came down to my wife saying she didn't want to climb into the Jeep but we should definitely make its stance correct. My truck has a 1" lift via Bilstein 5100s in the front. She said to make it look like that.

Also, upon further reading, I think I'm gonna go Rancho 5000x on the shocks. Want it to be as comfortable as possible. I'm gonna paint them black as well.

 

[JMT]

If I measured with the isolator, I get just north of 12.25" on both sides.

Most of what I read on this forum and others said without the isolator. Would probably be good to figure out the general consensus on this one.

My problem is now "solved". I found a smoking deal on Moog 3226/3227 springs, new Moog isolators and .75" spacers for all 4 corners. All for just under $200 so I have ordered those parts. Ultimately, the lift decision amount came down to my wife saying she didn't want to climb into the Jeep but we should definitely make its stance correct. My truck has a 1" lift via Bilstein 5100s in the front. She said to make it look like that.

Also, upon further reading, I think I'm gonna go Rancho 5000x on the shocks. Want it to be as comfortable as possible. I'm gonna paint them black as well.

LOL! I had a brain fart. Correct, do not include the isolator, only the spring itself and any spacer. Oops! I deleted post so as not to confuse anyone

 

[TrueTexas]

Good deal. For anyone reading this in the future, to measure spring height:

Measure from the bottom of the coil to the top of the coil. Do not include the spring isolator.

If the spring is more compressed to one side of the individual coil, measure both sides of the spring and take the average.

My hypothesis that with my new setup, I will get back the .5 inch and add another .5 for the Moog Rubicon springs. The spacers should give me another .75 for a grand total of 1.75 above where I am now and 1 25 above stock ride height. We will know for sure in the next few weeks. My hope is that it is enough to make the 31s look just right. I will report back w results as this could be a great option to get a small lift for about $450 total (springs, shocks, isolators, spacers)

Will also report back if it is 5'2” wife accessible.

 

[mots]

Hi, I see you have love for the Bilsteins, and I do like them on other vehicles. For the TJ though, many of us have not had a great experience (OK, but not great). I had the 5100's on my rig before changing over to a softer, more forgiving nitro shock, more similar to the popular Ranchos. After I had done so, I found this quote from @Jerry Bransford and had to chuckle. I also agree from my experience.

"At least in my as well as mrblaine's personal opinions, Bilstein 5100 shocks are too stiff and jittery. Blaine said install that shock only if you want to know if the quarter you rolled over was heads or tails lol. "

I think this sentiment is different in the JK world as far as the brand goes, I see more praise for Bilsteins there, and in the truck world. Perhaps it is because a TJ is generally lighter than a JK, and their tuning didn't translate over quite as well...only speculation on my part. So, I would just simply caution to listen to what TJ folks say about the Bilsteins as much as you listen to what TJ folks say about the Ranchos. Shock details definitely matter, as do tire details (proper PSI and load range) if you really want a nice riding TJ. I like a softer more plush ride on both my TJ and JK. Still well planted, compliant and controllable, but on the softer side. When I go over bumps, I want to smile not cringe, haha!

 

[TrueTexas]

Thanks @mots After reading a bunch of posts, I am bowing down to the experience of the forum members here. As of right now, I think the Rancho RS5000x shocks would be the best choice (even with the added work of having to paint them). My wife owns a vinyl decal / screen printing business so if I want to relabel them after paint, she can make me new decals.

You didn't mention a specific shock in your post above, is there something other than the Ranchos that I should be looking at? Most of my time is on paved roads with a little light off-roading and beach driving.

 

[mots]

Thanks @mots After reading a bunch of posts, I am bowing down to the experience of the forum members here. As of right now, I think the Rancho RS5000x shocks would be the best choice (even with the added work of having to paint them). My wife owns a vinyl decal / screen printing business so if I want to relabel them after paint, she can make me new decals.

You didn't mention a specific shock in your post above, is there something other than the Ranchos that I should be looking at? Most of my time is on paved roads with a little light off-roading and beach driving.

You are welcome. If I don't go with more expensive Fox shocks the next time, I will likely go with the RS5000x by popular demand and for curiosity sake, whenever that time comes. If you want the Rancho's to stay nice, they definitely should to be treated/painted for sure, as they are known to wear and show surface rust quickly. Remove the plastic sleeves and let those puppies off for good as well, sounds like you should be set with your wife helping with the paint!

I am currently running 2" BDS springs with BDS NX2 shocks (their newer model shocks released in 2016, not the older hydros). Fox, BDS, Zone, JKS...all part of the same conglomerate. If you look at the NX2 design specs closely, they are very similar in design to the Rancho RS5000x, but there are not many running them here on the forum that I know of. I drive mainly on rough, uneven pavement of all surface types in the city. Many midwestern pothole-ridden roads, and once in a while, some bumpy dirt roads off the beaten path. I am riding on 32" BFG KO2's @26 PSI and the ride has been great for me over the first 6000 miles or so (did it all at the same time). Contrary to what I hear about the Ranchos, the fit and finish on the outside of the NX2 shocks has been nice and durable for me. I waxed them when new with paste wax and then they get periodically covered with fluid film. They still look new if I wipe them down.

 

[SSTJ]

Good deal. For anyone reading this in the future, to measure spring height:

Measure from the bottom of the coil to the top of the coil. Do not include the spring isolator.

If the spring is more compressed to one side of the individual coil, measure both sides of the spring and take the average.

My hypothesis that with my new setup, I will get back the .5 inch and add another .5 for the Moog Rubicon springs. The spacers should give me another .75 for a grand total of 1.75 above where I am now and 1 25 above stock ride height. We will know for sure in the next few weeks. My hope is that it is enough to make the 31s look just right. I will report back w results as this could be a great option to get a small lift for about $450 total (springs, shocks, isolators, spacers)

Will also report back if it is 5'2” wife accessible.

Hey, I know this is old, but I'm in the process of leveling (and maybe slightly raising) my 97 SE. Wondering how things worked out for you.

I am leaning away from the H&R springs because I'm afraid that with my lightweight SE, I'll get more than the advertised 1" lift. So, I was thinking about getting the Moog Rubicon springs and hoping for about 0.5–1" of lift. Then I could use a spacer to level things out.

Did you end up taking this approach, and are you enjoying it?

 

[Doctor Bone Smash]

I found I didn’t even get a full inch with my 4.0, so there probably won’t be much of an issue for your SE. They feel quite stiff and I don’t care much for how they feel combined with the Rancho RS5000Xs. You might want to stick with stock replacement springs and do a .75” spacer for the rear and a 1.5” for the front.

 

[TrueTexas]

@SSTJ - yes, I am still running this setup and love it. Note that I have the 4.0L and my tires are a metric 32" so your height may vary based on those 2 factors.

 

[SSTJ]

@SSTJ - yes, I am still running this setup and love it. Note that I have the 4.0L and my tires are a metric 32" so your height may vary based on those 2 factors.

Nice, thanks. And just to confirm, did the actual lift you got match your 'hypothesis' above? If so, I'd assume I might get a little more with my lightweight SE.

@TrueTexas

 

[SSTJ]

I found I didn’t even get a full inch with my 4.0, so there probably won’t be much of an issue for your SE. They feel quite stiff and I don’t care much for how they feel combined with the Rancho RS5000Xs. You might want to stick with stock replacement springs and do a .75” spacer for the rear and a 1.5” for the front.

Thanks. Yes, I'm hoping for about 1" of lift on my SE if I go with the Moog Rubicon springs.

I'm not too worried about how they'd feel, since I learned on this forum that the springs don't actually determine the ride quality, but only the ride height. I'm happy with my Ranchos in terms of ride quality, though I am eager to try some BlackMax shocks some day.