Bought my LJ with a 3" spring lift (no idea the brand), 33" tires, stock control arms, Rancho 9000XL shocks and a T-Case drop. Suspension parts were pretty trashed so I replaced all 8 control arms (OEM style), tie rod, drag link, etc. along with all fluids
Went on a short 1st trip to a trail with lots of rocks to give it a shake down and I was pretty disappointed. Now I am wondering where to start:
- The ride was abusive like I had metal rods in place of springs
- We swayed back and forth uncontrollably due to completely worn out shocks
- Front tires rubbed on fenders I am pretty sure (Sway bar was still engaged)
- Gas pedal is crazy touchy. Like REALLY touchy. Could not apply throttle smoothly at obstacle
- developed what I think is a driveline vibration on the way home
Overall, not a great Sunday experience
I am not sure if I was expecting too much? Only wheeled a newer JK with Rock Krawler 2.5 Max Travel prior to buying the LJ.
My overall plan was to replace the existing 3" lift springs with the OME 2" (with spacers to net 2.5"), replace the shocks with Rancho 5000x and possibly the tires to a set of Rubicon take offs (32") but now I am wondering if I need to go a more aggressive route with maybe a Metalcloak 3.5"? Don't really want to as it will cost much more and the jeep just barely fits in the garage now.
I would appreciate some experienced input. I will never go on crazy offroad stuff. I just want the jeep to do low to low-medium off roading comfortably if possible
Went on a short 1st trip to a trail with lots of rocks to give it a shake down and I was pretty disappointed. Now I am wondering where to start:
- The ride was abusive like I had metal rods in place of springs
- We swayed back and forth uncontrollably due to completely worn out shocks
- Front tires rubbed on fenders I am pretty sure (Sway bar was still engaged)
- Gas pedal is crazy touchy. Like REALLY touchy. Could not apply throttle smoothly at obstacle
- developed what I think is a driveline vibration on the way home
Overall, not a great Sunday experience
I am not sure if I was expecting too much? Only wheeled a newer JK with Rock Krawler 2.5 Max Travel prior to buying the LJ.
My overall plan was to replace the existing 3" lift springs with the OME 2" (with spacers to net 2.5"), replace the shocks with Rancho 5000x and possibly the tires to a set of Rubicon take offs (32") but now I am wondering if I need to go a more aggressive route with maybe a Metalcloak 3.5"? Don't really want to as it will cost much more and the jeep just barely fits in the garage now.
I would appreciate some experienced input. I will never go on crazy offroad stuff. I just want the jeep to do low to low-medium off roading comfortably if possible