Suspension Question

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:16 pm

So now I'm approaching 111,000 miles and still have the factory installed suspension. At what mileage should all that be changed out? The Jeep still rides pretty well, but I've noticed that my headlights don't shine quite as far and the ride isn't as stiff as I remember it being as new. Should I replace everything? Springs, shocks struts etc.?

Budke · **Posted:** Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:20 pm

Suspension is usually shot at 30k.
I had about 103k on my suspension when I lifted.
I can tell you the ride is 100x better.

If you're looking to put a new suspension under it then just lift it.

Powerman04 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:24 pm

X2

I just went over 65k and I'm already looking at lifting it. Still looking at all the options before I spend all my part money. :mrgreen:

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Thu Apr 22, 2010 1:02 pm

OEM shocks should've been replaced by 30K miles.

Powerman04 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 22, 2010 1:24 pm

^ True.

But to be fair, I didn't get it till it had 63k. :pepper:

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:23 pm

I like the idea of lifting! My wife already knows that it needs new suspension so I don't have to convince her to spend the money. The question is...What is the most economical and best lift that I can get for an equivalent amount of money that it would cost to replace the stock suspension? I'd love a Frankenlift, but can't justify the thousand + $ that it costs. I do however want a suspensioin that isn't going cause the Jeep to ride like a go-cart and blow out the CV's. If I do this, I'd like to stay at or under 2.5". I'm not an off-roader so I'll leave this up to you guys (and gals :wink:

). When it comes to lifts, I like the look, but don't know anything about them. Thanks!

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:01 pm

If you read through the threads its all there
OME 927 fronts
OME 948s rear
new shocks all around
bumpstops teraflex front , hockey pucks rear

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Fri Apr 23, 2010 4:51 pm

What about this Rusty's lift? I recall hearing a lot of positive things about it. Would I still need Al's A-Arms?

Powerman04 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 23, 2010 6:06 pm

As far as I know, the spring rates for rusty's are stock rates so they will sag in a short time. Also the rear shocks get mixed reviews as well. Since I'm on a ipod I'll be brief and say go with OME springs and either Rancho/OME struts/shocks. I'm sure someone will give specifics but yea, if you're gunna lift might as well do it right first! :pepper:

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Fri Apr 23, 2010 6:18 pm

Everyone seems to agree on the OME springs, but it seems they only give 1.5" of lift. I'd like to be closer to 2"-2.5". I figure if I'm gonna lift it, then I want to do it right the first time! The part number Tommudd gave says they are for heavy duty applications, but I don't have a bumper or winch on the front. Will that matter? Are there any opinions out there about the Rockfather lifts? I know Rocky Road is highly respected...

Powerman04 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 23, 2010 6:29 pm

The numbers stating actual lift are only for marketing really. Plus with you having stocks for so long they are sagging so you will get seemingly a lot of lift. I myself don't have an aftermarket bumper or winch and plan on the OME HD fronts anyway. They may be slightly stiffer but good in case you want to add later with no issues. After you replace the saggy stock suspension you will get 2"-2".5" lift easy.

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 12:41 am

The springs you want for aftermarket bumpers and winches are OME 790s.

The stock suspension will cost at least as much as a frankenlift, or only slightly cheaper at best.

That being based on estimates from local dealers.

The frankenlift is a 2.5" lift kit right?

well, with saggy bottomless stock suspension, I, Technically, gained 6" of lift up front, due to my stocks having sagged to 17 1/4 hub to flare, from 19.5+/- at the factory.

right after my franky I was at 23 1/4 hub to flare. now, a few months and lots of flexing later, I am just about 22 7/8, maybe a hair higher.

food for thought, and time for me to do a Clevis lift :twisted:

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 2:42 am

I priced out shocks, struts and springs at Rock Auto and NAPA. RA was cheaper of course and everything would cost me about $400 + installation. Can't lift it at that price, so I think I'm sticking to stock suspension. Thanks for all the help though. If I happen to come across a money tree, I'll lift it and let you all know what I decided on. Thanks again!

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 3:13 am

I think there is a full kit available from a member of the forum for 350

and if you go back to stock. just remember.

it will be time to replace it all again in 30k

Tom had I think 90K-ish on his OME stuff before he changed what he had (to go higher, not because it was needed). I'm sure he will correct me if I am wrong.

STINGN · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 3:20 am

VoodooMann wrote:

food for thought, and time for me to do a Clevis lift :twisted:

dont do a clevis too soon, i would wait for your bigger tires because you might gain at least 1/4 inch from bigger tires so you dont want to stress out the cvs before you get the larger tires

Powerman04 · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:10 am

STINGN wrote:

VoodooMann wrote:

food for thought, and time for me to do a Clevis lift :twisted:

dont do a clevis too soon, i would wait for your bigger tires because you might gain at least 1/4 inch from bigger tires so you dont want to stress out the cvs before you get the larger tires

Yea I was curious about that. So you're saying I should wait on the clevis since when I lift I will still be using the stock UCA's and going for larger tires after the lift?

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:45 am

Ok, so it seems my wife planted a money tree and didn't tell me about it :pepper:

...I'm so confused... :dizzy:

..women... LOL So I guess I will be lifting the Libby after all. I've basically made up my mind, but not really, so I'm posting a poll; Frankenlift II Premium Kit or Rock Father Deluxe? That is the question! I'm strongly leaning towards the Rock Father, but I'm not well versed in lifts, so again, I turn to you, my Jeep brethren (and sistren...is that a word?) for advice. Thanks for all the support you folks have given me through these confusing times! LOL :roll:

Powerman04 · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:57 am

If you're going all out, then definitely go for the Frankenlift. The vendor for the Rock Father (Rocky Road Online) is known for bad customer service, and the Franky is tested and proven 100x over. :seuss:

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:26 pm

The reason I'm leaning towards the Rock Father is mainly because of the redesigned A-Arms (Insane Arms) and the beefier ball joints. It's only about $200 more preassembled and I wouldn't have to spend the extra $400+ on Al's A-arms. Am I correct in my thinking? Would I need the Al's if I installed the Franky?

VoodooMann · **Posted:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:36 pm

Read the following thread. there IS a reason the RRO arms are cheap...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=51709

Suspension Question

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