suspension upgrade...i think im about to get ripped off.

dieselndixie · **Joined:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:38 pm **Posts:** 17

first off, new member, but not new to Jeeps.

2003 Jeep liberty 4x4 limited. Ive got 78k miles on it now, and it just rides like crap. Major body roll, rocks around on the highway, and throws me in the passenger seat just turning into the driveway. :shock:

anyway, here is the skinny...I need to upgrade the suspension with a more comfortable ride in mind as first priority. BUT! I ride MX and trailride and love to camp so the jeeps sees plenty of offroad. Just to give an idea of the conditions I drive in though, I have never been stuck and never needed more than what stock offers...again, not a major off road enthusiast, but I do use the jeep to get the dirtbike into some heavy stuff.

I called my local 4wheel part and told them the same thing, they recomended a skyjacker platinum coil over system that cost $1400 installed. I read just about every post on the net and I am pretty sure I want OME 10,000 people cant be wrong.

I dont want to make my daily driver an unreliable offroad machine, and dont want to have to swap brake lines or anything like that. I do load her up with gear and put the bike on a hitch carrier on the back, so maybe the mediums are right for me. I need a recomendation here...

now, what exactly should I order, where should I order, and is this something a novice should try to install? also, what will this cost me? I know there are alot of posts out there similar to this, but I cant tell who is giving advice for heavy off roaders, and what is right for someone who drives 50 miles a day to and from work.\\thanks guys

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:10 pm

since you do carry a lot of weight, then the Heavy Dutys. Most all of the KJs on here are daily drivers, for example I have an 04 with over 100,000 miles and running the OME heavy Dutys and have for over 60000 miles
at 78000 then yes your stock suspension is most likely worn out
If it was me and from what you have said
OME Heavy Duty front and rear with your choice of either OME shocks/struts or Rancho RSX 17004 for the rear and RSX 17505s for the front, you maybe able to get away with Mediums on the front but with the bike on the rear I would want the HDs in the rear
installing it is pretty simple really
should be able to get the OME springs and Rancho set up for 550/600 range

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:15 pm

Old man emu HD springs. OME 132 rear shocks...

Here is a link to an earlier post that lists the places where I got all of my stuff in pieces.

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... ht=#273875

you can get OME kits and throw a lift party and WE will decend upon you and install. NO BIG DEAL.

Most times you wont need to ad extended brake lines. In newer models, like my 07 they did shorten them and for flex reasons I need longer ones. BUT I am fully lifted with HD's and NO extended brake lines. Have been on light trails with no brake line issues.

Don't fret. The 4x4 shop is most likely not used to lifting KJ's and thus is applying the TJ, YJ and what not experience to the KJ. NOT BAD, just maybe not totaly correct or best deal and advice.

hatu · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:40 pm

I run the OME MD's F/R with the Ranchos all the way around. The ride has been great. I did add one additional rear upper isolator on each side. I tow around 1300lbs with no problem. I ordered everything fro All J Products. I believe it ran about 667 shipped to my door. For how you describe you'll be using the jeep, I would lean toward the HD's since you are using the hitch carrier. You probably have about 3-400 lbs on the back end by the time your loaded up. With the trailer I only have about 120lbs sitting on the hitch.

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

I think the OME HD's would be the way to go too. I've got them in my Frankenlift and the ride is extremely good, and the snow, ice, and rain traction is incredible with my Wrangler SA's. Hard to believe you're riding in the lifted up Jeep you just climbed into. With as many miles as you drive you'll need to be careful about tires. I love my SA's, but round trip to work and back home is only 11 miles for me, and that ends up being about 1 gallon per trip.

dieselndixie · **Joined:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:38 pm **Posts:** 17

well, that brings a good point....gas mileage is bad enough, but I have to improve the ride, or I will get rid of it.....its that bad. (i towed a boat with it like 5 times and it has never ridden right since)

so, if I do this upgrade, will my tires I run now look silly on there? thus forcing bigger tires, thus even worse gas mileage?
I am running Michelin Cross Terrain 235/70 16s

thanks again guys, i know most of you are tired of KJ lift questions ,but....i gotta figure it out somehow

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

Those Cross Terrains are pretty light. I had some 245/70R16 Cross Terrains at one point on mine, and they got really good gas milage. The 235's are going to look a little small with a lift. I had them with Monroe Sensa Trac shocks and struts and the ride was much better than stock. The Monroes started to wear out after about 2 years though.

DryBones · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:54 pm

how big of a boat were you hauling?

BTW, those Wrangler Silent Armors are HEAVY and will drop your mileage but there are other lighter tires you could use in a bigger size that won't affect your MPG's as much if at all.

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:55 pm

I have Kumho KL78 ATs in 255-70X16s and can still pull 20 mpg , with a trailer in tow loaded of course its a good bit worse.

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

The Firestone Destination AT's aren't too heavy, and give good gas milage. I had good luck out of a set of 245/65R17's in the Destination AT's after I had the Cross Terrains.

scarletbegonias · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:47 pm

For the OME, Do you need extended bumpstops if you DON'T get long travel shocks?

DryBones · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:55 pm

I was thinking of the same question...I really think Medium OME's will be all I need unless I change my mind about a front bumper.

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:55 pm

FYI
You really need extended bumpstops on any lift no matter the springs/shocks whatever, rule of thumb for every inch of lift same amount of added bumstop to prevent spring stacking

Tom

DryBones · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:11 pm

OK, so what are the recommended stops front and back for the OME lifts?

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:13 pm

FRONT: part # 0019301200 from Teraflex Plus Phone Number is 801-713-3314 and they are $16.20 each plus shipping

REAR: can use two hockey pucks, or buy a rubber hammer and saw it into and use half per side drill a hole in either and bolt it on, cheap effective and works , what more do you want? :lol:

Tom

dieselndixie · **Joined:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:38 pm **Posts:** 17

the boat was a 21' mastercraft x-9

i know, i know.....i bought an old dodge ram that does nothing but pull the boat now.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:52 am

scarletbegonias wrote:

For the OME, Do you need extended bumpstops if you DON'T get long travel shocks?

I did not, and have been told by the chic at boulder bars and others that you do not need to, but it doesn't hurt.

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:32 am

I have an 03 Sport with 117,6xx on it rite now. I use the Frankenlift II H/d springs. I use mine as a DD and I run about 200 miles a day. No issues whats so ever.
I cary a ton of computer server and network parts, so my KJ does have pleanty of load in it everyday. Including me. HaHa

The Frankenlift II will run you about 900. plus. Depends what shocks you use and springs.

letigre87 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 1:10 pm

2003 Jeep liberty 4x4 limited. Ive got 78k miles on it now, and it just rides like crap. Major body roll, rocks around on the highway, and throws me in the passenger seat just turning into the driveway. :shock:

Don't forget to check your front sway bar, you just described every post that mentions a removed or a damaged front sway bar, kinda funny some people took theres off just to ride the bull, then posted how dangerous it felt and then others did it. Just wanted to throw that out there and if it is or isn't a problem, lift it anyway.

suspension upgrade...i think im about to get ripped off.

Who is online