Diving and floating - time for new shocks or more?

AdonisBHK · **Joined:** Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:42 am **Posts:** 37

Hey guys, I've been away quite a while due to very poor health, but finally starting to feel good enough to do a little wrenching again. I'm also looking forward to having some positive project to take my mind off my symptoms too.

Anyway, my 08 Limited KK is starting to really dive and bottom out easy going over small bumps and dips. It's also feeling a lot more sloppy on the highway. The wife hates driving it now because it scares her on the highway, so I need to do something about this asap.

I bought my KK new in 08, and I still have stock shocks and springs installed. I'm not very familiar with the suspension system, so I was hoping for some advice here. I don't even know if the front uses shocks. Are they struts? Coil Overs? Sorry, it's been a while.

Regardless, the goal is to get this Jeep handling even better than stock if possible. Would a good set of shocks do this? Or would I need springs as well?

So I was hoping for some guidance as to what I should replace at this point, considering I've owned it from new, and most equipment is all stock, and its got around 90,000kms (Canadian) on her. So please instruct as to which option you think it most appropriate for my needs. Also, please consider that my health problems have left me pretty broke, so anything I do its going to have to go on the plastic, so I'd like to try for the option that will cost the least if possible. I also plan on keeping this vehicle as long as possible so if the springs are just going to be shot in another year or two, then I need to consider doing them now.

Scenario 1: Replace all shocks and struts with better than factory brand (please suggest your brand)

Scenario 2: Same as above, but also replace springs with better than factory brand (please suggest your brand)

Scenario 3: Order an aftermarket lift kit with all the above, potentially leading to even worse highway handling (or so I've been told)

PS. Once I have some parts recommendations, if anyone could instruct me as to where I can order the required gear online in Canada, that would be much appreciated. Thank you again.

Stang977 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 12, 2014 8:43 am

Probably one of the best list discussions here:

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=80614

Should answer most of your questions. Sounds like springs and shocks for a 1.5" lift should do the trick. (spec's out more like 2")

Great vendor for lift:
http://jeepinbyal.com/liberty-2008-2012-kk.html

Regards

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Nov 12, 2014 8:47 am

Aftermarket kit like from OME will give you better ride and handling than what stock ever was , not sure who said it would be worse but they don't have a clue!
Stock suspension is weak from the get go so upgrade
KJs and KKs have a coilover set up. so there are shocks . If you have a strut up front then you don't have a upper control arm
OME will give you 2.5 inches of lift with no additions
Lots of good reading material on here , enjoy

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 12, 2014 12:17 pm

Check out this:
viewtopic.php?f=88&t=79401

That should help a lot.

Either way, the only sure fire way to get better handling is to swap springs and shocks. The best replacements are actually lifts. I recommend OME. 927 front springs and 731 rear springs will stiffen up the ride a bit and give better than stock. That's with a 2.5" lift as bonus. You can then opt for either Bilstein shocks, Ironman or OME shocks. All are quality, and I personally run Bilstein.

When first installed I will guarantee that the front won't dive under heavy braking. After a few thousand miles the springs break in and the ride softens up a bit, but still much better than stock.

I can't help with where to order. Jeepin' by Al is where most get their stuff, but that's for the states. Not sure what shipping would be like to Canada.

AdonisBHK · **Joined:** Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:42 am **Posts:** 37

So def sounds like springs and shocks from OME are the way to go. Thanks guys, I'll do some more research and plan on doing this build around Xmas when I've got some free time. I'll be sure to post the build once complete. Thanks again.

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:43 pm

Run 927 front springs and 731 rear springs if you'd like the ride and handling we all praise. Most run OME, Bilstein or Ironman shocks. All 3 are quality

Diving and floating - time for new shocks or more?

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