Just an observation about springs

ekj · **Joined:** Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:55 pm **Posts:** 100

This weekend, I helped my brother purchase a new car, a '07 KJ Sport with 25k miles. Looking at it, it seemed a bit higher than my '06 KJ Renegade with 41k miles. To make sure that it wasn't an illusion, I measured the space between the driver's side front tire and fender in two cars and found mine about 1" shorter (actually, just over an inch).

While this was not a scientific measurement by any means, a 1" difference is significant enough to not be ignored. Unless there is a difference between these two models, this may be a good indicator of when springs starts to sag. I remember someone (I think tommudd) posting that springs start to sag at ~30k and someone else saying that they had no issues until triple that mileage. I didn't think I had any sagging until this comparison so unless DC changed contractors for springs (and if there is not a difference between these models in question) everyone will most likely have some sagging, but don't notice it because it may be gradual.

Again, not a scientific test; just an observation.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:35 pm

To get a more or less accurate measurement , go from the middle of the wheel to bottom of the flare. Takes the tire size out of the mix. Also let me know what you find, doing some research.
Regarding springs , they start to sag almost right away but by 30,-35,000 it gets to be noticeable. Most people do not notice though as the gradual effect doesn't really make a huge difference say overnight to them driving it.
I have never owned a vehicle that I did not upgrade the suspension by the time I owned it a year or so, well except for the Roush Edition F150 I had , spring rate was pretty good on it :wink:

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:57 pm

Yeah like Tom said but look at the tires (type and size) then go check their stated size online. It could be the size of the tires that make the 1" difference. Eliminate that factor.

ekj · **Joined:** Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:55 pm **Posts:** 100

The tires were both P225R75/16. Mine the OE Goodyear Wrangler STs with just over 2/32" of tread left; his Goodyear Tracker 2 in very good condition. I would think that with his tires being newer, the difference should have been smaller, but I'll have him measure as suggested above and I'll do the same.

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:36 pm

Here is a thread that talks covers the fender height question: Actual Lift Amount - Lets Compare Fender Heights

Stock fender height for an unlifted KJ is just over 19" when measured as described.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:14 pm

if i remember correctly, at about 80k, fender to hub mine was just over 17" for a loss of like 2 good inches

InCommando · **Posted:** Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:35 pm

Mine was so sagged by 50K I was hitting the bumpstops regularly. Dealer, of course, so nothing worng with them..... Thus, the lift.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 04, 2010 8:32 pm

yeah, the rear of mine was bottoming out often enough that it split the bumpstops

ekj · **Joined:** Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:55 pm **Posts:** 100

Measured as suggested above, mine is 18" (front, driver's side). My brother has not had a chance to measure yet.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:22 am

18 so its sagged about an inch maybe , variance in different packages /years etc seems most are 18/19
So guess I am not too much higher than you are :wink:

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 6:36 am

difference is the upgraded springs stay there hehe

Auberon · **Posted:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:28 am

This is something I am very concerned with.
Thanks for this thought and the feedback guys.
I just measured mine @ 17".
ARB winch bar, Warn winch, skid plaits front to back: on an '06 with low miles. Std suspension.

Reason for the interest:
[color=#FF0000]The regulatory bods[/color] in some parts of Australia are really going hard at restricting suspension mods eg:
max change in tyre diameter allowed is 15mm (a bit less than 5/8") from std.
+ so much more like engineers certificates legal in one state but next door your defected.

One politician labelled all who drive modified vehicles "HOONS" (in a sitting of parliament).
...that makes ALL our miners, emergency workers, ambulance drivers, fire fighters etc "HOONS."

Travelling really bush in this country needs care.
This aims at saving lives but will most likely cost them. It's certainly happened before with inadequate preparations.

The KJ is good, but sagging with only a little age.
Cheers
Auberon

Just an observation about springs

Who is online