2022 Willys Gladiator “rough ride”, thoughts on coil changes?

[Sanchofula]

We just traded a 2022 JLU Sport S with an RC 2.5” lift for a stock 2022 Willys Gladiator gasser.

The Gladiator rides very firm, so I’m looking at spring options. We will do some light towing, but no significant hauling.

The goal is to have a similar ride quality to the JLU with the RC lift, which I’d describe as supple.

We drove a 2021 Mojave and the ride quality is what I want. What would it take to swap Mojave springs? Would I need new shocks? Would I need any other suspension hardware?

Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[SIG551-A1]

You may be able to find someone with a Mohave suspension they swapped out, for sale in the classifieds. I'd start there.

 

[Wet Willys]

I've never driven a Mojave and have always been curious about how much better the ride quality actually is..... What's your opinion? After driving it do you wish you had gotten that model?

 

[berb]

The smoothest ride is going to be a take of Sahara or Overland Suspension. They are both set up for highway driving. Good Luck in your Search.

 

[Sanchofula]

I've never driven a Mojave and have always been curious about how much better the ride quality actually is..... What's your opinion? After driving it do you wish you had gotten that model?

I don't wish we'd purchased a Mojave, mostly because it's more $$ and more vehicle than we need, but the suspension was far more supple, back to back with a Willys (which we bought), the Mohave rolled over curbs like it was nothing.

I'm thinking it'll be some work and take a collection of parts to make the swap; still not entirely sure what I need to make the swap to Mohave coils, but I'm starting to think that a package 2.5 front/1.5 rear is a better choice; as long as the springs are progressive.

The Evo kit ($800) with some RC shocks ($150) might work; Evo wants $500 extra for Bilsteins!

 

[Sanchofula]

The smoothest ride is going to be a take of Sahara or Overland Suspension. They are both set up for highway driving. Good Luck in your Search.

If it really does ride softer, the Overland springs would be ideal with a spring lift up front to level.

Do you know the spring numbers for the Overland?

Is the ride height similar, that way I can use the same shocks?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I'd be surprised if you notice any ride change by swapping from your current coils to Overland coils. The coil rate should be very similar.

You have to make a pretty drastic change in coil rate to impact how it rides. It's easier to change the ride by changing shocks.

 

[Sanchofula]

I'd be surprised if you notice any ride change by swapping from your current coils to Overland coils. The coil rate should be very similar.

You have to make a pretty drastic change in coil rate to impact how it rides. It's easier to change the ride by changing shocks.

Yeah, damping matters, but is the damping that different from the Overland to the Willys? If so, a shock change would be in order.

I was reading the coil spring thread, and the Overland springs appear to be very similar to the Willys ?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Yeah, damping matters, but is the damping that different from the Overland to the Willys? If so, a shock change would be in order.

I was reading the coil spring thread, and the Overland springs appear to be very similar to the Willys ?

You'd think the Overland and Willys shocks would be similar, but I don't know for sure.

 

[Sallaman]

You'd think the Overland and Willys shocks would be similar, but I don't know for sure.

I could be wrong but im fairly positive the willys has the red shocks from the JLR

 

[Sanchofula]

I keep reading about the Overland being the "pavement princess", the Willys is definitely not that supple of a ride.

The guys at Evo said their progressive coils are supple off the top, but I have to do a minimum of a 2.5" lift.

I built a camper van on a Ram Promaster, the backend is ~ 4-6" higher than the frontend and they ride really stiff unloaded, so I pulled out the helper spring, added a 1" lift, then installed Timbrens for overload. The final ride was supple and the van sat level.

^ This is kinda what I'd like to do with the Gladiator, but I need some soft springs.

 

[Klicht87]

I could be wrong but im fairly positive the willys has the red shocks from the JLR

You are correct. I personally don't think the ride is that stiff.

 

[gatorwesty]

My 22 Overland rides like a Lincoln Town Car, not kidding.
I put Mojave wheels with M/T's and I am still impressed.
Last weekend we took it on some fire roads and some washboards and I was amazed at how well it soaked up the bumps.
Our other vehicle is a 2017 Rubicon JK and there is no comparison.
Previous vehicle was a 2016 Sahara JKU which also rode very nice but not like the new Overland Town Car.
I have no suspension mods.

 

[Sanchofula]

My 22 Overland rides like a Lincoln Town Car, not kidding.
I put Mojave wheels with M/T's and I am still impressed.
Last weekend we took it on some fire roads and some washboards and I was amazed at how well it soaked up the bumps.
Our other vehicle is a 2017 Rubicon JK and there is no comparison.
Previous vehicle was a 2016 Sahara JKU which also rode very nice but not like the new Overland Town Car.
I have no suspension mods.

Thats what I want!

So if it's no the springs, then maybe it's the shocks?

Anyone got part numbers for shocks and springs for the Overland?

I called Jeep and they said I needed a VIN to compare.

 

[Gren71]

Could also be the tires. Don’t the willys come with E rated MTs?

Sponsored