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

[GHWillys]

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

I don't know what the OP qualifies as "supple" but the tires could definitely be the only thing he needs to change. I have found mine rides better when I run the tires at around 33 psi vs the 37 psi that is stated on the door frame.

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[toddarama]

@Sanchofula - would you be interested in a full Rubicon suspension? Looks like you are in Nevada and someone in AZ has one posted in marketplace here: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...con-takeoff-suspension-with-fox-shocks.66507/

 

[Sanchofula]

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

Not the wheels and tires, those I swapped from the JLU. Tire pressures 35 psi. It does ride a little better with ATs than thr MTs, but still very firm in the backend.

I was thinking of just getting some shocks, the RC N3 ($200) what I had on the JLU, if that helps then I’ll add the leveling kit and call it fine.

I also thought about splurging a little and getting the adjustable Rancho RS 9000’s ($625).

 

[berb]

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?

I do not know the numbers. I believe the Overland sits lower than the WIllys

 

[be77solo]

Hey OP, I've actually got a Willys and swapped to Mojave coil springs. I still have the stock Willys red shocks and didn't notice any real difference in the ride. I just picked them up cheap and liked the silver color and that they were a little taller.

Shocks are what's going to make the difference. Still researching which set I'm going to go with, but I'd start there before messing with coil springs. That is unless you are going aftermarket and want the lift too.

Good luck!

 

[Sanchofula]

Hey OP, I've actually got a Willys and swapped to Mojave coil springs. I still have the stock Willys red shocks and didn't notice any real difference in the ride. I just picked them up cheap and liked the silver color and that they were a little taller.

Shocks are what's going to make the difference. Still researching which set I'm going to go with, but I'd start there before messing with coil springs. That is unless you are going aftermarket and want the lift too.

Good luck!

That's exactly what I was wanting to know. Did you change anything else when you swapped springs?

I'm thinking about getting the RC leveling kit with front springs and shocks, that's what I had on my JLU and it rode just right.

It's my wife's daily driver, so she really doesn't want it to be any taller than it already is; the stock JT is about the same height as a JLU with a 2.5" lift.

Next is tires ?

 

[be77solo]

That's exactly what I was wanting to know. Did you change anything else when you swapped springs?

I'm thinking about getting the RC leveling kit with front springs and shocks, that's what I had on my JLU and it rode just right.

It's my wife's daily driver, so she really doesn't want it to be any taller than it already is; the stock JT is about the same height as a JLU with a 2.5" lift.

Next is tires ?

Been a slow process for me ha

Stock Willys, then put on BFG 35” KO2’s C rated, road better than stock MT’s.

Then needed (and wanted) some more height. So, bought a 2.5” RC spacer front lift setup and 2” Iron Rock rearspacer lift setup. But, never got around to installing them.

Then ran across the Mojave springs from another member here cheap, and figured why not try them out.

So put them on w/ the 35’s, road basically the same, honestly wouldn’t have even know a difference if I didn’t just swap them myself. That in my head then clarified the key to the Mojave is the fancy shocks, not springs. But they looked cool in the silver and were just a little taller than my Willys shocks, so kept them on.

That got me motivated to finally install the spacer lift the next day. Looked great, love the look, but was a step back in ride. Can feel a lot more bumps in the road because now I don’t have enough caster. Not sure if the 2.5” spacer lift would have done it or it was the combo of that and the slightly taller Mojave springs, but bottom line I now needed either longer or adjustable control arms or geometry correction brackets. I bought the Mopar LCA’s but then ran across Metal Cloak brackets cheap on sale for Black Friday, so bought a set and will sell the Mopar LCA’s.

I still haven’t installed the brackets, but fully expect that to get my ride to at least factory Willys if not a little better.

Then if/when I decide on the shocks should finally be “done” ??

Sorry for the novel and any typos, typing on my phone while waiting in car pool.

And just because pics are fun:

 

[whiteglad]

As above, lowering tire pressure and choosing tires carefully help. If it is the rear that is too stiff, you can try adding weight. A hard tonneau cover and a piece of 1-1/8" flooring plywood would help.

 

[Sanchofula]

I'll be curious to see how the leveling lift springs change the ride, RC didn't think I would need brackets for caster; I didn't notice any change in the JLU though the steering seemed lighter. Brackets are pretty cheap and easy.

 

[RCKLNDR]

I honestly thought the Willy’s suspension was too soft. It got better swapping Fox 2.0s for the red shocks but I do have extra weight.

Does a chalk test support 35psi? Maybe you can squeak out a couple less and see how it feels.

 

[TimC]

Add a little weight maybe? Adjust to taste.

https://www.amazon.com/Shurtrax-CLW...ywords=Truck+bed+weight&qid=1674690602&sr=8-3

 

[steveorama]

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?

I'm not sure if you found the answer, but I can confirm when I replaced my Overland springs and shocks to Rubi take offs, the Overland and Willys used the exact same front springs at least for MY21 they did.

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