Rubicon Suspension Swap for Max Tow Sport (2020)

[Bmcgub1]

I have purchased the full Rubicon setup from a 2020 Gladiator that includes all hard parts (list below). I can reconcile most similar/same parts with a few exceptions I noted in a quick parts diagram search, can anyone confirm the components highlighted in read are shared between both models or if I should replace my OE with any of these? I have read that it is just springs and shocks that are unique, just trying to plan thoroughly before I start turning wrenches. I have also included a photo of components I have detailed for reference. My plan was intially to replace shocks and springs only, then add the RC 2.5 leveling kit to front to get rid of the rake. Im going to get under the jeep with my tape to measure parts that are higlighted in red.

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[Bmcgub1]

Update: I felt like the noob in me got ahead of myself with this post. Once under the jeep, I was able to confirm all part numbers highlighted are identical components OE VS Rubicon setup. Shocks and springs it is.

 

[NuggyBuggy]

Nice. I’m very tempted to do the same to my sport s. They’re so cheap and usually less then 2k mi. Interested to hear about the ride afterwards.

 

[Bmcgub1]

Nice. I’m very tempted to do the same to my sport s. They’re so cheap and usually less then 2k mi. Interested to hear about the ride afterwards.

Nice. I’m very tempted to do the same to my sport s. They’re so cheap and usually less then 2k mi. Interested to hear about the ride afterwards.

I finished up with the help of a friend in about 6 hours. It was much less than 2K. The entire setup cost me less than 300!

 

[Bmcgub1]

 

[SnazzGlad]

Looks good! I’ve got some Rubi take off suspension laying in my garage awaiting warmer weather to install. I’m a shade tree mechanic at best but it looks like a pretty basic install after some of the YouTube videos I watched.

 

[Bmcgub1]

Looks good! I’ve got some Rubi take off suspension laying in my garage awaiting warmer weather to install. I’m a shade tree mechanic at best but it looks like a pretty basic install after some of the YouTube videos I watched.

IT was a fairly straight install, definitely either requires a spare set of hands or 2 floor jacks. Im not super knowledgeable on the jeep planform or straight axle (yet) so i printed instructions for full lift install from the RC website and highlighted relevant steps to my build to use as a guide if I got lost, it was helpful keeping me on track.

I will say that it did not provide much of a lift by itself (probably 1-1.5" if that) but I added the RC leveling kit which ultimately gave me what I was looking for.

 

[Angler3]

IT was a fairly straight install, definitely either requires a spare set of hands or 2 floor jacks. Im not super knowledgeable on the jeep planform or straight axle (yet) so i printed instructions for full lift install from the RC website and highlighted relevant steps to my build to use as a guide if I got lost, it was helpful keeping me on track.

I will say that it did not provide much of a lift by itself (probably 1-1.5" if that) but I added the RC leveling kit which ultimately gave me what I was looking for.

I have a max tow too and I’ve been contemplating a lift or rubi suspension upgrade . I wonder if it effects your towing or payload capacity . I feel like towing is mainly dependent on springs and braking. Do you tow ? Love the stance .

 

[BAT]

Seems to me you replaced better springs or shall I say function specific springs in the rear with a downgrade. As for Shocks I can tell you neither the Max Tow nor the Rubi Fox Shocks are anything to write home about as I have had both. Upgraded shocks are in the future for my truck.

 

[Bmcgub1]

I have a max tow too and I’ve been contemplating a lift or rubi suspension upgrade . I wonder if it effects your towing or payload capacity . I feel like towing is mainly dependent on springs and braking. Do you tow ? Love the stance .

I don't really tow anything, I have been driving a BMW i3 (electric sub compact) for years without the need so I cant imagine requiring the full payload. I think most Max Tow folks who actually tow elect to keep the stock springs and only upgrade the shock to prevent and degradation in tow performance. I can tell you that there is no net height effect gained by swapping springs that I can see, the springs appear to be same height.

 

[Orange01z28]

Nice. I’m very tempted to do the same to my sport s. They’re so cheap and usually less then 2k mi. Interested to hear about the ride afterwards.

I changed wheels and tires when I swapped to Rubicon suspension so I can't really give a straight answer on that

The ride got BETTER when I went to an aftermarket lift though

 

[Bmcgub1]

I have a max tow too and I’ve been contemplating a lift or rubi suspension upgrade . I wonder if it effects your towing or payload capacity . I feel like towing is mainly dependent on springs and braking. Do you tow ? Love the stance .

I dont know, but from what I have read, as long as you leave the Max Tow Springs in the rear, should not impact capability.

 

[kev]

It looks great! Just need the Rubi rock rails or something on the side. I don't like how you see the rocker pinch joint on the sports.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I dont know, but from what I have read, as long as you leave the Max Tow Springs in the rear, should not impact capability.

Changing the fronts won't really take away from payload or towing. But as any legit truck site will say - changing height will change towing and payload capabilities. There are legit shops out there with decent videos explaining. They concentrate mainly on GM/Chevy and Ford but the concept is the same. Lifts change tow ratings. It changes the center of gravity, handling and so on.

I put max tow rear springs under my Overland to improve (reduce) the sag under load. Previous to the swap, mine really squatted in the back with a load. It still squats but a lot less. Ride is a bit harsher but I did not change the ride height so I keep my towing and payload ratings and keep the sag down a bit using max tow rear springs.

IMO, putting Rubicon fox take-off shocks on another level is for looks only. Mine is less good than it was with the Rubicon fox shocks. When they wear out, they are history - never again. They look cool, look great - but not anything to brag about for ride or handling improvements. I'd say the stock Overland shocks were at least as good.

 

[bastage]

I did this upgrade on my Max Tow.. Only parts you should change are the shocks all around & just the front springs. The max tow rear springs are already better then Rubicon rear springs. You can also add the Daystar 3/4" front spacers which are about 40 bucks on Amazon and end up with an almost completely level truck.

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