Affordable Lift For Constant Heavy Load Overland Rigs?

[nickjaynes]

I have a ton of overlanding equipment that I permanently run in/over my bed. I also have an ARB front bumper and WARN ZEON winch up front.

With the extra weight, I have found that the Fox shocks on my Gladiator Rubicon are entirely overwhelmed by the constant load. My ride is so springy now, it's as if I have no shocks at all. Essentially, the stock Fox shocks are valved WAY too soft for my needs.

So, I am looking for an upgrade. And, if I am going to replace shocks, I might as well lift it a bit, so I can stuff some 37s underneath it. I overland as well as take the rig wheeling. But getting it feeling more stable is my primary concern.

But, of course, since the world is going into a recession, I don't want to spring for a $2500+ kit. I was hoping to find some heavy-load shocks some new springs, or maybe even some spacers on a budget (at least for the time being).

I found the cheap-as-hell $499 Rough Country kits: https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-63730.html

I also stumbled upon the $1,000 Rancho kit: https://www.gorancho.com/products/s.../x-lander-rs3-suspension-system-rs66128b.html (but can't find Rancho shocks to match)

Then there's the $599 Teraflex kit (would need to add $800 in shocks to complete the kit): https://teraflex.com/shop_items/jt-3-5-coil-spring-base-lift-kit-no-shock-absorbers?vehicle=JT

I like that the Rancho is listed as an overlander kit, for heavy loads. But I don't know what shocks I'd run with it. I like the price of the Rough Country kit, but it feels a bit silly putting a $500 lift on a $47,000 truck.

I'd love your thoughts. I've added pics of my truck below, as example of what I'm running.

Thanks!

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[Incommando]

Rough Country has a sketchy reputation in some applications so I would not risk using them on my Gladiator

 

[dirtlimo]

Personally I feel the Fox's are spring-y stock, cannot imagine what you're dealing with now I am going to wait until Accutune off road comes out with a solution for the glad before i make any decisions. I had them on my 3rd gen taco and those helped immensely. Really cannot speak to the brands above, apologies

 

[Arcticelf]

Both King and Foxake rebuildable shocks which can be valved as needed for the application.

 

[Moe_Fugga]

I would think adjustable shocks might be a starting point as stated above. I’ve been throwing around the idea of getting Falcons and a small lift or even just at factory height. I haven’t seen stand alone factory height stiffer coils. However, as much as I have been looking at suspension components I haven’t been looking for coils specifically. There may be some out there.

 

[nickjaynes]

Both King and Foxake rebuildable shocks which can be valved as needed for the application.

The Fox shocks on the Gladiator a rebuildable?

 

[PyrPatriot]

How much weight are your running in gear/accessories like the rack? And what is the doorjam maximum payload for that Rubicon?

 

[Arcticelf]

The Fox shocks on the Gladiator a rebuildable?

I would be very surprised if they were. But Fox makes plenty of other options

 

[sass JT]

Here’s my .02

you pay for what you get in a lift.

 

[Renegade]

The factory Rubicon Fox shocks are too soft, period. I think your direction depends on whether you actually want or need a lift. If you do, go for quality since you're really using it. If you don't need or really want a lift, just do a quality set of shocks. There are a lot of options, to include those which are adjustable, becoming available now. King, Falcon (SP2 is being recommended more than the standard valving), Fox, etc. (BTW- The Fox 2.0 shocks available from the aftermarket are not the same as what came on our Jeeps from the factory)

 

[NC_Overland]

I gave a like for your pics. Your gladiator looks awesome.

 

[Arcticelf]

. (BTW- The Fox 2.0 shocks available from the aftermarket are not the same as what came on our Jeeps from the factory)

This cannot be stressed enough. The difference between the OEM Fox and the aftermarket product is huge. Rebuildable, Tuneable, and they work better (large diameter, remote resi, etc).

 

[takeitsleazy]

RC and Rancho are garbage. You will regret it. Teraflex makes decent stuff, but personally I would recommend Rock Krawler, if they carry over the overland-specific lift they made for the JK. Worth asking the question because it was designed for your exact situation.

Metalcloak makes quality stuff too. Like mentioned earlier, you get what you pay for.

 

[nickjaynes]

The factory Rubicon Fox shocks are too soft, period. I think your direction depends on whether you actually want or need a lift. If you do, go for quality since you're really using it. If you don't need or really want a lift, just do a quality set of shocks. There are a lot of options, to include those which are adjustable, becoming available now. King, Falcon (SP2 is being recommended more than the standard valving), Fox, etc. (BTW- The Fox 2.0 shocks available from the aftermarket are not the same as what came on our Jeeps from the factory)

What lift are you running?

I gave a like for your pics. Your gladiator looks awesome.

Thank you!

RC and Rancho are garbage. You will regret it. Teraflex makes decent stuff, but personally I would recommend Rock Krawler, if they carry over the overland-specific lift they made for the JK. Worth asking the question because it was designed for your exact situation.

I looked at Rock Krawler, but their kits are pushing $2400 — before you add shocks. I am trying to keep the budget a bit lower for now, unfortunately.

 

[Moe_Fugga]

What lift are you running?



Thank you!



I looked at Rock Krawler, but their kits are pushing $2400 — before you add shocks. I am trying to keep the budget a bit lower for now, unfortunately.

I’ve decided to go with a Teraflex lift when the time is right for me. They have basic coil kits and basic spacer kits. You have to add shocks, but the price is right for me. I’d love a full lift with arms and everything, but can’t swing that at the moment. Maybe this will help you out.

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