Aging Mopar lift needing replacement

[Nigelcorn]

Hey, I know everyone is sick of questions like "what kit should I get" so I hope this won't be the same question that's already been asked a million times.

Background: I have a 2021 Ecodiesel that came from dealer with Mopar 2" lift, currently on 37's. This was installed prior to the diesel specific lift, so between the diesel, a steel bumper, and winch, the front coils are pretty useless and getting worse. This past weekend in Moab I was hitting bump stops on very small steps going downhill.

Overall, I've been happy with the Mopar lift-- ride quality has been fine and it gives enough flex for what I usually do. I agree with most that for the money, there is far better available but this came pre-installed from the dealer and didn't affect warranty at all. I use my Gladiator as a daily driver, but take trips to Moab 3-4x/year for some of the trails (up to ~7/10 rating more or less). I also try to do a couple longer trips each year to Ouray area. Most of my use is for overlanding with an Alucab setup on the back, so I carry a fair amount of weight.

I need to upgrade something. I could just purchase the coils from the diesel specific Mopar kit, which should restore ride height and minimize hitting the bumpstop so much. This would be the cheapest option as I wouldn't haven't to change anything other than the springs.

Or, I could get a whole new lift kit. I'm hearing good things about some of the diesel specific kits from Clayton. The cost is significantly higher with this, including cost for install as I have no interest in messing with the installation. Cost for just the springs would probably be $400, whereas the whole kit would probably be 4-5k.

Can I get your opinion- would you stick with just replacing the worn out springs with diesel specific Mopar coils, or would you go for the full kit? I get the appeal to a full new kit, but is it going to be enough improvement over Mopar to justify the 10x cost difference above?

Thanks in advance!

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[Scott L]

Why not get Clayton springs? Or any of the other companies out there? EVO, Metalcloak, Synergy ETC. You already have longer LCA’s and shocks no need to reinvent the wheel.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Hey, I know everyone is sick of questions like "what kit should I get" so I hope this won't be the same question that's already been asked a million times.

Background: I have a 2021 Ecodiesel that came from dealer with Mopar 2" lift, currently on 37's. This was installed prior to the diesel specific lift, so between the diesel, a steel bumper, and winch, the front coils are pretty useless and getting worse. This past weekend in Moab I was hitting bump stops on very small steps going downhill.

Overall, I've been happy with the Mopar lift-- ride quality has been fine and it gives enough flex for what I usually do. I agree with most that for the money, there is far better available but this came pre-installed from the dealer and didn't affect warranty at all. I use my Gladiator as a daily driver, but take trips to Moab 3-4x/year for some of the trails (up to ~7/10 rating more or less). I also try to do a couple longer trips each year to Ouray area. Most of my use is for overlanding with an Alucab setup on the back, so I carry a fair amount of weight.

I need to upgrade something. I could just purchase the coils from the diesel specific Mopar kit, which should restore ride height and minimize hitting the bumpstop so much. This would be the cheapest option as I wouldn't haven't to change anything other than the springs.

Or, I could get a whole new lift kit. I'm hearing good things about some of the diesel specific kits from Clayton. The cost is significantly higher with this, including cost for install as I have no interest in messing with the installation. Cost for just the springs would probably be $400, whereas the whole kit would probably be 4-5k.

Can I get your opinion- would you stick with just replacing the worn out springs with diesel specific Mopar coils, or would you go for the full kit? I get the appeal to a full new kit, but is it going to be enough improvement over Mopar to justify the 10x cost difference above?

Thanks in advance!

I'd just do springs man. If your happy with it otherwise, why change anything else out? personally i like the no maintenance, no adjustment Mopar LCAs. nothing to go wrong, cheap, strong and readily available. Unless your lifting over 2in.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

The factory control arms are rather thin. However, if you are not on the rocks or beating them up yet- why change. Many other companies that advertise 2.5” end up being 3-3.5” so, I wouldn’t change just the springs to a different brand without matching the adjustable control arms etc.

The new Mopar diesel springs are probably the cheapest option if you have been happy with what they gave you the first round.

Edit: above are diesel spring part numbers and price ???

 

[Hootbro]

I would also vote to just put the diesel rated MOPAR springs on and call it good.

I also think an argument could be made that the dealership should treat it as a warranty issue and replace them on their dime.

 

[kevman65]

While the MOPAR lift may be okay, it is not a full kit.
Not to mention there is ZERO adjustability in it.

If you're looking to make a change, then get into a kit that has adjustable control arms and track bars. A lot of the handling problems people have can be cured with some minor adjustments.

While you're doing it, might as well beef up the steering components and get a tie rod bar and drag link bar.

 

[KevinC]

You didn't mention how many miles you have on the current kit. Any lift kit is going to put more stress on shocks and other components than you would get stock. Do your shocks still feel like they are working? If you just need to replace springs, I agree with everyone in just replace springs. But, if you have high miles I would look at a more complete kit.

 

[Nigelcorn]

You didn't mention how many miles you have on the current kit. Any lift kit is going to put more stress on shocks and other components than you would get stock. Do your shocks still feel like they are working? If you just need to replace springs, I agree with everyone in just replace springs. But, if you have high miles I would look at a more complete kit.

Good point. I'm at 44k miles. I haven't felt a huge change in ride quality, so I hope the shocks are still fine. But I can see less lift on the front and only about 1.5" of up travel before the bump stops, so at the very least I'd need the coils replaced.

 

[djthumper]

Depending on what your mileage is, I would try the warranty to fix it and get the correct springs. If you are happy with the MOPAR lift get the proper springs. I know the dealers in town are starting to become like the horror stories I see here.

 

[SoK66]

Another vote for just replacing the springs. BUT, depending upon how much they've sagged you might consider just adding spacers equal to the sag, or the amount it sagged due to the bumper & winch, etc. Whatever, I'd just have the dealer set you up with some Mopar springs.

We run five '21 Gladiator Sport Max Tows in our Jeep Tour operation. All have the Mopar 2" kit. We added heavy 6 passenger seating cages into the beds and haven't really detected any sagging. We get some "weight challenged" guests in there, too. Really happy so far with the way these kits have performed and held up.

 

[mx5red]

The factory control arms are rather thin. However, if you are not on the rocks or beating them up yet- why change. Many other companies that advertise 2.5” end up being 3-3.5” so, I wouldn’t change just the springs to a different brand without matching the adjustable control arms etc.

The new Mopar diesel springs are probably the cheapest option if you have been happy with what they gave you the first round.

Edit: above are diesel spring part numbers and price ???

I can’t believe how cheap those are. That’s half of aftermarket!

 

[Hootbro]

I can’t believe how cheap those are. That’s half of aftermarket!

It is kind of nice that most of the MOPAR 2" lift kit parts can be ordered as singles. I bought the extended lower control arms and the sway bar end links out of that kit for my mix and match lift setup.

 

[mx5red]

It is kind of nice that most of the MOPAR 2" lift kit parts can be ordered as singles. I bought the extended lower control arms and the sway bar end links out of that kit for my mix and match lift setup.

Besides the lower control arms I didn’t realize they had parted it out. Thought you had to buy the whole kit if you wanted the shocks or springs.

 

[Scott L]

I can’t believe how cheap those are. That’s half of aftermarket
Based on the cost yeah just get Mopar springs for diesel. Probably won’t even need rears.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

Besides the lower control arms I didn’t realize they had parted it out. Thought you had to buy the whole kit if you wanted the shocks or springs.

Here are some/most? Of the part numbers.

Front lowers are on Amazon for $40~ each for another cheap score.
I went with Metal cloak for the front/rear sway bar links for $50f/$60 rear. Steer smarts for the track bar up front- rear is 1/16” off center and that’s 1/16 close enough for this guy to run the stock rear track bar ???

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