Beefier suspension for Overlanding

[Rebel.Matt]

Hello all, I just picked up my awesome 2021 JT Rubicon last week and I am currently in the works to building an overlanding rig to traverse Colorado and the West. I'm currently running the Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy and with an iKamper 2.0 on top, as well as the other glamping equipment in the bed. As always, weight is never your friend and I am trying to prevent excess sagging on the suspension as well as bobbling all over the trail. Yes, the best way to prevent this is to lose all the crap, but it's the only way I can get my wife to go with me...

I'm going to run it stock for a few months just so I can better understand what I am driving; I'm coming from the JK unlimited world and I'm overwhelmed with the amount of space I have in the bed. I'm looking at Icon Vehicle Dynamics with their adjustable shocks, but they are pricey... Does anyone else have any suggestions/tricks that could be useful?

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[KurtP]

Hello all, I just picked up my awesome 2021 JT Rubicon last week and I am currently in the works to building an overlanding rig to traverse Colorado and the West. I'm currently running the Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy and with an iKamper 2.0 on top, as well as the other glamping equipment in the bed. As always, weight is never your friend and I am trying to prevent excess sagging on the suspension as well as bobbling all over the trail. Yes, the best way to prevent this is to lose all the crap, but it's the only way I can get my wife to go with me...

I'm going to run it stock for a few months just so I can better understand what I am driving; I'm coming from the JK unlimited world and I'm overwhelmed with the amount of space I have in the bed. I'm looking at Icon Vehicle Dynamics with their adjustable shocks, but they are pricey... Does anyone else have any suggestions/tricks that could be useful?

welcome! Im in the same “use type” as you. And no reason not to go in comfort if you can.

it ultimately depends on your budget and how much tire you want to run. Nothing quality will drive like stock. It will drive better. Youll find your stock suspension pitches and rolls a lot.

my original plan was minimal if any lift and a set of 35’s but ive found the long whee base and low belly needs more, and im going 37.

if you feel like a small lift and 35’s is sufficient for your needs, the mopar loft honestly isnt bad. Clayton Off road 2.5 is also good. For 37’s, the AEV or Clayton 3.5.

the AEV has the best road manners, clayton 3.5 the most clearance. Others will have other opinions.

 

[Veloruche]

The mopar 2” factory lift has done very well for my Alucab Canopy Camper. I’m adding 35x12.5 soon

 

[Rebel.Matt]

That Canopy Camper looks awesome! If my jeep wasn't a daily driver I would totally make that commitment!

I've been hearing good things about the mopar lift, and I believe it is covered under the dealership warranty. I'll have to do some more research but this is a great starting point. And if that lift does well with that big camper then it should be perfect for my needs.

 

[JeepTrick76]

I am in the same frame of mind, I have a dealer installed rubicon express (partial lift), Front & Rear springs, front control arms and relocation brackets only. I am looking at the Evo lifts to get 37’s….but then do you need to upgrade axles to CV shafts and chromoly rears to keep from breaking? Too many differing opinions on truck weight, use, load and driving style!

 

[AKGerman]

I’m running an RLD topper and iKamper mini. And about to strap on the evo 2.5” lift snd king shocks with 37” tires. I live in CO and have wheeled my JTR stock with that topper snd tent for 10k miles. You do need 37” to clear many obstacles out here with that break over angle. I think I may have to go with Ram 1500 3” rear spring vs the Evo HD springs due to my weight. I’ll report back what I learn.

 

[Deleted member 28696]

Hello all, I just picked up my awesome 2021 JT Rubicon last week and I am currently in the works to building an overlanding rig to traverse Colorado and the West. I'm currently running the Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy and with an iKamper 2.0 on top, as well as the other glamping equipment in the bed. As always, weight is never your friend and I am trying to prevent excess sagging on the suspension as well as bobbling all over the trail. Yes, the best way to prevent this is to lose all the crap, but it's the only way I can get my wife to go with me...

I'm going to run it stock for a few months just so I can better understand what I am driving; I'm coming from the JK unlimited world and I'm overwhelmed with the amount of space I have in the bed. I'm looking at Icon Vehicle Dynamics with their adjustable shocks, but they are pricey... Does anyone else have any suggestions/tricks that could be useful?

I have the JKS venture 3-3.5" lift and apparently JKS has a heavy duty option to hold additional weight. It was recommended to me after adding an RSI SmartCap Adventure, I have about an inch of sag which will worsen over time. That I add the RAM 3" 1500 rear spring mod and the Sumo spring 1800lb bump stops so the rear can hold the additional weight. It basically put's it back to stock for the springs since the JKS Venture won't hold the weight that the stock springs do. I haven't had the lift for very long so having to do this right away kind of sucks.

BDS 3" Ram 1500 Rear Spring Mod	​
SUMO SPRING SSR-407-47 1800lb Gladiator	​

 

[HooliganActual]

Late to the party here and I'm sure the OP has already moved forward with a plan; however, I'll share in case it helps the next person.

Here's my 2020 JTR with 2.5" Icon Lift, 37" Toyo R/Ts, AluCab Explorer Canopy and James Baroud Evasion RTT. In order to avoid rear-end sag, I had to get custom springs in the rear (the shop doing my lift worked with Deaver Springs) built to handle an extra 900-1200# for about a $600 upcharge.

As to the question about having to replace axles/CV joints/etc., I didn't "HAVE TO". I have a lot of miles on this build, hard & easy, and things have held up well. My plan was that if I break something, I will upgrade at that time. I know some will cringe at the though of getting stranded with that "plan", but I had already taken off enough perfectly good parts (stock suspension) that I paid for and will never use, that I decided I would see how the drive train fares.

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