Custom Hybrid Suspension Mix for Max Tow Gladiator (JKS / Dobinsons / Fox)

[JmattNYC]

Hey everyone,
Looking to pull the trigger on a suspension setup for my gas Max Tow Gladiator today. I want to run this hybrid mix past you guys before buying.
Right now, the truck has a mild armor setup: steel front bumper with a triple hoop guard, a Mopar steel rear bumper, a Tyger chase rack, bed cab sliders, a front steel skid, and a Tyger rear hitch guard. Total added weight is well under 200 lbs on each end.
I definitely don't want a towering, crazy tall truck. I want a low center of gravity setup that holds weight without sagging and protect my factory Max Tow utility because i do use it alot to haul things . I’m also planning to run 34" tires.
Down the road, this is going to turn into a much heavier build. I plan on adding an 8k lightweight winch with synthetic line (wish we had more good non-Warn choices, lol), Warrior steel fenders, the rest of the Mopar steel skids, a Wilco Solo rear tire carrier (or AEV bed mount), and JPP rock rails to replace my Star Armor steps. Long-term goals also include front/rear Currie Anti-Rocks and a heavy-duty steering overhaul.
I researched standard kits but kept hitting major roadblocks for this plan:

• Mopar 2-Inch Kit: Stiff diesel coils would be too harsh on a gas motor, and the standard gas kit lacks adjustable track bars. The resulting axle shift will cause clearing issues with future Anti-Rocks.
• Standard JKS Kits: Great engineering, but their complete systems force a taller 3.5"+ stance that I just don't want.
• AEV Lifts: Great for highway driving, but their setups are fixed-length. The track brackets will completely interfere with the vertical travel arcs of future HD Anti-Rock arms.

To get the exact low height, I came up with this core layout baseline:

• The Skeleton Core: JKS J-Venture Component Master Box (JSPEC1303) — Reusing strictly for the adjustable front track bar , quick-release trail disconnects, brake line drops, and bump stops. [1]
• The Coils: Dobinsons Dual-Rate Coils — Going with their Medium Front Load variant (2 to 2.5-inch) to match my current setup until the winch goes on, and the 2-inch 200–400 lbs Constant Load Rear version to support the bed armor while completely avoiding their stiffer, harsher spring variants.
• The Geometry Fix: Rancho Geometry Correction Brackets.

Down the road, going with Synergy steering links and track bars is a huge possibility too, mostly because everything they build lines up beautifully with their own suspension and heavy-duty drivetrain parts.

Potential Damping & Shock Package

• The Shocks: Fox 2.0 Performance Series Remote Reservoir Shocks (2–3" Lift Spec) — Upgrading to reservoirs to prevent shock fade and protect the seals under load.
• The Stabilizer: Fox 2.0 Performance Series TS Through-Shaft Steering Stabilizer — Selected to match the reservoir shocks visually and ensure completely neutral steering feedback. [7]
• The Axle Control: Mopar Factory Power Hop Damper Kit (JTPOWERHOPKIT) — Adds the horizontal 3rd shock to completely stop rear axle wrap and wheel hopping. [8]

Also, for anyone out there who went the simple route and is currently running the new Mopar lift kit on a somewhat heavy armor build, how does it actually feel day-to-day? Handles weight well ?
Appreciate any real-world feedback!

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[WILDHOBO]

Hey everyone,
Looking to pull the trigger on a suspension setup for my gas Max Tow Gladiator today. I want to run this hybrid mix past you guys before buying.
Right now, the truck has a mild armor setup: steel front bumper with a triple hoop guard, a Mopar steel rear bumper, a Tyger chase rack, bed cab sliders, a front steel skid, and a Tyger rear hitch guard. Total added weight is well under 200 lbs on each end.
I definitely don't want a towering, crazy tall truck. I want a low center of gravity setup that holds weight without sagging and protect my factory Max Tow utility because i do use it alot to haul things . I’m also planning to run 34" tires.
Down the road, this is going to turn into a much heavier build. I plan on adding an 8k lightweight winch with synthetic line (wish we had more good non-Warn choices, lol), Warrior steel fenders, the rest of the Mopar steel skids, a Wilco Solo rear tire carrier (or AEV bed mount), and JPP rock rails to replace my Star Armor steps. Long-term goals also include front/rear Currie Anti-Rocks and a heavy-duty steering overhaul.
I researched standard kits but kept hitting major roadblocks for this plan:

• Mopar 2-Inch Kit: Stiff diesel coils would be too harsh on a gas motor, and the standard gas kit lacks adjustable track bars. The resulting axle shift will cause clearing issues with future Anti-Rocks.
• Standard JKS Kits: Great engineering, but their complete systems force a taller 3.5"+ stance that I just don't want.
• AEV Lifts: Great for highway driving, but their setups are fixed-length. The track brackets will completely interfere with the vertical travel arcs of future HD Anti-Rock arms.

To get the exact low height, I came up with this core layout baseline:

• The Skeleton Core: JKS J-Venture Component Master Box (JSPEC1303) — Reusing strictly for the adjustable front track bar , quick-release trail disconnects, brake line drops, and bump stops. [1]
• The Coils: Dobinsons Dual-Rate Coils — Going with their Medium Front Load variant (2 to 2.5-inch) to match my current setup until the winch goes on, and the 2-inch 200–400 lbs Constant Load Rear version to support the bed armor while completely avoiding their stiffer, harsher spring variants.
• The Geometry Fix: Rancho Geometry Correction Brackets.

Down the road, going with Synergy steering links and track bars is a huge possibility too, mostly because everything they build lines up beautifully with their own suspension and heavy-duty drivetrain parts.

Potential Damping & Shock Package

• The Shocks: Fox 2.0 Performance Series Remote Reservoir Shocks (2–3" Lift Spec) — Upgrading to reservoirs to prevent shock fade and protect the seals under load.
• The Stabilizer: Fox 2.0 Performance Series TS Through-Shaft Steering Stabilizer — Selected to match the reservoir shocks visually and ensure completely neutral steering feedback. [7]
• The Axle Control: Mopar Factory Power Hop Damper Kit (JTPOWERHOPKIT) — Adds the horizontal 3rd shock to completely stop rear axle wrap and wheel hopping. [8]

Also, for anyone out there who went the simple route and is currently running the new Mopar lift kit on a somewhat heavy armor build, how does it actually feel day-to-day? Handles weight well ?
Appreciate any real-world feedback!

Run as fast as you can from JKS. I know from experience. And when their control arms failed for the third time in a year, they ghosted me. No support. They’re designed for mall crawlers.

mine has evolved several times, but one requirement is unchanged. Keep the rake for hauling and towing, and NEVER sag below level.

I’d recommend teraflex or rock Krawler. I’m using rock Krawler standard springs in the front. And evo HD/diesel springs for the rear. But teraflex has “Outback” springs that hold loads very well for your height.

 

[JmattNYC]

Run as fast as you can from JKS. I know from experience. And when their control arms failed for the third time in a year, they ghosted me. No support. They’re designed for mall crawlers.

mine has evolved several times, but one requirement is unchanged. Keep the rake for hauling and towing, and NEVER sag below level.

I’d recommend teraflex or rock Krawler. I’m using rock Krawler standard springs in the front. And evo HD/diesel springs for the rear. But teraflex has “Outback” springs that hold loads very well for your height.

Thanks for your input, Am surprised about that from JKS smh. Shame to be honest as i always seen their stuff as high quality and heavy duty. Synergy components are my back and viewed highly by many. I was thinking about the teraflex HD outback coil springs for my build. I liked the Dobinson coils because of the load rang you can choose from however i will definitely review the outback springs before making final choice. How do you like your current set up of rock krawler and evo HD diesel springs? One reason i stayed away from mopar diesel lift was becuase i did not want that dump truck ride and i could not trust the rear to hold up when hauling.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Thanks for your input, Am surprised about that from JKS smh. Shame to be honest as i always seen their stuff as high quality and heavy duty. Synergy components are my back and viewed highly by many. I was thinking about the teraflex HD outback coil springs for my build. I liked the Dobinson coils because of the load rang you can choose from however i will definitely review the outback springs before making final choice. How do you like your current set up of rock krawler and evo HD diesel springs? One reason i stayed away from mopar diesel lift was becuase i did not want that dump truck ride and i could not trust the rear to hold up when hauling.

I agree with skipping mopar. Overpriced for what you get. Jks was really a disappointment.

I really like my current setup. I loved my teraflex springs. And I really like the support from them. I have so many things from them on my jeep. The reason I went to rock Krawler and evo was I increased my lift and teraflex didn’t have the same stuff in those heights.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Thanks for your input, Am surprised about that from JKS smh. Shame to be honest as i always seen their stuff as high quality and heavy duty. Synergy components are my back and viewed highly by many. I was thinking about the teraflex HD outback coil springs for my build. I liked the Dobinson coils because of the load rang you can choose from however i will definitely review the outback springs before making final choice. How do you like your current set up of rock krawler and evo HD diesel springs? One reason i stayed away from mopar diesel lift was becuase i did not want that dump truck ride and i could not trust the rear to hold up when hauling.

I also looked into dobinson. They have a great reputation. But they didn’t have anything in the 4”+ range, so I couldn’t use them. Mine has gotten out of control. I started with a straight 3” lift, with ram 1500 springs in the rear for hauling and towing. That was before anyone had hd springs for gladiators. Now that lots of options exist, I’ve pulled those.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I’ll second Rock Krawler but only from a research perspective. As far as quality vs cost they seem to be above par. For the AntiRock I have to ask, how used to the Jeep sway are you? If you plan the build to be heavier go with the heavier duty AntiRock. They’ll still function correctly off-road but give you a bit of resistance in the turns on road. I only have front but you definitely feel the “Jeep lean” if you take a corner aggressively. Enough that if you look at people’s faces in opposing lanes they’re concerned for your mental well being.

 

[JmattNYC]

I also looked into dobinson. They have a great reputation. But they didn’t have anything in the 4”+ range, so I couldn’t use them. Mine has gotten out of control. I started with a straight 3” lift, with ram 1500 springs in the rear for baking and towing. That was before anyone had hd springs for gladiators. Now that lots of options exist, I’ve pulled those.

I see your build and yes i understand. Your def not a mall crawler lol I wont be nearly as high with the lift. I don't want to run into changing drive shafts, longer arms and re-gearing right now. I can see that becoming very expensive lol Am still researching final tires and shocks. I live in NYC still and park indoors. It limits me as far as height

 

[WILDHOBO]

I’ll second Rock Krawler but only from a research perspective. As far as quality vs cost they seem to be above par. For the AntiRock I have to ask, how used to the Jeep sway are you? If you plan the build to be heavier go with the heavier duty AntiRock. They’ll still function correctly off-road but give you a bit of resistance in the turns on road. I only have front but you definitely feel the “Jeep lean” if you take a corner aggressively. Enough that if you look at people’s faces in opposing lanes they’re concerned for your mental well being.

I love the rock Krawler and evo springs. I’ve never been interested in the antirock for my build. I want to take corners at highway speed with a trailer and have it stay planted. It’s still my truck for truck things.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I see your build and yes i understand. Your def not a mall crawler lol I wont be nearly as high with the lift. I don't want to run into changing drive shafts, longer arms and re-gearing right now. I can see that becoming very expensive lol Am still researching final tires and shocks. I live in NYC still and park indoors. It limits me as far as height

Several options for your build. I really replied to keep you from running into issues with jks. And because I also want/need to haul and tow with no compromises. I’d start by calling teraflex. And no harm in having a Frankenstein build. Mine is. I think it’s the only way to get exactly what you want.

 

[JmattNYC]

I’ll second Rock Krawler but only from a research perspective. As far as quality vs cost they seem to be above par. For the AntiRock I have to ask, how used to the Jeep sway are you? If you plan the build to be heavier go with the heavier duty AntiRock. They’ll still function correctly off-road but give you a bit of resistance in the turns on road. I only have front but you definitely feel the “Jeep lean” if you take a corner aggressively. Enough that if you look at people’s faces in opposing lanes they’re concerned for your mental well being.

Lol I do plan to finally hit more distance trails,woods and areas I've never been. The HD Anti-rocks are what ive been looking into because i do have a lot of steel and plan to add more. I was going to with the usually helwig in rear and appex in front but i feel that setup is better on a AEV dual sport lift which has its limitations and more overland heavy. What shocks your running with the antirock ?

 

[JmattNYC]

Several options for your build. I really replied to keep you from running into issues with jks. And because I also want/need to haul and tow with no compromises. I’d start by calling teraflex. And no harm in having a Frankenstein build. Mine is. I think it’s the only way to get exactly what you want.

Thank you and i appreciate that. Teraflex does have the best eco-system of parts to be honest and you can get almost anything from them. I do want to keep my hauling abilities as i started this new gladiator and search for base model max tow so i can get best payload. mine has 1751LBS of payload. I two sometimes and would like to retain as much of that ability as possible hence why i keep running into Dobinson. You get me really thinking about staying away from JKS smh. I don't like that they ghosted you

 

[WILDHOBO]

Thank you and i appreciate that. Teraflex does have the best eco-system of parts to be honest and you can get almost anything from them. I do want to keep my hauling abilities as i started this new gladiator and search for base model max tow so i can get best payload. mine has 1751LBS of payload. I two sometimes and would like to retain as much of that ability as possible hence why i keep running into Dobinson. You get me really thinking about staying away from JKS smh. I don't like that they ghosted you

With my factory 7000 tow rating, my goal wasn’t to tow that with a lifted jeep, it definitely to not sag the rear end with tongue weight. Since I’ve owned it, it’s never been lower than level. And I load it up. A lot.

 

[mtudb24]

I went with the mopar lift for a couple reasons. I was able to put it into the cost of the vehicle when I bought it. The original kit came with FOX 2.5" shocks. To buy replacement 2.5's, will cost me more then the lift kit that came with them (Over 2K)

You also get about 3-3.5" of lift on a max tow (that's what I got). Downside, is yes, I had to buy a adjustable track bar. That was just a couple hundred bucks. Still under the height that requires new driveshafts etc.

The FOX 2.0 remote reservoir shocks you potentially want to add, are about $1300 and you can get the new Mopar lift with Bilstein 5160 remote reservoir shocks for about $1700 depending on which site you use. So your getting the lift for about $400 is how I see it.

I've got about 64K miles on the jeep now and will have had it for 6 years come Oct and have no complaints.

Its gonna cost me about $1200 bucks to replace the FOX 2.5's with the updated Bilstein 5160 remote reservoir shocks in the next 6 months when I do that.

I know its not popular with many hard core offroaders, but it has been flawless for me so far.

 

[JmattNYC]

With my factory 7000 tow rating, my goal wasn’t to tow that with a lifted jeep, it definitely to not sag the rear end with tongue weight. Since I’ve owned it, it’s never been lower than level. And I load it up. A lot.

With my factory 7000 tow rating, my goal wasn’t to tow that with a lifted jeep, it definitely to not sag the rear end with tongue weight. Since I’ve owned it, it’s never been lower than level. And I load it up. A lot.

A couple of quick questions, 1- How do you like the Teraflex nomand wheels? Love how the look in bronze and they have the version where you can quickly air down. 2- Which skid systems your running?

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Lol I do plan to finally hit more distance trails,woods and areas I've never been. The HD Anti-rocks are what ive been looking into because i do have a lot of steel and plan to add more. I was going to with the usually helwig in rear and appex in front but i feel that setup is better on a AEV dual sport lift which has its limitations and more overland heavy. What shocks your running with the antirock ?

Jeep Fox Poo Poo Mopar lift shocks. Im not impressed. I’ll change em out when I decide exactly what I want and which springs I want to run with the RK arms.

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