Ecodiesel 3.5-4" lift springs - swapping out Clayton springs for a softer ride

[RKcreative]

I have a 2022 JTRD equipped with a Clayton 3.5" lift kit paired with Fox Performance Elite 2.5 shocks. The Jeep is outfitted with several weight-adding accessories, including a steel front bumper, a winch with a synthetic line, rockhard sliders, an Alu-Cab canopy, and an ARB Elements fridge mounted on a slide with battery system. Additionally, I always carry tools and recovery gear in the vehicle.

Despite various adjustments to the FOX shocks, the ride quality on the Clayton springs has never been ideal. The 216 lb/in Clayton springs feel WAY too firm, and I’m now considering swapping them for something with a softer spring rate. My goal is to achieve a more "plush" ride while utilizing the excellent adjustability of the Fox Performance Elite 2.5 shocks for dialing in stiffness as needed.

I’m seeking recommendations for a new set of springs that offer a lower spring rate but still provide 3.5–4" of lift. I’m also open to supplementing the rear suspension with airbags to handle additional weight when towing my 3,500 lb overland camper or carrying a full load.

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[outdoor.adventures]

I originally had the 3.5" Clayton springs all around and felt the same way. I switched to Synergy springs - much softer. I went with their 4" springs in the front and 3" springs in the rear to be level (I'm not pulling trailers).

 

[RKcreative]

I originally had the 3.5" Clayton springs all around and felt the same way. I switched to Synergy springs - much softer. I went with their 4" springs in the front and 3" springs in the rear to be level (I'm not pulling trailers).

Thanks for chiming in. If you don't mind me asking, did the 4" Synergy springs give you a similar amount of lift as the Clayton 3.5" ? (presuming you have a diesel as well)

 

[outdoor.adventures]

Thanks for chiming in. If you don't mind me asking, did the 4" Synergy springs give you a similar amount of lift as the Clayton 3.5" ? (presuming you have a diesel as well)

Ah, I don't have a diesel, so I just had the non-diesel Clayton springs. They gave me 4" in the front. The 4" Synergy springs gave me 3.5" in the front, for what it's worth even though it's not apples to apples compared to your diesel.

 

[Shamus]

I had the same issue when I upgrade to the Clayton 2.5" lift with diesel specific front springs, standard Clayton rear spring. I have the fox 2.5 installed and the shocks seemed to be underdamped for the new HD spring rate and rear spring rate. The Fox shocks from the factory are tuned for the JEEP spring rates. I had a rough ride to say the least. I talked with a forum member CrazyCooter who has a long thread on his tuning of the fox shocks and Clayton combo.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...se-doing-their-own-shock-tuning.53421/page-11

I sent him my shocks and he changed the valving on the shocks to better match with the added weight and spring rate of the the Clayton springs, his tuned setup. It was night and day difference when I installed the retuned shocks. No more harsh ride during normal driving, offroad driving or towing my expedition trailer. I do use helper airbags in the rear when towing the trailer as I also have gear in the bed and this reduces sag in the rear..

Your setup is very similar to his. Might reach out to him.

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