Improve factory suspension without lift? Possible?

[arthurvanderlinde]

Apologies if this has been talked about already. I searched and couldn’t seem to find anything.

Does anyone have ideas for improving the factory suspension without lifting - or as minimal lifting as possible?

I have a 2020 Rubicon and the springs are far too bouncy for me.
I’ve done the big lifts with previous Jeeps and don’t want to go that route with this one. At least not yet.
Thank you!

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[Maximus Gladius]

My wife and i have felt the same thing and don’t want to lift either. The cheapest way to stiffen up the back was to install AIRLIFT 1000 bags into the back coils. (Approx $150) Second option, checkout Falcon adjustable shooks. We didn’t do those yet but the shock needs to handle and control the up and down travel a lot better than it does.

 

[arthurvanderlinde]

My wife and i have felt the same thing and don’t want to lift either. The cheapest way to stiffen up the back was to install AIRLIFT 1000 bags into the back coils. (Approx $150) Second option, checkout Falcon adjustable shooks. We didn’t do those yet but the shock needs to handle and control the up and down travel a lot better than it does.

So you did install the airbags? Do you feel they made a difference? I’m tired of feeling like I’m riding with Ace when I’m just cruising to the grocery store lol

 

[Maximus Gladius]

So you did install the airbags? Do you feel they made a difference? I’m tired of feeling like I’m riding with Ace when I’m just cruising to the grocery store lol

Hilarious! I did install them myself. It only took me 2 hours by the time I was done. Firmed up the back so it stopped the truck from bucking.

 

[dcmdon]

Apologies if this has been talked about already. I searched and couldn’t seem to find anything.

Does anyone have ideas for improving the factory suspension without lifting - or as minimal lifting as possible?

I have a 2020 Rubicon and the springs are far too bouncy for me.
I’ve done the big lifts with previous Jeeps and don’t want to go that route with this one. At least not yet.
Thank you!

Can you better define "Improve".

If you are trying to reduce bounce, by that I mean continued motion after the bump has passed, then its a matter of shocks with stiffer valving.

If you are talking about the suspension bottoming or getting close then bags are an inexpensive option.

I might try bags first because they are cheap and easy to install. Either way, that was one of the reasons I purchased a Mojave. I thought ride motions were better controlled than any other model and the tuning between the shocks and springs was mostly "sorted" out.

When I hit a bump the rear of my Mojave stays put. It doesn't "step out" like my last truck used to do. Also if I hit a whoop type upand down it compresses once then stops. I'm pretty happy with how sorted it is.

Its compliant but controlled.

Maybe buy Mojave take-offs if the bags don't help.

 

[Fouts]

Also keep in mind it is kind of a pick up truck so light in the back but sprung to add some weight. Can't see that air bags would help unless you are trying to carry additional weight. Possibly an adjustable shock, for the money i see a lot of people talking about the Rancho adjustable although I have not tried. I do really like my Mojave and I think if someone didn't mind spending the money on an upper end shock like the Fox or Falcon might be a good solution.

 

[dcmdon]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/mojave-suspension.53361/

 

[MaysvilleStig]

I agree, I don't like the bouncy ride with the factory Fox shocks. All springs are bouncy, they are only there to support weight, shocks are what dampen that motion. I just ordered some Bilsteins which I think will help quite a bit. I had the same issue on my AT4 with the ranchos, I swapped those out for Bilsteins as well and it made a huge difference. I'll report back once they get here.

 

[arthurvanderlinde]

Can you better define "Improve".

If you are trying to reduce bounce, by that I mean continued motion after the bump has passed, then its a matter of shocks with stiffer valving.

If you are talking about the suspension bottoming or getting close then bags are an inexpensive option.

I might try bags first because they are cheap and easy to install. Either way, that was one of the reasons I purchased a Mojave. I thought ride motions were better controlled than any other model and the tuning between the shocks and springs was mostly "sorted" out.

When I hit a bump the rear of my Mojave stays put. It doesn't "step out" like my last truck used to do. Also if I hit a whoop type upand down it compresses once then stops. I'm pretty happy with how sorted it is.

Its compliant but controlled.

Maybe buy Mojave take-offs if the bags don't help.

I appreciate the advice!
When I say improve, I mean the rebound/bounce after going over road inconsistencies. I feel like the shocks do a good job handling imperfections (my brain isnt rattled in my skull over potholes).
Where Id like to improve is in the uneven pavement aspect. Going over high or low spots in asphalt leaves me bouncing around for a while afterwards

 

[arthurvanderlinde]

I agree, I don't like the bouncy ride with the factory Fox shocks. All springs are bouncy, they are only there to support weight, shocks are what dampen that motion. I just ordered some Bilsteins which I think will help quite a bit. I had the same issue on my AT4 with the ranchos, I swapped those out for Bilsteins as well and it made a huge difference. I'll report back once they get here.

Absolutely let me know! Thanks! I also had some Ranchos on my wrangler that I hated so I’ll be interested to see your opinion on the Bilsteins for the gladiator

 

[arthurvanderlinde]

Also keep in mind it is kind of a pick up truck so light in the back but sprung to add some weight. Can't see that air bags would help unless you are trying to carry additional weight. Possibly an adjustable shock, for the money i see a lot of people talking about the Rancho adjustable although I have not tried. I do really like my Mojave and I think if someone didn't mind spending the money on an upper end shock like the Fox or Falcon might be a good solution.

You make a good point. Maybe I should reassess after adding some weight back there.
I had Rancho adjustables on my wrangler and hated them so if I might go a different adjustable route. Thanks!

 

[OffroadAlliance.com]

Absolutely let me know! Thanks! I also had some Ranchos on my wrangler that I hated so I’ll be interested to see your opinion on the Bilsteins for the gladiator

How much are you looking to spend? We have good options for Icon shocks that only lift about 1.5" and they're fully adjustable with 10 levels of compression adjustability.
Are you looking for just rear or front and rear?

 

[arthurvanderlinde]

How much are you looking to spend? We have good options for Icon shocks that only lift about 1.5" and they're fully adjustable with 10 levels of compression adjustability.
Are you looking for just rear or front and rear?

I won’t say money is no object, but I’m willing to pay for quality parts to have it done right. I’ve gone budget suspension components before and immediately regretted it.
I’d be interested to see what you recommend

 

[OffroadAlliance.com]

I won’t say money is no object, but I’m willing to pay for quality parts to have it done right. I’ve gone budget suspension components before and immediately regretted it.
I’d be interested to see what you recommend

Ok sounds good! I'll shoot you a PM with some ideas.

 

[MaysvilleStig]

Absolutely let me know! Thanks! I also had some Ranchos on my wrangler that I hated so I’ll be interested to see your opinion on the Bilsteins for the gladiator

The front pair actually came in today and I put them on. Still waiting for the rear. So far I immediately noticed the back ends tendency to bounce when backing off my driveway. The front end dips once and stays put. They are stiffer, but I feel they handle the sharp imperfections (jolts) in the road better. I'm starting to think that the factory Fox shocks arent the same as the 2.0s that everyone loves. If anyone has info on that let me know. So far I'm happy with my purchase but I'm still running half and half until the rears get here lol.

I noticed the Bilstiens were a hair longer than the Foxs also. Not enough to make any difference I'm sure. Just passing on what I learned. Fox was lighter as well.

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