Modding a Rubicon to ride like a Mojave

[gravely]

Well I have driven one and I like the way they ride. I like that they take the bumps and whoops good and is why I'm working to obtain what I need for this. As far as everyone else reason, who knows, but my jeep my money. I just need the information that I ask to gain the insight needed to make informed descions on my purchases. Thanks for everyone that has helped

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[MoparToYou]

I guess all of the hype from Mojave owners and ones that have driven them about how much better handling/ride they have. I only spent $1300 on the shocks. Is there anything better aftermarket in that price range?

I think you did fine by getting 4 Mojave shocks for that price. They are better than many of the other shock options out there. You are already shoulder deep into this rabbit hole of changing your Rubicon into a Mojave suspension Rubicon, so you might as well finish the project. Definitely get the shock extension brackets so your Mojave shocks can work as intended. I wouldn't expect to see much difference with a spring change, but if your Rubicon doesn't have a tow package you could change to tow package Mojave springs, which will help when you do the towing you plan.

And yes, I think there is a whole lot of hype regarding Jeeps "Desert Rated" Gladiator suspension. It is a little better at higher speeds than perhaps a sport model Gladiator. But compared to anything that has an even halfway serious offroad suspension it falls far short. Both of the Gladiator Mojave's I have bought made me think "what, that's it?" on the first offroad ride. Jeep's attempt at a go fast offroad suspension is underwhelming to say the least.

But the Gladiator offers things that other go fast offroad machines do not have. It feels like a Jeep when you are driving it, not like an enormous full-size pickup truck. It is far more capable of the difficult go slow offroad use than the other go-fast machines (Raptor, TRX). My wife actually chose our current Mojave as her daily driver. She likes the way a Jeep drives instead of a pickup. But she likes the pickup capability to haul things when she goes on her Costco runs better than she does a Wrangler. And it rides decently good for what it is, a very limited attempt at a go fast offroad machine.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I hear this every so often that the diesel and Mojave have the same frame or if you get a Mojave you get the diesel frame with steel knuckles. The Mojave came out first with upgraded frame bracing, different shock supports , shock mounts to support the Mojave shocks and steel knuckles. Isn’t the diesel frame probably beefed up to support the heavier weight of the engine and steel knuckles , but does it have the frame bracing in rear , heavier shock towers to support the shocks and the HD mounts for the shocks with larger bolt holes. Not firsrl vadhibg or Mojave loving but I just think looking up part numbers there would have to be a difference and is the diesel frame just steel knuckles and heavier rated suspension in front and perhaps some bracing in front?….Jack

I’ve looked at and eco diesel and my Mojave side my side and they shared all the same extra bracing, beefier trans mount, stronger front and rear shock mounts, steel knuckles, and thicker engine mount tabs. The only difference was. the front bumpstop assembly. All of these things my gasser rubicon does not have

 

[djwatts]

Ok, so I decided to trade my Rubicon in for a Mojave. The drive-ride is totally different. Even with the reservoir shocks on the Rubicon, it does not drive-ride like the Mojave. The Mojave is almost like driving a luxury car. It takes the bumps so much better than the Rubicon.

So, if you are trying to upgrade your Rubicon to ride like a Mojave, just putting on the Mojave shocks will not do it. Totally wasted the $2500 in shocks and installation on that effort.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

A spacer is going to make the ride worse/rougher. Ditch the spacer....

No it won't. That's because a spacer doesn't change the spring rate. It is simply raising the vehicle height. The spring remains the exact same spring and the spring is compressed exactly the same. The spacers only lift - nothing more, nothing less. They can't change the ride one bit (unless you raise it to the point of needing geometry correcting brackets - but then taller springs will do that, too!)

edit:
(I see someone already said all of that, ok, I missed that post!)

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Ok, so I decided to trade my Rubicon in for a Mojave. The drive-ride is totally different. Even with the reservoir shocks on the Rubicon, it does not drive-ride like the Mojave. The Mojave is almost like driving a luxury car. It takes the bumps so much better than the Rubicon.

So, if you are trying to upgrade your Rubicon to ride like a Mojave, just putting on the Mojave shocks will not do it. Totally wasted the $2500 in shocks and installation on that effort.

SPRINGS SPRINGS SPRINGS.
Your biggest mistake was thinking shocks alone determine the ride.
If they aren't matched correctly to the spring rate and vehicle weight - it won't make a lot of difference. Mojave springs are different, and the shocks are matched to the springs and the heavy Mojave.
One reason for the ride of the Mojave is WEIGHT.
It's a heavy truck compared to other JTs. The proof is in the payload rating of Mojave vs. some of the others.
I lost 200 pounds of payload going from Overland with a great ride to Mojave - with a similar, but more "planted" ride due mostly to the weight of the truck vs. the Overland.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

And yes, I think there is a whole lot of hype regarding Jeeps "Desert Rated" Gladiator suspension. It is a little better at higher speeds than perhaps a sport model Gladiator.

I constantly read here about the superior Mojave and how nothing rides like it and so on - and yet a couple of other members didn't really agree, and I add myself to that mix because I've owned/driven the Overland level for over 5 years. I've been on all types of roads across the country, Colorado, Florida, KY, GA, IL's HORRIBLE highway systems and more - and frankly, the ride in both of my Overlands was as good. Yes, the Mojave feels more "planted" but gee, it's a very heavy Jeep. The proof is in the weight ratings and curb weights. Get the Mojave X and you lose 200 pounds of payload right off the bat. Hook up a trailer, put in 2 adults and you are DONE That's it, no weight left for beer or your dog.
But for ride, my Overlands, both of them, while STOCK, with stock springs and shocks, rode just as nicely across railroad tracks, pavement heaves, pot holes and so on. I bet if I had put the Mojave tires on my Overland, due to the extra size, I'd have had trouble telling the two apart on the worst streets IL has to offer. Bigger tires take offsets in road surfaces much easier than smaller diameter tires. So some of it is tire size - put larger tires on a Sport and some of those pavement imperfections will literally vanish as the tires will span them, not jump them.

I've driven each level - and frankly, meh, for a typical owner who is not out doing dune jumps at 60 mph, I almost wish I had gone Rubicon instead and gotten superior towing and payload numbers. But what's done is done.

 

[NC_Overland]

SPRINGS SPRINGS SPRINGS.
Your biggest mistake was thinking shocks alone determine the ride.
If they aren't matched correctly to the spring rate and vehicle weight - it won't make a lot of difference. Mojave springs are different, and the shocks are matched to the springs and the heavy Mojave.
One reason for the ride of the Mojave is WEIGHT.
It's a heavy truck compared to other JTs. The proof is in the payload rating of Mojave vs. some of the others.
I lost 200 pounds of payload going from Overland with a great ride to Mojave - with a similar, but more "planted" ride due mostly to the weight of the truck vs. the Overland.

Tires make a big difference too. You mentioned a more planted feeling. Mine felt a lot more planted when I changed from the 255/70/18 all seasons on my Overland to the much heavier and larger 285/70/18” E load tires I have now. I just have to keep the tire pressure under 35 PSI for a good ride. Probably better tire wear too since my last set wore out evenly at 50k+ miles. I honestly think it handles better than on the stock tires.

 

[djwatts]

I constantly read here about the superior Mojave and how nothing rides like it and so on - and yet a couple of other members didn't really agree, and I add myself to that mix because I've owned/driven the Overland level for over 5 years. I've been on all types of roads across the country, Colorado, Florida, KY, GA, IL's HORRIBLE highway systems and more - and frankly, the ride in both of my Overlands was as good. Yes, the Mojave feels more "planted" but gee, it's a very heavy Jeep. The proof is in the weight ratings and curb weights. Get the Mojave X and you lose 200 pounds of payload right off the bat. Hook up a trailer, put in 2 adults and you are DONE That's it, no weight left for beer or your dog.
But for ride, my Overlands, both of them, while STOCK, with stock springs and shocks, rode just as nicely across railroad tracks, pavement heaves, pot holes and so on. I bet if I had put the Mojave tires on my Overland, due to the extra size, I'd have had trouble telling the two apart on the worst streets IL has to offer. Bigger tires take offsets in road surfaces much easier than smaller diameter tires. So some of it is tire size - put larger tires on a Sport and some of those pavement imperfections will literally vanish as the tires will span them, not jump them.

I've driven each level - and frankly, meh, for a typical owner who is not out doing dune jumps at 60 mph, I almost wish I had gone Rubicon instead and gotten superior towing and payload numbers. But what's done is done.

I haven't driven the Overland. So, I can't compare. The Mojave ride is better than the Rubicon if that's what someone is looking for. I had a 2020 sport with 35's and 2" level. It was a terrible ride. Much worse than the Rubicon.

I asked about changing the springs to the Mojave and several said it wouldn't make enough of a difference. I agree the weight of the Mojave is noticeable and helps with the ride. I'm not all that concerned with payload since I don't haul much. I will be flat towing it. But that's good info to know.

I appreciate everyone's take and responses. It really helps in making mods and purchase decisions. Multiple opinions are always helpful. I know it comes down to personal preference and what you can afford.

 

[Badunit]

I'm one of those who does not prefer the ride of the Mojave on road. I test drove one and thought it was too soft and wishy-washy, more like a land yacht than a Jeep or truck. I'm sure it is awesome off road, though. I bought a Rubicon instead and, even with it, I installed stiffer rear springs to make it ride and handle right.

 

[NC_Overland]

I haven't driven the Overland. So, I can't compare. The Mojave ride is better than the Rubicon if that's what someone is looking for. I had a 2020 sport with 35's and 2" level. It was a terrible ride. Much worse than the Rubicon.

I asked about changing the springs to the Mojave and several said it wouldn't make enough of a difference. I agree the weight of the Mojave is noticeable and helps with the ride. I'm not all that concerned with payload since I don't haul much. I will be flat towing it. But that's good info to know.

I appreciate everyone's take and responses. It really helps in making mods and purchase decisions. Multiple opinions are always helpful. I know it comes down to personal preference and what you can afford.

Ride is very subjective. The stock Overland ride sucks IMO. I have an Overland and ditched the stock suspension immediately. It rode and handled like my 65 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. I love my Cadillac, but I hated it on my Jeep. Some people might want their Jeep to ride like it’s floating on a cloud and bounce several times when you hit a bump. I hated that. If that’s what you’re after, I have a brand new Overland suspension gathering dust in my attic I’ll sell for dirt cheap. That goes for anyone.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Ride is very subjective. The stock Overland ride sucks IMO. I have an Overland and ditched the stock suspension immediately. It rode and handled like my 65 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. I love my Cadillac, but I hated it on my Jeep. Some people might want their Jeep to ride like it’s floating on a cloud and bounce several times when you hit a bump. I hated that. If that’s what you’re after, I have a brand new Overland suspension gathering dust in my attic I’ll sell for dirt cheap. That goes for anyone.

You had some bad shocks. Shocks control spring rebound, and the spring oscillations, nothing else does. My Rubicon Fox shocks let mine bounce 3 times on the jounce test. The stock socks, it was down, up and settle. There was never bounce. Bad shocks allow too many spring oscillations. It's one method we used to check for bad ones.
You got bad shocks.

 

[djwatts]

You had some bad shocks. Shocks control spring rebound, and the spring oscillations, nothing else does. My Rubicon Fox shocks let mine bounce 3 times on the jounce test. The stock socks, it was down, up and settle. There was never bounce. Bad shocks allow too many spring oscillations. It's one method we used to check for bad ones.
You got bad shocks.

You might be right on the bad shocks. They were off a new Mojave with less than 500 miles. But, they felt pretty much like the Rubicon shocks. Bumps felt really harsh and the return always felt like the truck shifted left or right causing a slight steering correction.

 

[ScottBeach]

If it's on road only you care about. Skip the Mojave. Go aftermarket. Lots of options cheaper than a new truck. The on road ride quality for mojave is a side effect of the off road focused suspension. I promise a shop can build you a spring and shock set cheaper than the cost of switching trucks.

 

[NC_Overland]

You had some bad shocks. Shocks control spring rebound, and the spring oscillations, nothing else does. My Rubicon Fox shocks let mine bounce 3 times on the jounce test. The stock socks, it was down, up and settle. There was never bounce. Bad shocks allow too many spring oscillations. It's one method we used to check for bad ones.
You got bad shocks.

The ones I test drove rode and handled the same. I test drove two Overlands before I bought mine. A soft to and a hard top and then I decided I wanted a hard top and had them bring over a Sting Gray with the options I wanted from another dealership. There’s an enormous difference in them and the Rubicon LE shocks I have. When I installed my Fox shocks, I could barely compress them by myself. I’m 6’1”/200 lbs. I was 190 then and worked out quite a bit. I was barely able to compress the Fox shocks enough to install them. As a matter of fact, I could only do two before I was too tired and had to do a sketchy set up with a floor jack.

The only reason I bought an Overland is because they had huge discounts on them in 2/2020 when I bought it that they didn’t have on other trim levels and I knew I could easily swap out the suspension. I bought it cheaper than a Sport and a more base model Rubicon with the same $55k MSRP was several thousand more on purchase price. I absolutely love my Jeep, but I had to change the suspension ASAP.

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