New to me JTRD suspension questions

[gjk5dave]

Brought home a 21 this weekend and on the 4 hr drive through the mountains I realized I hate the factory Fox shocks, body roll was ridiculous, and I want a little more height for sure. Not new to Jeeps, looking for something a little less complete than my JKUR ( 2.5 Rock Krawler X Factor) but upgradeable in the future. Going to move my 37's onto the JT immediately as well (will definitely suit the diesel better). So far looking for a 2.5 with front and pref. rear track bars, front uppers and sway links. I am about 2 hrs from Moab and Ouray and do those and local trails but no really hard crawling, will have this JT setup pretty heavy for more overlanding (topper and tent etc).

Open to any suggestions on lift and on shocks that will keep me at or under $3K for now and can add parts later if desired.

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[Free2roam]

2.5 Fox Elites custom tuned check out Overland Vechicle Dynamics AKA @CrazyCooter

 

[gjk5dave]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will take a look. Pretty sure I have settled on a Clayton 2.5 as well for the lift, I may start with the Ride Right for now and buy the rest of the arms as I go. Want to get these 37's moved ASAP. Need to decide on some shocks pretty quickly here.

I had pretty much decided on the 5160's but they are not in stock anywhere.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

If body roll is your main complaint, the 5100s or Fox 2.5s might not be what you're looking for as both are still fairly soft. Both will be comparable to factory ride characteristics, with the 5100s a tad more stiff than the 2.5s, but I can only speak from what others have reported as I have not actually experienced the 2.5s.

I have AEV HD springs and 5100s. Overall ride quality is really good considering the HD springs, but they do feel a little soft in the corners especially with 37s. Buddy of mine has a 2.5" Metalcloak lift with Falcon 2.0 and his stays far more flat in corners. He took my truck for a weekend while I was working on his and the first thing he commented on was the sway and roll in corners. It's not horrible or concerning, but it's there. But his also has a harsh ride compared to mine and you feel every bump and crack in the road, and the springs can't support much additional weight at all.

Since you'll be heavy I can't recommend the AEV HD springs enough. I haven't come across another spring yet that can handle the weight as good as the AEV. If you go for the complete Dual Sprot kit the AEV 5100s are tuned for the spring, but as I stated they do have a little more sway and roll, but it's still very controlled. I don't know that theres a better suspension for heavy rigs than the AEV Dual Sport with HD springs, and you can opt for the XT which comes with 8100s.

 

[VA6489]

Some thoughts

To control body roll you need more than shocks. Sway bars and spring rates need some attentions. I am of the mindset buy once cry once. Looking at this option is usually cheaper in the long run. Can you do it cheaper? Yes but you get what you pay for.

Shocks, Look at King Smoothies. You can have them custom valved for you driving style and weight. Yes they are a few Jeep Bucks but the up side is you will likely never have to replace them. Get the reservoir and dampening adjustment for fine tuning. In 5 years you can have them serviced or do that your self and they will be good for another 5 years. this is my fourth rig with king shocks, two with Coil overs two with smoothies. I had a set on my JKUR for 8 year before upgrading axles and shocks. Gladiator is slated for king 2.5x14s Next month. Smoothies on tow previous rigs that are still going strong after 10+years.

Body roll: Look at ORO sway lock. dual rate sway bar them make them for both front and rear applications. I lave replaced the Rubi E sway bars on everyone of my rigs for these. Off road you unlock the dual rate to a soft single rate. On road you lock in the dual rate and get sport car cornering capabilities.

Lift for 37s assuming that you are going to do gears as well. 4.10 will make a great improvement and fuel mileage increase as well. Yes you have a JTRD but you are running 3.73 gears. Yes it will pull 37 down the road but it will work hard to do so. 4.10 on 37 will offer improved fuel mileage and decrease engine oil temps.

I am running a Clayton 3.5 overlanding lift. Lots of clearance for 37 get the HD spring for the rear if you are loaded up. If you are interested I am pulling my clayton lift in May for a Artec Long Arm system with Coil overs I will make you a deal on the lift and springs. PM for more details.

 

[gjk5dave]

Thanks for the input guys, I did go ahead and pull the trigger on the Clayton 2.5 (just getting the basic setup for now and work on the rest of the arms etc later) so springs, fr uppers, both track bars, bumps, sway links. I did talk to them a few times prior to ordering and gave them my day to day typical load and "field" load and they suggested I go with the standard springs since I remove the tent and gear until I am headed to camp and only have bumper/winch and topper 95% of the time. I did find the 5160's also, my understanding is that they are definitely firmer than the Fox, not as firm as the Falcon mono's and I just wasn't wanting to go to that next (over $2K) level.

I will say I was very happy with Clayton's customer service, asked me about past setups and experience with it and about my use case for this one and gave well thought out advice. I just had to get this done quick, want to get those 37's off the JKUR and get that thing gone.

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