Payload & Suspension Help

[Eroc]

First, my question/concern... on full family trips I I'm overloaded and can "feel it" in the drive. A little more squish, more bounce, weight pushes rear down so front is a bit higher.

Here's the story
- Started with Mojave (curb weight 4,948 lbs)
- Adding 2" AEV lift to account for weight of things I ordered (trying to keep clearance as much as possible)
- Added ~500 lbs of upgrades (step sliders, front bumper, winch, topper and cargo slider). I subtracted stuff I took off
- Family of 4 ~600 lbs
- Gear ~500

So, fully loaded I'm hauling around 1,600 lbs.... that's over the published 1,200.

I love the setup right now; very functional. Topper & slide are great. Winch for self recover. Steps for wife and kids. 35's give me a little extra height. I wont add more in the next 12 months... but if I am still loving it this time next year I'd like to upgrade to tires nearer a true 37" (so wheels and re-gearing).

It's my daily, so unloaded she drives great. Once a month I off-road, sometimes crawling through local forests, mostly exploring forest roads and camping. The 2" lift basically keeps me at factory height with extra weight from upgrades.

What can/should I do to suspension to handle this extra weight to keep ride smooth and stable; control is critical to me with family in the jeep on the highway.

Things I considered without removing upgrades?
- Different springs? 2 Maybe get longer and replace the AEV plastic spacers?
- Airbags?
- Different lift? Dual rate springs?

Thanks for the help.
Eric

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[Gvsukids]

Airbags. Or tow a trailer.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/forums/suspension-steering-and-chassis.23/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/payload-questions.45481/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/payload-questions.45481/

 

[Eroc]

Airbags. Or tow a trailer.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/forums/suspension-steering-and-chassis.23/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/payload-questions.45481/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/payload-questions.45481/

Thanks @Gvsukids. Links helped. Lots of good information in there. Weight is good for tires but I'm over on payload. Even if I air-bag the rear I'm still a bit heavy.

I hate to start pulling stuff off; but will have to consider. Maybe I'll suggest that the family start a health diet tonight... and ask my wife pack less... but that's how I got to the truck to begin with.

Funny thing is now that I'm running the numbers we're at max capacity of her car. It's something I never really considered until I start bolting heavy things on the jeep.

Thanks again. E

 

[CerOf]

Run at your own risk, but know that the same vehicle in other countries is being given higher payload figures.

Personally, if I’m over 500lbs I’m not going to lose any sleep. Will I drive it differently? For sure.

To help with the weight you either need air bags or actual lift springs.

AEV’s or someone like Clayton. Their springs are typically designed with a higher spring rate to compensate for loads.
Heck, my mopar 2” lift compensates for weight well.

 

[Eroc]

Run at your own risk, but know that the same vehicle in other countries is being given higher payload figures.

Personally, if I’m over 500lbs I’m not going to lose any sleep. Will I drive it differently? For sure.

To help with the weight you either need air bags or actual lift springs.

AEV’s or someone like Clayton. Their springs are typically designed with a higher spring rate to compensate for loads.
Heck, my mopar 2” lift compensates for weight well.

Thanks @CerOf , this was helpful. Based on some reading and your details I wondering how many people are over GVWR?

 

[CerOf]

Thanks @CerOf , this was helpful. Based on some reading and your details I wondering how many people are over GVWR?

I’d imagine a LOT are over.

 

[Gvsukids]

I’d imagine a LOT are over.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/are-most-overlanding-rigs-overweight.28923/

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