ride quality

[Tincupmi]

Before i get beat up, ive owned Jeeps in the past (Rubicon lifted w/33s, CJ7). Now test driving a Gladiator sport S with lift and 35x12.5 20s. Yeah 20s. Tires are cooper sst.
Point is, i know how Jeeps ride. Its part of the "its a jeep thing". However, this jeep surprised me as it seemed to be all over the road (a lot of corrections) and you could feel every little bump. Seems way worse that jeeps ive owned or ridden in.
The lift was installed at a dealer and current owner never drove it as stock so nothing to compare it to.

It has 21K miles. It is a GREAT deal. I could, IMO, sell the tire/wheel combo and get 17s with duratracs or something and still be way ahead.

In your opinion, is it likely this rough ride it attributed to the 20" wheels and the cooper tires? Would ride quality improve with 17" wheels on 35s?
I really like this jeep

Sponsored

 

[Artsifrtsi]

It could even be something as simple as the tires have too much pressure in them. With 35x12.5x17's, mine really rides great at 32-35psi. lower than that, and I get some vibrations, and above that, it is a little harsh.

 

[Jeeper479]

Do you know what type of lift is on it? Also it sounds like a tire air pressure issue to me more than anything. I recently installed 35's on my Mojave and I'm still playing around with the tire pressure to get it to ride and drive as good as possible.

If it's a good deal and a decent lift installed on it, I'd move forward with the deal and sell the 20's get get the 17's like you talked about!

 

[Tincupmi]

Do you know what type of lift is on it? Also it sounds like a tire air pressure issue to me more than anything. I recently installed 35's on my Mojave and I'm still playing around with the tire pressure to get it to ride and drive as good as possible.

If it's a good deal and a decent lift installed on it, I'd move forward with the deal and sell the 20's get get the 17's like you talked about!

im reaching out to the dealer to see what type of lift was installed. I did not check myself, but i was TOLD they were running 36psi. I asked because i assumed maybe they went off the max load rating for an LRE (80psi) because thats about what it felt like.

I agree though...it is a good deal. Thats kind of why im posting this question. Basically doesn anyone know the ride quality difference if i switched to 17s with more sidewall. If its basically the same, at least ill know what im getting into.

 

[Lunentucker]

Rough is the reduced sidewall meat on the 20s with 35s.
Go up to 37s or change wheels to 17-18.
Steering wander could be caster, steering box, worn or shoddy components, alignment, and or more.

 

[BLK HOLE]

Its the best riding Jeep out there (in the Wrangler line) so my guess is you have something wrong.

Those wheels are cheap AF, so it makes me wonder what else is done. Those Cooper tires could be overinflated.

Does it have a lift? If so what lift?

If it wanders....there's an issue with 2020 steering boxes that need replacements.

 

[Wet Willys]

I would definitely ditch those 20's, that will help with ride quality. The wandering issue could be a few things. See if it has adjustable control arms (doubtful), if not get some. You need to get the caster around 6.5 degrees. You could also get some geometry correction brackets which will get you some more caster, and make it ride better. Try adjusting the steering box lash if it has too much center slop. Maker sure the axles are centered up. Torque every suspension and steering fastener. They'll track straight and drive better with some work. I'm guessing the dealer put on some a cheap rough country lift or just some leveling spacers.

 

[Casique]

That's why they got rid of it...

 

[Tincupmi]

That's why they got rid of it...

lake house, 2 harleys, new truck, working 2 jobs, and slowing economy.
I thought that too...but, i think they would like to downsize and they have a new silverado.

 

[JackalopeSean]

#1 Make sure you have the Steel steering gear box
the first run was an aluminum gear box and its gets loose (even if your out of warranty they are covering it)
2# Jeep made the front track bar a hollow tube and its a big problem...take it off and get a solid track bar like EVO or Teraflex or Yeti then an alignment.
We have done stock Jeeps and the clients are amazed how much better it is on the highway.

 

[kevman65]

Before throwing any money at the problem, check the obvious.

Find out your tire pressures. What you're describing is over inflated tires, it's a known problem and is all over this Board.

If you just want to spend money to get new wheels and tires then have at it.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

then an alignment.

And what do you suggest as an alignment?

When will the stupid dissinformation end... there are only 2 things on a STOCK Jeep that can be adjusted to be 'considered' an alignment... Toe, and steering wheel centering. For the $80+ and time for your 'alignment' I can go to home depot, get some very basic tools, and complete the toe in my driveway... then next time, it'll cost even less $ and time...

 

[Gvsukids]

And what do you suggest as an alignment?

When will the stupid dissinformation end...

Probably to offer a discount on installation.

 

[AZCooWhip]

Ditch the 20s. Also would be curious as to the lift as well.

37x13.5x17 STT Pros here. Run them all day everyday and no issues you speak of. Off-road and on road manners are superb.

 

[JackalopeSean]

And what do you suggest as an alignment?

When will the stupid dissinformation end... there are only 2 things on a STOCK Jeep that can be adjusted to be 'considered' an alignment... Toe, and steering wheel centering. For the $80+ and time for your 'alignment' I can go to home depot, get some very basic tools, and complete the toe in my driveway... then next time, it'll cost even less $ and time...

I said to get a heavy duty "adjustable" track bar (part of the alignment)... and most lifted Jeep's will have front lower adjustable control arms or geo brackets to get your caster back(also part of a "real" alignment). IF YOU DO NOT YOU NEED SOME IF YOUR OVER 2"
I have had many shops and or dyi'ers bring me their Jeep and they did the driveway alignment and its not bad for stock tires...but if your paying $450 plus for each tire then I will used an alignment machine and a tech that is properly trained and not a NTB life time alignment that learned in an hour, a lot of places say they can do an alignment but they do not really know how to do a "real" alignment.

Sponsored