Sad suspension. Need help changing my setup!

[cody constantine]

I bought my 2020 JTR with 20 k miles and an unknown 2.5” spacer lift in 22. I now have 87k miles 2 blown factory shocks and the front is sagging under the added weight of a steel bumper and winch. I’ve looked at full suspension kits but feel the bang for my buck is not there. I am planing on going with Bilistein 5100 shocks of appropriate length and replacing the springs and spacers with Clayton off-road stiffer 2.5” lift springs. What else should I do to round out my suspension upgrades? I daily drive my rig and travel all over to go off roading and exploring with my family.

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[Camaroboi13]

Any idea if it has longer sway bar links, track bar, or aftermarket control arms on it? Or is it safe to assume that it’s just got 2.5” spacers and that’s it?

 

[Minty JL]

Time to give @Metalcloak a call

 

[cody constantine]

Any idea if it has longer sway bar links, track bar, or aftermarket control arms on it? Or is it safe to assume that it’s just got 2.5” spacers and that’s it?

It has longer sway bar end links bump stop extenders and shock extenders… but as far as I can tell everything else looks factory

 

[Camaroboi13]

It has longer sway bar end links bump stop extenders and shock extenders… but as far as I can tell everything else looks factory

Ok, so you’re getting shocks and springs already. You should probably at least look at the mopar LCAs if your intentions are to keep the cost down. On top of that an adjustable track bar to center the axle, and you should be good with just that.
Shocks
Springs
LCAs
Track bar
End links
That’s the jist of a lift, you can go crazier if need be but if the 2.5” spacer was good enough previously then I don’t see any reason to go nuts. Just remember buy once cry once, don’t pick the cheapest track bar because you’ll probably buy one again.

 

[Bjeepz]

Only other addition to the above is a simple rear track bar axle side bracket.

 

[Minty JL]

Ok, so you’re getting shocks and springs already. You should probably at least look at the mopar LCAs if your intentions are to keep the cost down. On top of that an adjustable track bar to center the axle, and you should be good with just that.
Shocks
Springs
LCAs
Track bar
End links
That’s the jist of a lift, you can go crazier if need be but if the 2.5” spacer was good enough previously then I don’t see any reason to go nuts. Just remember buy once cry once, don’t pick the cheapest track bar because you’ll probably buy one again.

Or order a MC GC kit that will include everything you need.

 

[Fabtech Motorsports]

You can also do a geometry correction bracket up front, instead of the longer control arms.


Track bars (front and rear) MAY BE ok at this height. Now that I typed this... you may need to address those too. LOL

 

[Flyin6]

I had/have three suspension systems on my JT. AEV, TerraFlex, and Clayton. I wrote up each on my build thread. Might help you to read through all of that:

2022 AEV Gladiator Rubicon build | Jeep Gladiator (JT) News, Forum, Community - JeepGladiatorForum.com

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

The Clayton 2.5" Ride Right is what I'd be looking at in your situation.

I think that's your best bang for the buck with everything you need (minus shocks) for 2.5" of lift.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

I bought my 2020 JTR with 20 k miles and an unknown 2.5” spacer lift in 22. I now have 87k miles 2 blown factory shocks and the front is sagging under the added weight of a steel bumper and winch. I’ve looked at full suspension kits but feel the bang for my buck is not there. I am planing on going with Bilistein 5100 shocks of appropriate length and replacing the springs and spacers with Clayton off-road stiffer 2.5” lift springs. What else should I do to round out my suspension upgrades? I daily drive my rig and travel all over to go off roading and exploring with my family.

If you’re not going to do serious off road stuff half the time or more, plus want a comfortable ride with the family while not adding more unsprung weight, then by all means get Bilstein 5100’s in the stock length, that allows up to 2” lift, but more importantly more wheel travel to absorb big hits. Get rid of the spacers first of all, then look into some new springs, if you’re not towing or run heavy get as close to stock, with a progressive rate. That will give up to an no more than 2” lift. As far as tires go, anything bigger than 33” will effect your overall mileage, with 32” being the best overall, unless you’re running serious off road. Good luck!

 

[Overland_Dreamrz]

I went the MetalCloak route. Did the front leveling kit (dual rate springs, red rocksport shocks, UCA, front trackbar, added premium front sway bar links) first, then added the rear lift (dual rate springs, red rocksport shocks, rear trackbar, extended sway bar links, long brake lines). Netted around 3" of lift all around. Very good road manners.....need to check articulation soon in prep for the EJS trip in April.

 

[Blade1668]

Down the road I'll be replacing rear springs in mine due to the springs that came with the lift kit I bought springs not being up to the job "weight" Clayton or M.C. are good ones I know of. I ordered a Rusty’s kit 2in. On a prior Jeep kit I had a conversation with Rusty and we got it worked out on right setup. I've had experience with them for other Jeeps most are for lighter setups though not a heavy or towing setup on standard kit.
But to get a good idea look back at everything that came with the kit you already installed or had installed on your other jeep. 2in lift isn't much many people think. But adjustable control arms, track bars, swaybar links make a big difference/ impact on driveablity. "I actually bought" parts that came included in the lift kit because I didn't see them listed in it. When you do pull the trigger on it make a call to the company and even their tech department. Ask questions, they want your business.

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