"skipping" or "bouncing" after going to smaller tires

[Mikey_89]

Ok. I am not the brightest bulb in the package and I tried searching somewhat, but not exactly sure how to describe this. Here is the deal..

2020 JTR I bought in Florida. Had 20x10 with -24 offset and 35x12.50 tires, Rubicon Express 3.5 inch lift, but factory 2in lift fox shocks...not to mention front and rear sway bar links were too short.

Once I got it home, changed over to Clayton 2.5 springs (HD rear) added 2in stock extensions, steer smarts adjustable track bar, JKS adjustable front links and added the correct length rear links and Falcon adjustable steering stabilizer. Ride improved dramatically, still had some wandering before they replaced the aluminum steering box.

I wanted to go back to factory rims and do 35s or 37s in the Spring. I found a great deal for 2020 Rubicon wheels, factory wildpeaks with 80% tread and swapped them out. Now, It feels like I am getting a skip or bouncing, mostly from the rear, when driving. Not all the time, but probably close to half the time.

Is it something with the rear triple rate springs? Something with the weight of the previous setup? Kinda stumped.

Picture is old setup.

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[Mikey_89]

Tires are 285/70r17 at 32psi

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Were they properly balanced before installation?
Triple rate springs?

hard to know what's going on by a description of "skipping" or "hopping".
Hopping is unbalance (or a shock issue)
Heavy, triple rate springs should mean the lighter tires don't have the mass to compress them and would make it a harder ride, IMO.

 

[kevman65]

Check your air pressure first.

Then check your shocks. If they're adjustable, you may need to soften them up.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Check your air pressure first.

Then check your shocks. If they're adjustable, you may need to soften them up.

He's running stock Falkens from a Rubicon at 32 - actually on the low side for loaded down truck.

Tires are 285/70r17 at 32psi

32 psi shouldn't be bouncy at all if they are 2020 Rubicon take-offs. Should be a nice ride.

 

[Mikey_89]

Not really loaded down with gear...not a Winter camper Just recovery gear and the cap. The ride for the tire is the sweet spot, just hard to explain the "hopping" or "bouncy" feeling. T thought it might be something with the triple rate coils or the heavier rims and tires holding it down. I'll just get the mount and balance checked, but I don't have any vibration as if a tire were out of balance. If it persists, I'll just have to upgrade to 37's next month and see what kind of a difference it makes.

 

[Scott L]

Have you tried road force balance? Local shop suggested it even though they don't do it. Said it made a world of difference on his 2500.

 

[Main Line Willys]

I would think hoppy is a bad shock and bouncy is an under dampended (too soft) shock.
Either way, I think it would be a shock issue.

 

[bgott]

They were running a 3.5" lift with stock 2" lift shocks, could have buggered the shocks.

 

[Stan H]

Shock issue coupled with triple rate HD springs in the rear causing the bounce. I am guessing it is shocks. They need to be correct length to match the lift.

 

[Mikey_89]

Coils are the Clayton 2.5 with the rear being a 2.5 HD (triple rate) I know you actually end up with about 3/4 to 1 inch higher with the Clayton HD, but I do have Synergy 2 inch shock extenders installed. I was thinking that the shocks/springs combo with the lighter tires is what is causing it. I have 37s to put on it next month so I guess I will wait to see if the increased tire weight does anything. If not, I may just swap out the shocks for the Falcon adjustable and see how that works.
Thanks for the responses. Just trial and error and Just Empty Every Pocket in the process. LOL

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Coils are the Clayton 2.5 with the rear being a 2.5 HD (triple rate)

When you say "triple rate" are you meaning multiple rate, as in a spring that has 140/150/175 spring rate or do you mean the rate is literally triple the original, making it like an F350 spring and instead of 120 it's a 360 rate spring? Ouch. Can't be the latter.
It's got to be a multiple rate spring, not really triple the stock rate, but with 3 different rates for graduated weight carrying abilities.
No one would want a spring that is literally triple the original spring rate - it would handle like crap and the tires would never stay on the road if the road was very rough.
So it's got to be a multiple rate spring.
Synergy springs are dual-rate (not double rate, but with 2 different spring rates)

To get multiple rates they vary the wire size and the coil spacing through the length of the spring.

If the wire size is the same end to end and in the middle, and the coils are spaced the same from end to end, it's likely a single rate spring.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Similar stories have come up on this forum before, but unfortunately there are no resolutions on those threads.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/rear-end-bounce.59501/
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/driveline-issue-jeep-bouncing.66070/

I'd suspect one or both of your rear shocks. Maybe just one and it's coincidental it showed up the same time you swapped tires.

 

[Mikey_89]

When you say "triple rate" are you meaning multiple rate, as in a spring that has 140/150/175 spring rate or do you mean the rate is literally triple the original, making it like an F350 spring and instead of 120 it's a 360 rate spring? Ouch. Can't be the latter.
It's got to be a multiple rate spring, not really triple the stock rate, but with 3 different rates for graduated weight carrying abilities.
No one would want a spring that is literally triple the original spring rate - it would handle like crap and the tires would never stay on the road if the road was very rough.
So it's got to be a multiple rate spring.
Synergy springs are dual-rate (not double rate, but with 2 different spring rates)

To get multiple rates they vary the wire size and the coil spacing through the length of the spring.

If the wire size is the same end to end and in the middle, and the coils are spaced the same from end to end, it's likely a single rate spring.

These are what are installed.
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/jeep-gladiator-25-hd-triple-rate-rear-coil-springs-2020-jt

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