Suspension Upgrade Time

[Kajo]

I think it is time to upgrade my suspension after running the 1.5” Teraflex / ¾” Daystar spacer lift for the past two years on my Rubicon. I intend to upgrade the suspension based on parts I have already on the truck or have collected in the garage. I know I could buy an off the shelf lift kit but what fun is that and I think that comes with compromises between what is in the kit and what I want. I am not set on any specific parts except to use the parts I have in my garage now if possible.

My goals are to gain 1-1 ½” of lift and increase wheel travel and overall performance. As for what I use the Gladiator for. It is my do all vehicle, Daily Driver/Vacation/Camping/Trail rig to include decent technical wheeling (Low blacks at Rausch Creek. AOAA, Windrock, Moab, going to Hot Springs this fall. Etc.)

Current lift:
1.5” Teraflex spacer in the front, ¾” Daystar spacer in the front.
TERAFLEX Falcon Nexus EF 2.1 Steering Stabilizer 1.5IN Tie Rod

Parts in garage:
Steer Smarts Yeti XD track bar (Christmas Gift)
EVO Enforcer Front Lower Control Arms (Free, I rebuilt/serviced all 4 Johnny Joints)
Metalcloak Front Upper Control Arms (Free)
Metalcloak Fron Rock Sport Shocks (Not going to use, to long in my opinion)
Metalcloak Rear Rock Sport Shocks (Free)

With the background info up front, here are my initial thoughts but looking for other ideas. Current new Parts in bold.

Front Springs: Synergy Jeep JL / JLU Front Lift Coil Springs, 2-3 Inch Lift SYN-8863-20
Front Spacer ½” spacer from the Teraflex spacer kit (If needed)
Front Shocks: Bilstein B8-5100 33-305219 Collapsed Length 17.07 Extended Length 26.88
Lower Control Arms: EVO Enforcer Front Lower Control Arms
Upper Control Arms: Metalcloak Front Upper Control Arms
Track Bar: Steer Smarts Yeti XD track bar
Sway Bar end Links: Evo Manufacturing HD Front Sway Bar Endlinks, 9.5in - 10.9in - JT/JL
Front Bump Stops: Metalcloak Universal Adjustable Bump-Stop System (2")
TERAFLEX Falcon Nexus EF 2.1 Steering Stabilizer 1.5IN Tie Rod (Not that it matters for the lift)

Rear Springs: Synergy Jeep JT Gladiator Rear Lift Coil Springs, 2" Lift part # SYN-8865-20
Rear Shocks: Metalcloak Rear Rock Sport Shocks collapsed Length 16.8 Extended Length 28
Rear Bump Stops: Metalcloak Universal Adjustable Bump Stops, Rear 2"

I think this is pretty thought out but it doesn’t hurt for others to look at the plan. 2 requirements: 2” Bump stops are required for the synergy springs. I am trying to keep the front shocks short enough to keep the stock front driveshaft. Any thoughts on changes to this plan? Am I missing anything.

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[Hootbro]

Why the 1/2" spacer up front? To me, if you are going to go through the trouble of putting in lifted springs, put in springs that account for that extra lift rather than deal with spacers.

 

[Kajo]

Why the 1/2" spacer up front? To me, if you are going to go through the trouble of putting in lifted springs, put in springs that account for that extra lift rather than deal with spacers.

Good point. I researched the 2.5" Metalcloak's and 2.5" Clayton's, The Clayton's run tall and Metalcloak springs s in general run tall. I am pushing the limits of my LOW Garage door height so initially thought I would rather take the chance to add in a 1/2" spacer if the front ends a little lower than my objective. I will do some more research to see if I can find some better real world experience on the 2.5" Metalcloak's.

 

[Hootbro]

Good point. I researched the 2.5" Metalcloak's and 2.5" Clayton's, The Clayton's run tall and Metalcloak springs s in general run tall. I am pushing the limits of my LOW Garage door height so initially thought I would rather take the chance to add in a 1/2" spacer if the front ends a little lower than my objective. I will do some more research to see if I can find some better real world experience on the 2.5" Metalcloak's.

I just find spacers add more of a negative to ride quality and try to avoid them as much as I can when I do suspension mods. Everybody is different though on the subject.

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