Timbren SES requires spring removal

[kidplatinum]

Hey All,

I'm posting on a few things I did the weekend (upgrades). The Timbren SES kit for the read did not work as Jeep has put a metal plate, welded, where the bumpstop is at. It has a small hole in it but no enough to get a wrench through. I called Michigan Truck to advise them of what the deal is...I then emailed MT and Timbren. After sending the photos the agreed to RMA the kit. I have a brand new 2022 Sport S with a date of manufacture is June 22.

I am not taking a shot at either company. Just posting what took place so maybe others will see the post when searching.

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[22EcoDs]

Can you put the pics here ?

 

[Awhitebuff]

I was able to add the SES timbren on my 2021 Overland. Not sure what the issue is.

 

[kidplatinum]

The metal plate with the round hole...apparently is not how the other trucks are.

 

[kidplatinum]

Getting the wrench on the other side was a MAJOR pain....so I am getting Sumosprings...just push them in.

 

[bd100]

I tried to install Timbren SES on the back axle but was not able to raise the frame high enough to get enough clearance to get the socket wrench in the bottom. I need to get a bigger floor jack. Been using a mid-size one for years.

I recommend painting the washers which are in the spring before install. Some where someone mentioned them rusting horribly. And paint the chipped powder coat, too.

And it looks like those nuts are the pinched style of lock nuts.

 

[kidplatinum]

Timbren is doing an RMA. I purchased SUMO Springs and I literally just pushed them in. Towed the 330 recently and it barely depressed the springs. Did not even engage the SUMO Springs.

I got the blue SUMO Springs.

 

[Pliny]

The build date on our gladiator is 8-22 and it has the welded plate same as the OP has. Was able to install the SES today. Due to the tack welds they used on the nut to attach it to that top plate, there is only the one set of flats on the nut that can get an open ended wrench on. Went way quicker once I zip tied the wrench to the rear coil spring. That kept it in place while used ratchet to tighten the bolt.

 

[kidplatinum]

Good idea, but honestly the product was sold as a simple install. Once we had issue with the wrench coming off we decided against it. We could have pulled the spring. I just went with Sumo. It took five minutes if that. I spent more time trying to get my chubby ass off the ground. The install was literally pull out old push in new.

 

[bd100]

Installed the SES today. The zip-tied wrench idea worked. The overall install was a total pain. I'd have chosen Sumo next time instead. I may still do so. The Timbrens touch the plate on one side and have less than a quarter inch clearance on the either. Without using the spacers. The truck does have a 175lb cap on the bed, but I'd expect a little more gap. The test drive over bumps and a speed bump shows that the bumps are tolerable. The truck also has Bilstein 5100s and load range E LT tires, so it's going to be pretty stiff anyhow.

I may swap these out for Timbren offroad bump stops, which would leave some gap, and may work out well. We tow a small trailer so I'll keep the SES for now and see how it does, and whether we can tolerate the stiffness of the bumps.

For the install I had to buy a big floor jack, lift the axle high, place a big jack stand under the frame, lower the axle to let it droop, then install the SES. Did this while rotating tires anyhow.

 

[kidplatinum]

Installed the SES today. The zip-tied wrench idea worked. The overall install was a total pain. I'd have chosen Sumo next time instead. I may still do so. The Timbrens touch the plate on one side and have less than a quarter inch clearance on the either. Without using the spacers. The truck does have a 175lb cap on the bed, but I'd expect a little more gap. The test drive over bumps and a speed bump shows that the bumps are tolerable. The truck also has Bilstein 5100s and load range E LT tires, so it's going to be pretty stiff anyhow.

I may swap these out for Timbren offroad bump stops, which would leave some gap, and may work out well. We tow a small trailer so I'll keep the SES for now and see how it does, and whether we can tolerate the stiffness of the bumps.

For the install I had to buy a big floor jack, lift the axle high, place a big jack stand under the frame, lower the axle to let it droop, then install the SES. Did this while rotating tires anyhow.

Good deal! I did not think of the zip tie method. I agree, the little time invested trying to install the Timbren was a pain.

The SUMO was super easy. I am getting old and fat....easy is for me! I laid the ground in the driveway and changed them out. It does not get any easier than that. Unless you have someone doing it for you I am not sure how you can make the install any easier.

I got the blue SUMOs and the are about an inch or so from the plate (if I remember correctly). I towed my car with is and the truck did not squat at all. SUMOs were not touching. I have the max tow package but I do not think that is why it did not squat. I think the hitch level was just right and the car was more over the trailer wheels (double axle trailer).

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