Best Suspension Setup for DD + High Speed Off-roading

[RoshDawg]

Hello all,

I have a 2dr JLUR and am looking to upgrade its suspension.

Use:
This is first and foremost a daily driver for both my wife and myself. We have a Gen 3 Raptor that we use for longer trips and off-roading, but I do occasionally take it on trails or camping, and I’m not gentle on it when I do. I far prefer high speed off roading than rock crawling. On road handling is more important for me than off road if I’m being honest but want it to still be plenty capable when needed. This is arguably my favorite car I’ve owned despite its many drawbacks and its those drawbacks I’m looking to help negate.

Problem:
Although I only have 21k miles, I think I’ve blown out the rear shocks. I sometimes will load up the trunk and even a hitch carrier with steel plates and ammo while also off roading. Now days, even when completely unloaded, the slightest road imperfections causes WAY too much head bobbing that really annoys me. I also don’t like the rear rake, especially when loaded with weight. I’m rarely loading it up with extra weight mind you, and can be more mindful of keeping added weight down in the future.

Potential solution:
I feel shocks are the biggest thing I need to upgrade. We’ve been looking at Falcon 3.3’s. I hear they’re stiff but I’d take stiffness over head bobbing, and I like being able to adjust the shocks depending on weight load and driving style. To fix the rear rake I’m also thinking JLUXR springs for the rear and leaving the front stock. I prefer longer springs than simply using spacers but also want to keep lift to a minimum. I also want to change to KO3 C range 35’s once they’re released. While I fully understand it’s impossible given the design of a Jeep, the more it can feel like my Raptor the better!

Questions:
Thoughts on Falcon 3.3 vs biting the bullet for Fox or King 2.5’s? Or am I wasting money and I should instead get Rancho 9000’s, Fox 2.0’s or 5100’s?
Since I do not want a lift other than leveling the rear, do I need anything else like LCA or steering stabilizer to have better on and off road handling?
Any other springs I should look at instead of only changing the rears? Clayton 1.5” lift gives way more lift than I want on a 2door (which seems to result in 2.5” lift).

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[Bulletbill]

Honestly, sounds more like a Bronco might suit your needs better than a Jeep.

 

[TrustWonUSA]

I put a Hellwig rear sway bar on mine. Improved on road manner immensely. Almost all that head bobbing is gone! Since you’re not rock crawling and all might not be a good option for you. It literally in 20-30 minutes to install. So if you think you need the flex just sway it out.

 

[Aonarch]

I have Bilstein 5160s, I just installed them today, but had them on my Gladiator. They are great for your use case.

Unfortunately they are really designed for 2-3" of lift.

I don't like Fox, their quality has nose dived. They need frequent rebuilds.

Kings are dope obviously.

Maybe you could contact Accutune and get their advice?

JLURXR springs in the rear might help a little.

You are right about aftermarket lifts, generally the ride heights published are simply a guess.

I got mad at a Clayton 2.5" kit that lifted my rear 4" threw my drive line out of whack.

 

[RoshDawg]

I put a Hellwig rear sway bar on mine. Improved on road manner immensely. Almost all that head bobbing is gone! Since you’re not rock crawling and all might not be a good option for you. It literally in 20-30 minutes to install. So if you think you need the flex just sway it out.

This makes so much sense, I’ve never heard about this until now but seems like a no brainer! Thank you for the tip.

 

[RoshDawg]

Honestly, sounds more like a Bronco might suit your needs better than a Jeep.

Haha I knew someone was going to mention this. I just simply do not ‘vibe’ with the Bronco. It feels so cheap. I know they’re capable but nothing makes me happier than a 2 door Jeep.

 

[RoshDawg]

I have Bilstein 5160s, I just installed them today, but had them on my Gladiator. They are great for your use case.

Unfortunately they are really designed for 2-3" of lift.

I don't like Fox, their quality has nose dived. They need frequent rebuilds.

Kings are dope obviously.

Maybe you could contact Accutune and get their advice?

JLURXR springs in the rear might help a little.

You are right about aftermarket lifts, generally the ride heights published are simply a guess.

I got mad at a Clayton 2.5" kit that lifted my rear 4" threw my drive line out of whack.

5160’s seem so good! But you’re right, they’re not offered in the 0-2” lift range. I know Kings are amazing, but would you say they’re amazing for my use case? I don’t mind spending the money for Kings without a proper lift but don’t want to blow money away if that money is better spent elsewhere. Clayton is by far the worst when it comes to actual lift vs advertised lift numbers!

Do springs of the same length make a lot of difference or pair better with certain shocks vs others?

 

[Aonarch]

5160’s seem so good! But you’re right, they’re not offered in the 0-2” lift range. I know Kings are amazing, but would you say they’re amazing for my use case? I don’t mind spending the money for Kings without a proper lift but don’t want to blow money away if that money is better spent elsewhere. Clayton is by far the worst when it comes to actual lift vs advertised lift numbers!

Do springs of the same length make a lot of difference or pair better with certain shocks vs others?

Check out the spring guide that is stickied. It has a ton of information. Spring rates, part numbers, etc.

I put 392 XR FE springs on my JLUR 2.0l. Gained 2.5" front and 2" rear.

Unfortunately since we don't have coilovers the shock manufacturers don't really talk valving and spring rates.

I know some kits like the Dynatrac 2" have matched spring rates to the valving.

 

[KHR Racing]

38’s, TeraFlex long arm 3.5” and rides extremely great!

 

[jadmt]

for what you describe check out an AEV 2.5 dualsport lift..incredible road manners and handles rough washboard roads at high speeds incredibly well.

 

[TravelerTheJLU]

I think the best thing to do would be replace all 4 springs, I know you don't want a ton of lift but Its probably a good idea to replace both front and rear so you minimize front end hop when driving offroad. I would look for a stiffer spring to counteract the weight versus using a longer spring for height. When you load it up the stiffer spring should ride better then the longer spring. On road I would suspect you would notice the stiffness however, (in theory) it should feel more connected to the road. I would also be sure to find a spring thats designed for the 2dr so it doesn't lift a ton if you don't want that.
As others mentioned AEV may be a good option I believe NorthRidge sells just the springs in front and rear pair but I could be wrong. The 2dr XR springs may also be a good idea and could work though you might pick up a bit of height. I would look at Eibach I believe they have a few options of varying height and rates. I would call the manufacturers to find spring rates and heights.
As for control arms and steering stabilizers you'll be fine unless you lift it over a few inches. I have the Mopar lift with 5160s I love them so far, they are stiffer but I feel I can load it up and still have good performance. I would probably avoid Ranchos from what I have heard the adjustment on the 9000s doesn't do much I would save money and go with the RS7MT, I had them briefly and was impressed for the price. The Fox would be a good option likely softer then the Bilsteins from what I have heard but others could speak to what they are like. I think the Falcons are one of the best bang for buck given the adjustability but I have never had them and can't speak to ride quality.

 

[Fabtech Motorsports]

Replace the coils with coils for a 2 door, 2". It will net you a tad more to start but not like 4 door coils height. There are companies that make 2 door coils. Then get a good shock with a reservoir. After that go fast

 

[Sidewalk]

Honestly, sounds more like a Bronco might suit your needs better than a Jeep.

My first thought was something with IFS.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Not wanting lift and trying to get a 2dr to handle at speed is a tall order. Most long arm kits require 2" of lift minimum. Better shocks and springs is about all you can do. I believe synergy offers a 1" lift spring which is what I'd do over xr springs. They were too soft and sagged horribly when loaded up in our JLUR even with a spacer added. No experience with teraflex shocks but I'd suggest fox 2.5 dsc's. The adjustability will help dialing in loaded vs unloaded trips.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Honestly, sounds more like a Bronco might suit your needs better than a Jeep.

Anybody who thinks the standard short arm, short travel IFS of the Bronco is good at speed off road has obviously never tried it. Especially in the 2dr with its short wheelbase. If that was the case a Honda civic would be a trophy truck. The stock Bronco front suspension is nothing like a raptor. I'd put a stock JLU up against a 2dr Bronco in the desert as neither will be good but the extra wheelbase makes a huge difference in stability. The idea that IFS equals high speed off road is the most over hyped generalization on the planet. Obviously the Bronco Raptor is a different animal all together.

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