Best way to compensate for added weight on front end.

[GT-Jim]

New to the Jeep world and I recently added 80 lbs. to the bumper of my JL Moab from the installation of a Blue Ox tow plate and warn winch plate. I was surprised how much front suspension I lost due to the extra weight and I haven't even installed my 60 lb. winch yet. Is there a correct way to compensate for the addition of 140 lbs? I have seen recommendations to add spacers but I feel like I would still be riding on compressed springs. Are there custom springs available that would offset this weight? If I add a mild 2" lift, will it restore my missing spring travel? If anyone can help enlighten me I would sure appreciate the help. I really don't like the way it drives right now, I definitely can feel the additional weight on the front end.

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[sierrarockcrawler]

New to the Jeep world and I recently added 80 lbs. to the bumper of my JL Moab from the installation of a Blue Ox tow plate and warn winch plate. I was surprised how much front suspension I lost due to the extra weight and I haven't even installed my 60 lb. winch yet. Is there a correct way to compensate for the addition of 140 lbs? I have seen recommendations to add spacers but I feel like I would still be riding on compressed springs. Are there custom springs available that would offset this weight? If I add a mild 2" lift, will it restore my missing spring travel? If anyone can help enlighten me I would sure appreciate the help. I really don't like the way it drives right now, I definitely can feel the additional weight on the front end.

How much height did you lose?

 

[Gropax]

you need heavy duty springs the stock springs are kinda light weight and not made for a steel bumper+ winch. any lift kit will fix most if not all the sag in the front.

 

[GT-Jim]

I don't know how much I lost because I wasn't smart enough to measure before and after. I think a lot of it has to do with the stock rake being increased and is really noticible behind the wheel.

 

[GT-Jim]

you need heavy duty springs the stock springs are kinda light weight and not made for a steel bumper+ winch. any lift kit will fix most if not all the sag in the front.

That is good to know, I suppose the aftermarket realizes the extra weight most owners put on the front. It does seem the OEM springs must be on the light side. I will try correcting it with a nice 2.5 inch lift.

Thanks

 

[Gropax]

stock height of a Sport S is 36.5 front 37" rear so add 1.5 inch for the Rubicon lift and you will have the stock height of your Moab. oh wait you have 33s tires so i guess add in another inch? or just measure the back and remove .5 for the front

 

[OnlyOne]

New to the Jeep world and I recently added 80 lbs. to the bumper of my JL Moab from the installation of a Blue Ox tow plate and warn winch plate. I was surprised how much front suspension I lost due to the extra weight and I haven't even installed my 60 lb. winch yet. Is there a correct way to compensate for the addition of 140 lbs? I have seen recommendations to add spacers but I feel like I would still be riding on compressed springs. Are there custom springs available that would offset this weight? If I add a mild 2" lift, will it restore my missing spring travel? If anyone can help enlighten me I would sure appreciate the help. I really don't like the way it drives right now, I definitely can feel the additional weight on the front end.

If you don’t want a lift, spacers will fix that just fine. I wouldn’t worry about the springs compressing.

If you’re going to use aftermarket springs, purchase good quality springs. Synergy, RK, EVO. Understand that if you buy them, they are meant to have advertised lift with added accessories such as winches, armor etc.

 

[GT-Jim]

stock height of a Sport S is 36.5 front 37" rear so add 1.5 inch for the Rubicon lift and you will have the stock height of your Moab. oh wait you have 33s tires so i guess add in another inch? or just measure the back and remove .5 for the front

Interestingly, my Moab is measuring 35.5 in the front and 37.25 in the rear. Not sure where that 1.5 inch Rubicon spring height went but either way it looks like I lost about an inch in the front. I'm hearing that lift kits typically have stiffer springs than the OEM so that is the direction I am leaning right now, probably the 2" sport lift from Rancho with RS9000 shocks.

 

[IronScott]

I used these Teraflex spacers. They are 1/2” and stackable. I used two on each side of the front to remove the rake I had. Pretty ease but getting the springs out can be a bit of a pain but doable in your garage.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H16FPHC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was using my soft top when I installed them and the rake was perfect but going back to the hard top I have a very slight negative rake. Not sure if I’m going to remove 1/2” or not but regardless, these things work well and are inexpensive.

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