Front coil spring vs coil over discussion

[braygleason4]

Hello I have an 18 JL Sahara and am wondering what the recommendations, pros/cons of a coil spring vs coil over front lift. I got evo mfg rear 4.5 inch lift springs and plan on doing the 4-6 inch fox shocks with them. This is a daily driven jeep and I just moved to Phoenix AZ and would like to get out and ride the trails (within daily driver reason). What is my best bet?

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[kah.mun.rah]

A 4.5" lift would suggest 40" tires and a 5.38 axle ratio which would be a bit much on a Sahara front axle and would be very uncomfortable and have terrible mpg as a daily driver.

For a daily driver/weekend warrior Sahara, my recommendation would be a 2.5" lift and 35" tires.

 

[braygleason4]

A 4.5" lift would suggest 40" tires which would be a bit much on a Sahara front axle.

I should have mentioned that, I do plan on doing UD44 or building a super duty/14 bolt Chevy combo at some point. As of now only 37/38’s till axles are built. I had a jk with the ford and Chevy combo but I’m not sure if I’ll need all that.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

I should have mentioned that, I do plan on doing UD44 or building a super duty/14 bolt Chevy combo at some point. As of now only 37/38’s till axles are built. I had a jk with the ford and Chevy combo but I’m not sure if I’ll need all that.

Even 37/38s would require a re-gear and would have to be wheeled with caution on a stock Sahara front axle.

As far as the answer to your original question (sorry for my detour), if your ultimate goal is a larger lift, large tires, larger axles, and AZ desert wheeling, I would go with coilovers vs coil springs.

FYI, if you haven't been there yet, Box Canyon in Florence is a fun trail not far from Phoenix.

 

[braygleason4]

Even 37/38s would require a re-gear and would have to be wheeled with caution on a stock Sahara front axle.

As far as the answer to your original question (sorry for my detour), if your ultimate goal is a larger lift, large tires, larger axles, and AZ desert wheeling, I would go with coilovers vs coil springs.

FYI, if you haven't been there yet, Box Canyon in Florence is a fun trail not far from Phoenix.

Thank you for your input, I’m from Florida where we mostly have mud and beach driving so I’m new to the desert and rocks and have really only seen coil over on high end builds so was really just curious about the performance difference.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Thank you for your input, I’m from Florida where we mostly have mud and beach driving so I’m new to the desert and rocks and have really only seen coil over on high end builds so was really just curious about the performance difference.

IMO coilovers are next-level and are ideal for fast desert driving and rock crawling flex since they can be fine-tuned for stiffness and height. A 4.5" lift on a JL is also next-level so that is why my vote would be coilovers if that is your ultimate build goal.

 

[flick2614]

Coilover conversion is the upper echelon of Jeep builds; only seen a few out in the wild. I'm pretty sure it takes cutting the old mounts and welding new ones unless there is a bolt on kit I'm not aware of so there is that to consider. You're in the territory of 42" Maxxis tires and Dana 60/80. There are some trails around that require that level of build but not the majority.

I would be inclined to say that a proper long travel kit may be money better spent, coilovers after that if you're still bored.

Welcome to AZ. Try not to die in the summer and it's a great place to live. Let me know if you need trail advice.

 

[azjl#3]

Snakes.

Spiders.

Bears.

Mountain Lions.

Deserts.

Welcome to Az.

You don't need nor have I ever seen a rig on the trail with coil overs, other than one competition level jeep.

 

[flick2614]

Snakes.

Spiders.

Bears.

Mountain Lions.

Deserts.

Welcome to Az.

You don't need nor have I ever seen a rig on the trail with coil overs, other than one competition level jeep.

You forgot Radioactive mines and snowbird drivers

 

[Terrymo]

Snakes.

Spiders.

Bears.

Mountain Lions.

Deserts.

Welcome to Az.

You don't need nor have I ever seen a rig on the trail with coil overs, other than one competition level jeep.

Plus scorpions

 

[Aonarch]

I'd stick to 2.5" or so. No idea why you'd go with such a large lift and it sounds like you are unsure yourself.

 

[beast40]

While Coilovers look cool, the gains are never worth the cost unless you are really pushing your rig.

Based on your post I would find a complete 3.5" kit like MC or Clayton's and start there. You can always go crazy and spent more but its like a race car 80% of the cost is for the last 20% of performance. Spent 3k on a lift and if you are pushing the parts you can upgrade later.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Plus scorpions

& coyotes, gila monsters, javelinas, and the chupacabra.

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