Going from Xtreme Recon to Stock

[newbie5150]

I have a 2024 Rubicon X with the XR package. I am considering "downsizing" to stock suspension and 33" tires instead of 35". Reason is for a better highway ride and to make it easier for family members to climb up into the vehicle. We do our "offroading" on dirt roads so the extra height isn't necessary.
Has anyone else done this, and what does it entail?

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[autotragic]

Before you do anything rash get a tape measure go under the front of your Jeep and measure the distance between the bump stop and the bump pad inside the spring. The XR has extended bump stop tubes that are not going to work with normal springs.

Unless you cut them down. Some people don't seem to want to do that so I'm just letting you know.

Honestly it sounds like you would be happier with a standard Rubicon instead of a XR. Rubicons have pretty soft shocks from the factory and are probably the best riding Jeeps stock. Most people find them to be too soft in fact.

 

[Punkn89]

Blasphemy!

 

[PotterJLUR]

This 100% wouldn't work on a XR or Xtreme 35 option Jeep due to the front bump stop length. To lower the Jeep 1-2 inches you would need to cut the bump stop towers which are part of the frame. Not that it can't be done but it would be a mod that may be a negative during resell in the future if someone actually knew what they were looking for. (a dealership would never know if trading it in though)

 

[NWJeepr]

Consider a set of side steps before hacking into an XR's suspension. Electric/power-folding would be a good option if you need a low step to help the vertically challenged.

 

[Plumbean]

Install the Mopar 2” lift Lower Control Arms. A cheap $80 fix and it will set the caster to something that will improve highway driving.

 

[Plumbean]

And if you haven’t already, lower the tire pressure. I run around 30 when around town, bump it up to 34 on the highway.

 

[Flip]

A lot of step options on the market. Might be all you need.

 

[PotterJLUR]

Totally didn't even think of it until it was posted above, but definitely lower tire pressure and add the Mopar lift control arms. I did this day one and already forgot that I did. 30psi will also wear the tires a lot more even.

 

[JLUR Farout]

Lowest price option....I had to do it because my girlfriend is a whole 5' 4" stretched out. I ordered via ebay NIB Canada made OEM plastic steps that come on Sports and Sarahs. Here is a picture so you can see how they look with the higher fenders. Eventually, these will be replaced with LOD steps / sliders, but there are many other pieces of toast stacked to hit the heat, and those must wait a bit.

I agree, do not try to modify the suspension down. Up is much easier (which I am doing via Metalcloak (they called today to say thanks)), going down is not as easy.

 

[newbie5150]

Thank you all for the advice. I definitely see where it is not a good idea to cut down the suspension. It sounds like I will be getting some steps, and lowering the tire pressure.

 

[jadmt]

You could swap tires to 33’s but in reality that only drops you an inch. With the 4.56 gears it would feel pretty peppy

 

[Zandcwhite]

Why would it ride better on road if you lowered it a little? More caster and lower tire pressure go a long way. Drive a stock rubicon without the xr and it rides pretty much the same as the xr package. Sure the 1-2" might make it a little easier to get in and out, but steps would do more. As others have said, lowering the extended bump stops is a pretty big commitment. Enjoy it for what it is and add a couple tweaks to make it better.

 

[Catiajockey]

the question is strange to me as the XR package is "stock" for you.

 

[newbie5150]

Why would it ride better on road if you lowered it a little? More caster and lower tire pressure go a long way. Drive a stock rubicon without the xr and it rides pretty much the same as the xr package. Sure the 1-2" might make it a little easier to get in and out, but steps would do more. As others have said, lowering the extended bump stops is a pretty big commitment. Enjoy it for what it is and add a couple tweaks to make it better.

I was thinking it might not "sway" as much on the highway at speeds of 75-80 if I went with smaller tires. But I think thats just how Jeeps ride on the highway. No big deal. I may keep the same tire size and add better suspension components like a Clayton lift.

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