Mild Rear Suspension Upgrade

[flyer92]

I have a 2-door Sport with Willys takeoff rims and 255 KM2s. While I'm happy with the ground clearance as-is, the Sport's suspension looks a little "slouchy" in the rear, even though my back seat has been removed. I sometimes pull a small 800-lb utility trailer and do some mild to moderate off-roading, so not looking for a massive/expensive suspension upgrade. I also don't want to affect the Jeep's road handling manners, as they are pretty decent. Given my use case and intent to keep things simple and cheap (but reliable) I think a good set of spacers in the rear would be sufficient. However, I'm curious what y'all might recommend. Thanks in advance and happy Jeepin'!

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[blnewt]

Spacers would be ok, might also consider a shock upgrade. The stock Rubicon shocks w/ my Rubicon springs on my 2dr sport lifted it up just fine. The shocks were a bit mushy and the Jeep was prone to more body roll. The Fox 2.0 shocks (zero to 1.5" lift) firmed the ride up a bit, made it more controlled, not as vague and sloppy on washboard type stuff. Also a better overall ride off road for sure. Bilstein makes a similar shock for about 20% less. Might just start w/ a 3/4" spacer and see if it's what you're after, if you DIY it's only a $30 expense

 

[flyer92]

Spacers would be ok, might also consider a shock upgrade. The stock Rubicon shocks w/ my Rubicon springs on my 2dr sport lifted it up just fine. The shocks were a bit mushy and the Jeep was prone to more body roll. The Fox 2.0 shocks (zero to 1.5" lift) firmed the ride up a bit, made it more controlled, not as vague and sloppy on washboard type stuff. Also a better overall ride off road for sure. Bilstein makes a similar shock for about 20% less. Might just start w/ a 3/4" spacer and see if it's what you're after, if you DIY it's only a $30 expense

Thanks Brad...makes sense. Wondering if the shocks alone would solve this problem, as I'm not a fan of spacers. I know the shocks are a more expensive solution, but I think I'd prefer them over spacers.

 

[blnewt]

Thanks Brad...makes sense. Wondering if the shocks alone would solve this problem, as I'm not a fan of spacers. I know the shocks are a more expensive solution, but I think I'd prefer them over spacers.

I would recommend the shock route, but it's a decent expense so you may try to find another Jeep w/ shock upgrades if possible to try. Too bad we couldn't have met up when I was in Vegas September, could've let you try mine out

 

[Ang1Sgt]

My JK and now my 2020 Willys both had/have the Rubicon shocks all around. For me it was a good thing to do on both Jeeps. The Willys does look like it could use something in the rear though. She seems to sit with a little rake like its’ nose high. But when I’m driving it seems fine.

The Willys was originally sold with the Soft Top and the first owner had the hardtop put on. Not sure if that is the cause or not!

 

[TheBirdie72]

OEM springs and shocks are turned to account for the difference in weight between hardtop vs soft top, tow package vs no-tow package, two-door vs four-door, etc. They actually have different spring and shock part numbers. For those of us that upgrade sport to rubi takeoff suspension, this is why the part numbers matter.

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