Post Winch Install: Level Kit v. Springs

[Slojo]

I think people obsess over the 'rake' too much. Once you load up the rear of my JK it squats to almost level. If you want spacers use a metal one. I had the rubber whatever's and they crumbled after about 5 years in south florida.

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[DavidArmen]

After installing said bumper and winch, look at it and make some measurements before making a decision.

If you still want to go ahead with it, I would suggest spring spacers rather than different springs for the front so your ride dynamics remain the same instead of having different kinds of springs in the rear and in the front. I put on a set of 1/2” Teraflex spacers after putting on my 12k winch in my oem steel bumper and I am happy.

 

[RDoug]

Great replies and shares here. Thanks.

I installed my bumper and winch yesterday and, as expected, the front dropped 1/2". I am going to install a 3/4" front level this coming weekend.

I'll try to remember before and after pictures.

 

[RDoug]

As promised, as follows are the before and after images of the level kit. I hate that I didn't get the photo angle the same. But, if you look at the roofline relative to the top of the garage door, you'll see the more significant rake of the Unlimited Rubicon after the winch install and before the level kit compared to the post level kit (second image).

 

[Fuel Fire Desire]

Here’s a thought, and what I’m going to have to end up doing. While the 3/4” spacer helps up front with the winch, when I get 35’s on I’m going to have to do a full spacer lift/ level all the way around. The added weight of a steel bumper/ tire carrier/ 35” spare is going to weigh significantly more than a winch/ bumper combo would be…..and way further aft of the axle than the front bumper is to its stiffer higher rate springs up front. I think it was terraflex that has a 1.5” front/ 1” rear kit.

Just experimenting, I put my portable snap-on tool box (about 120lbs, roughly the added weight to be expected) on the edge of the rear deck. The rear end sagged a good 1”. And that’s with a totally empty cargo bay. I usually toss 300-500 lbs of gear back there when I venture into the woods for a weekend. That 1.5”/1” level kit should get the Jeep close to what my lift produced from the start.

 

[GATORB8]

Here’s a thought, and what I’m going to have to end up doing. While the 3/4” spacer helps up front with the winch, when I get 35’s on I’m going to have to do a full spacer lift/ level all the way around. The added weight of a steel bumper/ tire carrier/ 35” spare is going to weigh significantly more than a winch/ bumper combo would be…..and way further aft of the axle than the front bumper is to its stiffer higher rate springs up front. I think it was terraflex that has a 1.5” front/ 1” rear kit.

Just experimenting, I put my portable snap-on tool box (about 120lbs, roughly the added weight to be expected) on the edge of the rear deck. The rear end sagged a good 1”. And that’s with a totally empty cargo bay. I usually toss 300-500 lbs of gear back there when I venture into the woods for a weekend. That 1.5”/1” level kit should get the Jeep close to what my lift produced from the start.

IIRC, the TF 1.5" Performance Spacer is:
2 Door PN : 1" Front / 1.5" Rear
4 Door PN : 2" Front / 1.5" Rear

 

[JABCAT]

I'd check your front spring part number against a JLURD with the factory steel bumpers. If they're different, I'd pick up a set and swap them out. That should help compensate for the new bumper and winch.

 

[TheBirdie72]

I love this thread. Makes me want to get a winch, steel rear bumper, 4”+ lift kit, 37 inch tires, new wheels, a roof rack, a tent, a tow hitch, a trailer, and a rich friend to pay for it all. Any takers?

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