Quick Rubi Suspension Question

[ejewels]

Hoping people could quickly answer this. I've noticed lift kits will differentiate the height you'll get based on whether or not you have a rubicon. For example :

non rubi's will get 3.5" of lift and can run 35s, while a rubi will get 2" of lift and be able to take 37s.

But what I don't understand is that if both vehicles are getting new springs why does the rubicon get less lift height? Seems to me once all suspension is removed and replaced with the same lift kit, wouldn't they all end up at the same height?

the Mopar lift is a good example. Why do people end up getting more height from it on a non-rubi? Since the springs are changed anyways.

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[AcesandEights]

It is relative to the beginning height. They will both sit at the same height after installation, but relative to the height prior to lift it will be approximately one inch higher/lower.

As an example, if the Rubicon sits one inch higher, stock, than a Sport. Then the finished height after install will be the same between the two; however, the amount of change will be different.

Another way to think about it. Say the Rubicon door sill (or say they both have rock rails) is one inch higher than the sport. Install 3.5" lift height spring and they will both sit at the same height after install, but the Rubicon will have been lifted 2.5" over the stock height; whereas, the Sport will sit 3.5" higher at the rock rail than stock height.

Even another way. Hold up a yard stick and mark 30 inches. Now take another yardstick and mark 31 inches. Now mark 33 inches on both. That 33 inches is the same height between the two yard sticks, but the difference between the beginning heights is three inches on one and two inches on the other. Your springs will take you to 33 inches overall, but the difference in "ride height" or "lift" is three inches on one and two inches on the other.

Another way still, take a...just kidding.

 

[Reinen]

Because the stock Rubicon is already lifted 1" taller than non-Rubicons. They'll all sit at the same height with the new suspension, the Rubicon just started 1" higher so it will get 1" less additional lift. Rubicons also have higher fender flares which provides more room for articulation of larger tires.

 

[ejewels]

thanks guys. OK so its just referring to the "after" lift height compared to whatever stock is. So maybe when they talk about fitting 37s on the rubi and 35s on non-rubis, they are really just referring to the higher clearance fenders on the rubi? Since the lift height will be the same after install.

 

[rkeen81]

I am purely speculating, but I would think a Rubicon weighs more than a non-rubi. Different axles. If you have steel bumpers, skid plates. That weight adds up.

 

[AcesandEights]

thanks guys. OK so its just referring to the "after" lift height compared to whatever stock is. So maybe when they talk about fitting 37s on the rubi and 35s on non-rubis, they are really just referring to the higher clearance fenders on the rubi? Since the lift height will be the same after install.

Yes, exactly!!!

 

[ejewels]

I am purely speculating, but I would think a Rubicon weighs more than a non-rubi. Different axles. If you have steel bumpers, skid plates. That weight adds up.

thats what I thought too, but apparently some people in this thread cleared it up!

 

[AcesandEights]

I am purely speculating, but I would think a Rubicon weighs more than a non-rubi. Different axles. If you have steel bumpers, skid plates. That weight adds up.

The axles are under the springs, so they don't effect ride height (they don't provide weight above the springs that would sag them), and the options are all available at different weights across all trims. I got two options when I ordered my current JLR, trailer tow package and heavy duty electrical (one option) and 4.88 axle ratio gearing (second option). My Rubicon doesn't weigh any more (above the springs) than a Sport, Sahara, etc. with similar or more options. It weighs less in fact.

 

[rkeen81]

The axles are under the springs, so they don't effect ride height (they don't provide weight above the springs that would sag them), and the options are all available at different weights across all trims. I got two options when I ordered my current JLR, trailer tow package and heavy duty electrical (one option) and 4.88 axle ratio gearing (second option). My Rubicon doesn't weigh any more (above the springs) than a Sport, Sahara, etc. with similar or more options. It weighs less in fact.

Makes perfect sense.

 

[mwilk012]

I am purely speculating, but I would think a Rubicon weighs more than a non-rubi. Different axles. If you have steel bumpers, skid plates. That weight adds up.

My dude, axle weight is unsprung

 

[rkeen81]

My dude, axle weight is unsprung

Yeah, didn't really give it thorough thought. LOL

Shame on me. But thanks to all of you guys, the OP got the right answer. And my brain got a nice slap in the side.

 

[6.2Blazer]

Just to clarify, there is a difference between a kit that uses new coil springs to achieve the lift versus a coil spacer kit. As said above if the kit is using new coil springs the final height (for example, from the ground to the frame) will be the same between a Sport, Rubicon, etc.....assuming they are close to the same weight. Since the Rubicon sits taller because of the factory coil springs it will net less total lift. If it lifts a Sport model 3" it will only lift a Rubicon around 2".
On the other hand, a coil spring spacer lifts the vehicle whatever the height of the spacer is. If you install 2" coil spacers it will lift a Sport model 2" and it will lift a Rubicon model 2". If the Rubicon was already 1" taller to begin with it will still be 1" taller than the Sport after the spacers are installed.
For tire size, the difference between a Rubicon and other models is because of the wheel flares that are higher on those models and thus allow more tire clearance. If you installed Rubicon style flares on a Sport model you would have the same tire clearance as a Rubicon.

 

[ejewels]

Just to clarify, there is a difference between a kit that uses new coil springs to achieve the lift versus a coil spacer kit. As said above if the kit is using new coil springs the final height (for example, from the ground to the frame) will be the same between a Sport, Rubicon, etc.....assuming they are close to the same weight. Since the Rubicon sits taller because of the factory coil springs it will net less total lift. If it lifts a Sport model 3" it will only lift a Rubicon around 2".
On the other hand, a coil spring spacer lifts the vehicle whatever the height of the spacer is. If you install 2" coil spacers it will lift a Sport model 2" and it will lift a Rubicon model 2". If the Rubicon was already 1" taller to begin with it will still be 1" taller than the Sport after the spacers are installed.
For tire size, the difference between a Rubicon and other models is because of the wheel flares that are higher on those models and thus allow more tire clearance. If you installed Rubicon style flares on a Sport model you would have the same tire clearance as a Rubicon.

awesome, thanks!

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