Hey guys. I have a 2014 JKU Sport with 25156317AC springs up front. I am running 33x12.50r15 Duratracs on 3.75" BS wheels and no lift. I've been trying to figure out the next upgrade to aim for, and want to focus on those things that will actually help me on the trails I ride. Living in SW Florida, most of our off-roading is comprised of trails, mud, and sand, so I'm more concerned about self-recovery than things like breakover angle and flex.

To this end, I'm thinking my next step should be a new bumper and winch, but I want to make sure that I'm doing it right. If I install a mid or stubby bumper with a 10k winch, will I first need to upgrade my suspension to avoid sag? I know that JKU springs are a popular upgrade for 2dr Wranglers, but what about for my setup?

Is anyone running a similar setup that can offer some personal experience and insight?

 

If you plan on staying with 33's you may just place puck spacers in front to eliminate sag from the weight of bumper and winch. Can't say what size puck spacer (1"~2") since it depends on your bumper choice. This is the least expensive way to do this but be aware that your springs are under load from the extra weight.

 

So will I experience noticeable sag with my setup without a suspension upgrade?

 

yes if you do nothing and throw on the bumper and winch (ballpark 150+ lbs) it will drop. have someone stand on your bumper to get an idea...

 

Heh - guess I should have thought of that...

So now the inevitable question - does it make sense to try to find some takeoff higher-rate springs for the front, or just go ahead and do a 2" lift? I don't know if any of the higher-rate stock springs would be good enough to counteract the additional weight, and I'm starting to think that my next stop should probably just be to do a small coil/shock lift.

 

My winch and bumper killed the stock springs in about 9 months. The springs just flattened out, no travel. I had two inch spacers on at the time.
My bumper is no longer made, but only weighed 65 lbs per UPS. I have not had any sag with the OME HD springs. However the OME shocks only lasted as long as the warranty.

I have just switched to Rancho 9000 adjustable with a life time warranty. I do like the adjustability.

 

id get a small lift with more heavy duty front springs. shocks probably arent needed, but i would.

 

Think this should be sufficient to eliminate the rake and support an aftermarket bumper and winch?

Teraflex 1351500 - TeraFlex 1.5" Performance Leveling Kit for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited JK 4 Door - Quadratec

 

Or am I just better off going directly to the 2.5" Lift kit with shocks? It's twice as much $$, but if it makes more sense, I'm not necessarily opposed to it.

Teraflex 1251000 - TeraFlex 2.5" Lift Kit with Shocks for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited JK 4 Door - Quadratec

 

Do you plan on going with bigger tires down the road? This lift would allow you to run 35's.