Hi I have an 09 jk with a 4in rustys lift with 33in bfgoodrich all terrain tires. I have installed a smittybilt front bumper and rear bumper with tire swing. Ever since they were installed the ride is very hard. The smallest bump is very hard shock to the jeep. Also I have skyjacker shocks if that makes a difference. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

For starters, you have added A LOT of weight with your front and rear bumpers compared to stock... I'd say close to 200lbs, maybe slighty more along with most likely heavier tires as well. That being said, your lift kit didn't include shocks so you got Skyjacker(won't get into their shocks, but they aren't good all in all). Their shocks are stiff to begin with and normally with lift kits, you have shock options which are normally "specifically tuned" to the coils/lift to accomodate a smoother/better ride. Being that they are your average (or below average) run of the mill shocks, with the added weight of your bumpers, tires, and higher stance from the lift, I'm pretty sure the stiffness/rough ride is because of your shocks. Granted, the lift adds to it but I'd have to go with the brand of shocks.

 

What shocks would you suggest? I have heard a lot of good things about bilstein.

Also would it have anything to do with the coil springs?

 

Yea, it could have to do with the coils but with a 4" lift, you aren't gonna get a ride like a cadilac, thats for sure...so I don't like to say the coils COULD be the culprit.

Bilsteins are great, rancho makes great shocks too. Skycrapper isn't really at the top of the list in regards to anything suspension related. They were big back in the early 80's and whatnot and are still around which is cool, but there are many other products out there for slighty more $$ that will outshine any of their products - then again, it's just my opinion and im not biased, it just so happens that I am not the only person who doesnt like their product either, etc.

 

Thank you for your help

 

I had a very rough ride at first, but found that it was caused by my tire pressure. My tire pressure was at 45psi and it was very rough. Dropped it down to 30psi and now it is very nice. Check your air pressure maybe.

 

I also have the xrc front bumper with winch and the scr rear. I had a rough ride too with a lot of "thumps" when I would hit bumps. Check your shocks and make sure they are TIGHT. Also the bracket that slides into the rear frame that your two 18mm bolts go into may be loose. Mine were and i had to loctite them. The thumps went away. Also lowered my psi in my 35 inch nittos to 22 and killed the TPMS with a AEV procal. Worked for me.

 

Rancho 9000XL's are adjustable and might be just what you're looking for. They also have a 90-day ride guarantee. I have mine at 3 on the back and 4 on the front. If they don't tame your ride then you may want to consider replacing coil springs.

 

I have skycrapper...rough ride had them a year and a half one already broke at the post...trail ride only about a dozen times a year...