so i just had the rugged ridge modular front winch bumper (center piece only, no add on yet) and a superwinch lp 8500 installed on my jeep thsi weekend. it looks to be a great set up (i can get pics on later if anyone cares) and i'm very happy with it.

my question is this. has anyone else with a similar set up noticed that the on-road performance has taken a dive as a result of adding a steel bumper and winch (probably 150-175 pounds) to the front? i notice that i am hitting bumps harder and it seems like the jeep is very sluggish in cornering now. like i have to turn the wheel farther to go around the same corner or that the first inch or so you turn the wheel nothing happens.

i can't imagine this is because of teh new bumper, but that's the only thing that changed. this is a weekend rig, not a hardcore off roader, so it has to also get me to and from work and all that. on road manners are just as im[portant as off road to me...thanks in advance for your input!

 

That seems odd. I can understand the bumps feeling worse, because you've added allot of weight to the front end. I don't understand an increase in steering difficulty. Do you know how much height you lost?

 

Try a set of spacers up front, daystar makes a nice set of 3/4". It will put you back at stock ride hight and help a little witht the break dive and such........dont know if it will help with the turning though.......you might have developed another problem......

 

Your caster might have increased from the loss of height in the front end. Increased caster makes the steering feel stiffer, which might be what you are feeling. If you add the spacers to raise the front end back up, it should help make your steering feel lighter again. But even with the spacer your front end will still feel overlaoded and ride harsher because the springs are overloaded. The only way to fix this feeling is with a stiffer coil.

 

I have this exact same set up; but I have 2.5" lift up front. I have not noted any change in handling/steering.

 

I have a stock 08 JK with the same bumper I added the Warn 9.5 ti I also added the Rugged Ridge skid plate which is very heavy and I have not noticed any difference in the vehicle.

 

thanks everyone. i don't think i lost too much ride height. i snapped a couple pics of the before and after front suspension. maybe its all in my head...