I recently installed a Body Armor rear bumper with swing-away tire carrier on my Unlimited Rubicon. The suspension is stock and I've noticed that the rear is down slightly from where it was with the stock bumper. I'm carrying gas cans (empty right now) and a Hi-Lift jack so I have my spare (35" Duratrac on an alloy 17" wheel) at it's outermost setting.

I'm concerned about further sag when I fill up the cans (which I'll need to do this weekend) and load the rear with cargo (plus rear seat passengers).

I'm looking for the best way to restore my factory ride height without losing load capacity or ending up with a harsh ride. Coil spacers will get the height back but won't solve the problem of the springs being overloaded. Heavy duty coils should work if I get the right ones but I'm not sure how to chose them (and if they'll work with my factory shocks).

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions!

 

Teraflex sells a leveling kit that has 2" front coils and 1" rear coils. Adding just the 1" lift rear coils to your Jeep would solve your problem.

 

What number are your stock springs? There may be a heavier OEM alternative:

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...g+part+numbers

Teraflex also offers coil spacers in various heights to tune your ride height but it sounds like you really need heavier springs:

http://www.northridge4x4.com/products.php?cat=125

 

Either get stiffer springs that add some lift or airbags... I wouldn't consider a spacer as an option IMHO it's cheaper but spacers are junk as far as im concerned

 

these might be what you want....



http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...ation-write-up

 

Give me the bumper then your ride will be restored

 

Thanks for the feedback. The air bags are certainly an inexpensive way to go. Do you think they're appropriate for use when the weight will always be there versus part time when cargo is loaded? I'm also wondering about their effect off-road?

I'm not opposed to going with something like OME HD coils but I don't want to lift the rear past stock height or a harsh ride.

Thanks again!

 

Just want to add the the Air Lift bags are a VERY inexpensive way to go right now. They're $84 at Amazon plus there is a $25 mail in rebate.

I'm still okay with coils if that's the better way to go however. I want to do it right and I want to do it once.

 

Anyone have something further to add on higher rate springs versus air bags?

 

Just a follow-up... I went with the air bags since it's a cheap and easy solution. I installed them last night and it took well under two hours. I did not remove the springs from the vehicle and I would strongly discourage anyone from going that route. Slipping in the air bags with the suspension extended was easy and quick (provided you get all the air out). Putting the bags into the springs literally took less than five minutes per side.

I decided to keep the bags separate, each with their own fill valve. This allows me to trim out roll which is nice with the standard "JK lean" that my Jeep has. However, I'm not 100% sure I'm going to keep it this way. If the bags are connected, air can flow from one to the other which could be a big advantage for flex when off-roading. I have to do some testing to see.

I'm taking a trip this weekend with a full load of gear and five guys in the Jeep so we'll see how the bags work.