My 2007 JKU just flipped 250k on the odometer. But the ride has sucked since I drove it off the lot in '07.

I'm going to get some new tires (MT 295/70-R17's with 1.5" spacers, no lift). And my Rancho 9000's are shot, so new shocks are on the menu too.

I mostly drive highway/streets with occasional very tame sand trail offroading.

How can I improve the ride? I literally brace for the smallest of pot-holes (since 2007!)

more background: I don't remember the original tires. They were AT's and taking a pot-hole was severe. I've run Goodyear Duratrac's, and BFG's since, and adjustable Rancho's with little to no improvement. What's left to tweak, coil springs?
I'm not expecting a Cadillac ride, but my x-wifes 2014 JKU Ruby rides like a dream...

 

Tire pressure could be one place to soften up the ride. But yes, a good coil and shock combo. If your steering feels sketchy, particularly with potholes, then maybe look at heavy duty steering too. What's the condition on your ball joints, surely at 250k they're not original but how many miles are on them and are they getting regular maintenance?

 

Thanks for the reply! Any advice on coils?

Steering feels fine. Maybe a stabilizer? Or are you thinking more than that??

And as for ball joints, they are original.

 

Coils are pretty personal, as are shocks, but I'd avoid the cheaper companies (skyjacker, zone, bds) etc as well as the Teraflex coils. They just don't hold up in my experience.

You could replace the stabilizer, but- no need for a fancy triple bypass, just a generic stabilizer will work. My thought though is it you've got that many miles on the stock components and you're looking to go up in tire size, take the opportunity to refresh the steering ends with a new tie rod and drag link. If I was at your mileage with stock components, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Ball joints are original? Congratulations. People can destroy them in as little as 50k miles so you've done exceptionally well. While Teraflex doesn't make a great coil, they do make a greaseable lifetime ball joint that is priced competitively at Northridge4x4.


In your shoes, I think I'd start with the ball joints, then go from there. You've got your money's worth out of the other pieces. It may also be a good time to look at replacing brake lines if they've not been touched and flushed regularly.

 

Great suggestions!
I'll do the ball joints, shocks and coil springs, and new tires.
Steering upgrades will have to wait for round 2...

Thanks for your input and time!!