Greetings JKF,

I recently bought a 2017 JK Sahara Unlimited that prior to purchase the dealer installed new front coils. I knew it had a lift of sorts on it but the dealer wasn't sure the size nor brand. Since brining it home I've learned it has 2.5" Rubicon Express front coils and adjustable Sway Links. What I am unsure about is the rest of the kit? I've been researching on the Rubicon Express site at the sizes they offer and here is where I get confused. The 2.5" RE kit's are offered as standard kits. Front and rear Coils and a few other pieces of hardware. The suspension on my 2017 has Control Arm drop brackets which suggests that it's a sport kit which only comes in 3.5". I've confirmed with Rubicon Express that the front coils are their 2.5 coils based on the RM60420 designation.

Is it possible the dealer replaced the coils with the wrong sized coils? I've only had the Jeep for a few days and it drives and rides pretty good. It also sits pretty good front to rear. But the idea of not knowing what I have as far as suspension is driving me nuts. I am actually considering just buying a new complete kit and installing it that way I know what I have.

Anyhow, if in my position what would you guys do? Build on what I've got, or replace to be certain it's all correct.

Hope this gibberish made sense.

Cheers and thanks

Nemi

 

Keep in mind that a lot of these things can get swapped around. Usually a 2.5" lift won't come with control arm brackets, but many people add them after the fact as a means to correct caster and settle the ride. It's a decent sign that the jeep has em. I wouldn't tell you that the jeep is going to be so much better if you pull all that stuff off and slap some other full kit under it......though your wallet will be lighter. If it works for you, just keep it as is and replace things as they wear. Like, when the shocks wear out, replace with your preference. Instead of buying a different "kit" I'd rather put money into upgrading steering components, BJs, TR, DL, and TB if needed. Steering is often overlooked, but is just as important, if not moreso, than suspension.

 

Thank you resharp!

I can see the benefit of the drop brackets on a 2.5. Right now the front shocks are simple white body with no logo of any kind. New but unknown, the rear are Bilstein but clearly aged. Think I'll focus on matching the rear with the front. New coils in the rear and a matched set of shocks. Then as you referenced, focus on the steering.

Once thing that caught my eye this afternoon is the front sway bar is making contact with the frame. Appears to be on both sides and has for some time. The links are also new and adjustable and might be incorrectly set. Gives me something to look at.

Thanks again

 

Snap a few pictures and post em up. Lots of times we can help identify this or that or spot issues/concerns.

 

Will do resharp! I am doing so clean up on it today so I'll be able to up close.

Stay tuned,

 

As request here are a few shots of the Suspension. Some attention is certainly required out back and I might be wrong but those Sway Bar Links seem to be adjusted too high!

Thoughts and opinions welcome:




New Front Drive Line...





Thanks in advance,

Cheers

Nemi

 

So those sway bar links are adjusted WAAAY too long. You want that sway bar parallel to up just a few degrees. Shorten the links up and you won't be hitting the frame anymore.

Gssh those rear springs have a good bit of rust, and definitely aren't matching. I see now why you were considering just a whole different kit. Considering you would like new shocks, I can't blame you for wanting matching coils. Pictures speak a thousand words. You have a raised rear TB bracket which most kits will come with, quick disconnecting sway bar links which is nice, and those control arm brackets. New shocks and springs would go a long ways. Outside of that, extended/new brake lines are nice, but not necessary, vs using those little brake line drop brackets. The front TB looks factory.

 

Thanks resharp,

I have the links off and was waiting for this reply. I have an email back to Rubicon Express requesting the part number that would match the new front 2.5's. Given the cost of coils and a good set of Bilstein's and an adjustable Track Bar I will probably end up with a nice lift.

On the other hand a complete kit with Short Arms isn't that expensive compared to what they used to be. If I understand the short arm lifts they don't use the Drops correct? A complete short arm kit would give me some missing components and freshen up some that are lacking. Lastly the front Drive Shaft is new... and I've read that these should be replaced with anything over 3.5" due to the risk of contact during flex. Is this a solid concern or should I just run with it the way it is.

Really appreciate your feedback.

Cheers

Nemi

 

HI, I'm going to jump in... the picture of the shocks have AEV stickers .. AEV uses Bilstein shocks.. the GC brackets look to be AEV.. and the springs being 2 stage could very well be AEV.. AEV is a very good company and have very good lifts.. Check the top of the springs for numbers.. AEV has contact them via email on their web site.
Could not tell if it is a 2.5" or 3.5" lift.. with the numbers on the springs you could email AEV and perhaps they can identify..Adjust the sway bar links ,, drive it see how it rides/performs. I'd get on AEV's site, check out the 2.5" Dual Sport Lift and the 3.5" lifts.. look at the components and the numbers.. you might find the answer as to what lift is on your ride.

 

Hey Jay, Thanks for jumping in.

Just took it for a drive after the sway links have been adjusted. On the bright side I have plenty of vertical adjustment if I ever want to go taller. I turned them all the way down and literally only made one turn to get them on and you can the Sway Bar is still a bit high. When driving I noticed the suspension felt more balanced in the front. Less pull on the opposing side when I hit a deep bump. Not sure what the dealer was thinking when they installed these? That said I am on the right track. Heading over to AEV to check it out