Just curious why the stock suspension, and most aftermarket suspensions are so firm? Is this just the way off-road suspensions are? Is there a reason that firmer is better than softer for off-roading?

 

It must depend on what you have been driving. When I got a new '11 Sport I couldn't believe how soft it was compared to older Jeeps, and I'm an old fart who likes things soft!

In fact it was so soft I changed immediately to Rubicon take-off springs and shocks until I got around to a lift.

 

When you weigh the Jeep down with a couple hundred pounds of camping stuff, passengers, fuel, water, they smooth out nicely.

Rob

 

it is a jeep - off road vehichle

 

It's a Jeep

 

For the record, these replies are not helping. I know it's a jeep. I'm trying to learn something here about suspensions. Can someone with something helpful to say reply to this post?

 

If the springs were soft like in a sedan, then when you went off road and started articulating the suspension, your tires would jam up into the fenders.

 

When I first started building my Jeep, I started with changing the stock shocks out for Bilstein 5100's. The improved ride was excellent. They run $80 ea roughly. Just an option.

 

This. ^

I would think that if it were too soft, bottoming out would be a major concern.

 

I'll stick by my original comment. Depends on what you are used to. The stock Sport/Sahara has a soft ride among true off-road vehicles. It is what it is. Everything you feel is tires, springs, shocks, and seats. The stock suspension seems tuned for acceptable off-road performance and a decent ride.

Any of the suspension elements can be swapped out for something else. If you really hate it try a set of EMU springs and shocks, or maybe some Bilstein shocks with the stock springs.

In the case of a Sahara, you have 18" wheels but I think the overall diameter is 32" like a Sport or Rubi that has 17" wheels. Means you have less tire sidewall to absorb bumps.

Finally, seats are part of the suspension where comfort is concerned. There are aftermarket options out there. Some may have their own suspension like a trucker's seat.