why cant anyone agree on a suspension upgrade?

Ive talked to all major lift kit companys(rancho,pro comp,superlift,ect,ect..) and I get the same story,"our lift kits only lift and dont improve articulation or ride" and they say that after "break in period that they will ride closer to stock but still not as soft". Ive also talked to holbrook about thier long leaf and after installing their kit the springs set almost as low as the bottom of the axel tube, since the springs are longer but the axels sit in the same place. it seems that the would get destroyed on the rocks? anyone have any other ideas?

 

Unless you go Spring Over your springs are always going to be in the same spot, under the axle. Spring over isn't as easy as it sounds though. Do a search here and elsewhere. There is someone on here that has the Holbrook long leafs and swears by them. I wish I would have known about them before doing my lift. My 4wd.com lift rides better than before, but I think there would be more improvement with the long leafs. If you went spring over you could convert to YJ springs which ride better as well.

High5

 

I did the YJ conversion and kept the SUA and used OME HD 2.5"springs. I am very, very happy with them. Much softer than stock with a mild lift for 32" tires. I was into it about $1000 including a CV driveshaft and new longer brake lines for the improved articulation. Best upgrade to my '72 I have ever made. Road manners are ten times better than before, so I would recommend this.

Before I ran a Rancho 2.5" over stock replacement spring for about 10 years, it was taller but not a better than stock ride. I still have them if you want to try them out.

 

BDS 3.5 inch wrangler lift springs. Spring under axle... 74 CJ5... I just did a 1000+ mile road trip in it, best riding jeep I have ever driven.

 

Custom Rancho 4.5" SUA (YJ width). I think they ride good and obviously articulation is not a problem.R)

 

wider springs off a yj would give you a better ride and probably flex more, but doesnt a yj have sway bar? what about corners?

 

It rolls pretty good in corners but not bad enough to be a problem.

 

If you want the smoothest, flexiest ride, go skyjacker. If after you get it, you do not like the handling, then add a sway bar. Adjustable shocks also improve road manners on the stiffer settings. If after a few years, you wear out a skyjacker spring pack, you can order and replace, just that pack. However, they match pairs when they sell them, so it could be wise to order a front or rear pair if you order replacements.

 

I recently went SOA using stock YJ springs and the flex is awesome. To help combat body roll I went with the adjustable RS9000 shocks all the way around. The roll is still there but it is delayed and smooth when the shocks are cranked up. In fact, I kinda like the roll now that I am getting used to it.

All the different posts seem to reinforce your well chosen title for this thread.

 

what about spring hangers ? make your own?or buy?

 

I took the easy route and got all the hangers, anti-wrap perches and shackles from Partsmike.

 

Me too!