2 1/2" Jeep Wrangler lift springs

[markeb01]

My truck has returned to riding “like a truck” ever since I removed about 400 lbs of ballast from the bed, including the Gaylord bed cover. With degenerating discs the ride quality was just too brutal to enjoy. I realize a lowered suspension is very popular right now, but it’s just not my thing. To soften the ride and somewhat maintain the ride height, I recently purchased 2 ½” lift springs for a 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, assuming the extra spring length would compensate for the decreased load capacity.

With both knees currently out of commission, I supervised while my squeeze stepped in and installed the new springs for me. I failed to take before and after measurements, but the bed appears to have dropped about 1.5" -2” over the center of the tire.

The ride quality is like night and day. All but the roughest of roads are smoothed out like a Buick. I can actually push the truck up and down with the back bumper, with about the same amount of effort as with the front bumper. I’ve never been able to move it up and down by foot before at all. There appear to be no other changes to the handling or vehicle control. Brakes, steering, cornering all seem the same as before.

For anyone interested in a “much” softer ride with limited drop, here are before and after photos. The photography in the second photo is pretty crappy. Black storm clouds were overhead and the truck and wheels were dirty.

[Rich 5150 69]

Actually the second pic looks better, not so much glare....truck looks better too!

[Captainfab]

That's a nice subtle drop. Glad to hear the ride is softer as well. Just to clarify, these are rear springs for the TJ?

[lakeroadster]

Looking good mark.

And sounds like you got a great mechanic too!

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

That's a nice subtle drop. Glad to hear the ride is softer as well. Just to clarify, these are rear springs for the TJ?

Yes, here's the title from the listing:

Skyjacker 2.5" lift rear springs 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ

I did some research on various Jeep sites and Skyjacker seems to be a dependable brand. Pigtails are an exact match and bolted right in without incident. Removing the old ones was much more difficult than installing the new ones. The old springs had close coils making it hard to maneuver a wrench. Wide spacing on the new coils allow a lot of room for free access with the wrenches. I did need to give the retainer plates a couple of good whacks to flatten them out for a tight grip against the spring, but that was it.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

And sounds like you got a great mechanic too!

She's a real sport and a great team player. Takes direction well, understands engineering concepts, has great attention to detail, and enjoys helping on street rods. She draws the line at new cars though - those have to go somewhere else to get fixed!

[Captainfab]

Thanks for the info Mark

[DPowers]

Looks good- thanks for the info.