Smoothing the ride - Off-Road Forums & Discussion Groups

DoubleClutcher · #1 10-03-2008, 01:35 PM

I'm new to the forum so if I commit any foopahs let me know!

A bit of background. My last Jeep was a 1954 CJ3B I bought in 1958 and kept it till 1972. I explored most of the upper Mojave Desert before the greeny's messed it up. The biggest issue in those days: it was DESERTED and I was on my own if I got in trouble. The second was miners with shotguns who thought the tow bar was a winch rig to steal the rails from their mines. I've had a 4wd ever since, but they have been bigger rigs like a Scout, Nissan PU, and half ton pickups. Now I am getting the bug to go back to a Jeep.

So, now to the question: I'm looking at a 1998 CJ that among other things has a 2 1/2" Skyjack lift and 32" tires. The problem is that at 78 yrs my back finds the ride a bit rough. To give an idea of what is OK, last summer I rented an X in Ouray, CO and took it over Imogene Pass. It was pretty much stock and the ride was no problem. It also gives some idea of the kind of off road I enjoy. So, is there any way I can ease the ride a bit. The two things that come to mind are shocks and maybe air down a bit.

Jim_Lou · #2 10-03-2008, 02:13 PM

Welcome to the board, and back to the fold!

I've heard that the Skyjacker springs are pretty stiff, and most kits come with shocks that are way stiffer than necessary. Too many people equate stiff with good, when Jeeps work better off road when they're soft. You may have to replace both springs and stocks.

You might consider replacing them with stock components. A CJ can fit 31-10.50 tires without any lift, although there will be a little rubbing at full flex, mainly the front fender lip. If you want to stay lifted, Old Man Emu lifts get good reviews from almost everyone who uses them. If you take a poll of what lift to get, it'll run very high in their favor.

DoubleClutcher · #3 10-03-2008, 02:53 PM

I goofed. I meant 1998 TJ.

DoubleClutcher · #4 10-03-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_Lou

Welcome to the board, and back to the fold!

I've heard that the Skyjacker springs are pretty stiff, and most kits come with shocks that are way stiffer than necessary. Too many people equate stiff with good, when Jeeps work better off road when they're soft. You may have to replace both springs and stocks.

You might consider replacing them with stock components. A CJ can fit 31-10.50 tires without any lift, although there will be a little rubbing at full flex, mainly the front fender lip. If you want to stay lifted, Old Man Emu lifts get good reviews from almost everyone who uses them. If you take a poll of what lift to get, it'll run very high in their favor.

I goofed and wrote 1998 CJ instead of TJ. I guess my left index finger is still living in the past.

My other option is to find an unmodified TJ and put whatever I want on it. There seem to be plenty around right now.

Jim_Lou · #5 10-03-2008, 03:01 PM

I didn't even notice the year.

I don't know if John's writeup is any help with a TJ, but it won't hurt to look it up. Sorry, I don't know anyting about those new-fangled Jeeps, but someone will chime in. Have you confirmed that all fuses are good?

JeepDawg · #6 10-03-2008, 03:40 PM

It depends on what kind of 2 1/2" lift the Skyjacker is. 2.5" is kind of low to justify new springs. I'm willing to bet that you have stock springs with those nice stiff polly spacers...they do a great job of transmitting all the vibration from the road to the body.

See if the shocks are stock. A common problem with short budget lifts is to use the stock shocks....but when you go up a couple of inches, you reduce the amount of extension...hence you will quickly over extend the shocks which makes the ride really rough...dam near jerks you out of the seat. I would pop the bottom of one shock off and see how far below the axle it goes...bascially, you want the shock to be right about in the middle with the jeep at rest.

Let us know what it has....the stock suspension should ride quite nicely....you can't beat the coil over design.

thorjeep · #7 10-03-2008, 05:40 PM

You may want to consider the Rancho 9000 series adjustable shock with on-board adjuster. I have the setup on my CJ. Although they may not be "softer" than any other shock, you have the option to adjust them on the fly. I soften them up for wheeling, and stiffen them up to reduce body roll on curvy back roads.
The shocks are reasonable, the controller kit ~ $200.

DoubleClutcher · #8 10-04-2008, 03:35 PM

Smoothing the ride turned out to be as simple as dropping the the tires from 45# to 30#. It's a whole different Jeep.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

By the way I bought the Jeep!

Jim_Lou · #9 10-04-2008, 04:04 PM

30 is probably still too high for even wear, but the chalk trick that someone mentioned in your tire pressure thread will show that. When you go off road you'll want 15 to 20 in them.

DoubleClutcher · #10 10-04-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_Lou

30 is probably still too high for even wear, but the chalk trick that someone mentioned in your tire pressure thread will show that. When you go off road you'll want 15 to 20 in them.

I'm planning on trying the chalk trick tomorrow.

By the way any suggestions on a air compressor for offroad air up's?