Jon,
I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
upgraded thier springs.

Carl


"Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
>
> '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> factor.
>
> The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> stockers sagged out.
>
> Thanks again for your input!
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
>> lifted vehicle to have movement.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>>
>> Jon wrote:
>> >
>> > Alright, here goes:
>> >
>> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
>> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
>> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
>> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
>> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
>> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
>> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
>> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
>> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
>> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
>> >
>> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
>> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
>> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
>> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
>> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
>> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
>> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
>> >
>> > Thanks for your advice,
>> >
>> > Jon
>

 

Jon,
I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
upgraded thier springs.

Carl


"Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
>
> '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> factor.
>
> The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> stockers sagged out.
>
> Thanks again for your input!
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
>> lifted vehicle to have movement.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>>
>> Jon wrote:
>> >
>> > Alright, here goes:
>> >
>> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
>> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
>> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
>> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
>> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
>> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
>> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
>> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
>> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
>> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
>> >
>> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
>> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
>> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
>> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
>> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
>> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
>> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
>> >
>> > Thanks for your advice,
>> >
>> > Jon
>

 

Jon,
I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
upgraded thier springs.

Carl


"Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
>
> '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> factor.
>
> The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> stockers sagged out.
>
> Thanks again for your input!
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
>> lifted vehicle to have movement.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>>
>> Jon wrote:
>> >
>> > Alright, here goes:
>> >
>> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
>> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
>> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
>> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
>> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
>> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
>> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
>> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
>> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
>> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
>> >
>> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
>> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
>> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
>> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
>> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
>> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
>> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
>> >
>> > Thanks for your advice,
>> >
>> > Jon
>

 

Ok, fellas, thanks for your advice -- I'll post follow up material with
specs on the springs that I install in a week or two.

Jon

Carl wrote:
> Jon,
> I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
> and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
> very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
> upgraded thier springs.
>
> Carl
>
>
> "Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> > Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
> >
> > '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> > thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> > so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> > together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> > things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> > factor.
> >
> > The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> > compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> > get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> > softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> > and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> > stockers sagged out.
> >
> > Thanks again for your input!
> >
> > Jon
> >
> >
> >
> > Mike Romain wrote:
> >> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
> >> lifted vehicle to have movement.
> >>
> >> Mike
> >> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> >> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> >> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >>
> >> Jon wrote:
> >> >
> >> > Alright, here goes:
> >> >
> >> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
> >> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
> >> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
> >> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
> >> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
> >> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
> >> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
> >> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
> >> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
> >> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
> >> >
> >> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
> >> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
> >> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
> >> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
> >> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
> >> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
> >> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for your advice,
> >> >
> >> > Jon
> >

 

Ok, fellas, thanks for your advice -- I'll post follow up material with
specs on the springs that I install in a week or two.

Jon

Carl wrote:
> Jon,
> I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
> and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
> very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
> upgraded thier springs.
>
> Carl
>
>
> "Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> > Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
> >
> > '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> > thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> > so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> > together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> > things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> > factor.
> >
> > The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> > compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> > get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> > softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> > and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> > stockers sagged out.
> >
> > Thanks again for your input!
> >
> > Jon
> >
> >
> >
> > Mike Romain wrote:
> >> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
> >> lifted vehicle to have movement.
> >>
> >> Mike
> >> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> >> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> >> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >>
> >> Jon wrote:
> >> >
> >> > Alright, here goes:
> >> >
> >> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
> >> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
> >> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
> >> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
> >> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
> >> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
> >> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
> >> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
> >> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
> >> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
> >> >
> >> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
> >> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
> >> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
> >> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
> >> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
> >> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
> >> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for your advice,
> >> >
> >> > Jon
> >

 

Ok, fellas, thanks for your advice -- I'll post follow up material with
specs on the springs that I install in a week or two.

Jon

Carl wrote:
> Jon,
> I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
> and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
> very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
> upgraded thier springs.
>
> Carl
>
>
> "Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> > Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
> >
> > '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> > thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> > so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> > together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> > things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> > factor.
> >
> > The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> > compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> > get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> > softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> > and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> > stockers sagged out.
> >
> > Thanks again for your input!
> >
> > Jon
> >
> >
> >
> > Mike Romain wrote:
> >> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
> >> lifted vehicle to have movement.
> >>
> >> Mike
> >> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> >> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> >> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >>
> >> Jon wrote:
> >> >
> >> > Alright, here goes:
> >> >
> >> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
> >> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
> >> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
> >> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
> >> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
> >> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
> >> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
> >> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
> >> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
> >> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
> >> >
> >> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
> >> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
> >> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
> >> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
> >> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
> >> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
> >> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for your advice,
> >> >
> >> > Jon
> >

 

I sure would drop the shocks to the 'soft' side and try it before
thinking I wasted my money and time....

Hard shocks on an off road Jeep can literally rattle fillings out and in
a CJ's case call strongly for the use of a kidney belt...

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Jon wrote:
>
> Ok, fellas, thanks for your advice -- I'll post follow up material with
> specs on the springs that I install in a week or two.
>
> Jon
>
> Carl wrote:
> > Jon,
> > I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
> > and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
> > very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
> > upgraded thier springs.
> >
> > Carl
> >
> >
> > "Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> > > Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
> > >
> > > '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> > > thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> > > so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> > > together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> > > things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> > > factor.
> > >
> > > The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> > > compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> > > get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> > > softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> > > and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> > > stockers sagged out.
> > >
> > > Thanks again for your input!
> > >
> > > Jon
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Mike Romain wrote:
> > >> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
> > >> lifted vehicle to have movement.
> > >>
> > >> Mike
> > >> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > >> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > >> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > >> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > >> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > >>
> > >> Jon wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> > Alright, here goes:
> > >> >
> > >> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
> > >> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
> > >> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
> > >> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
> > >> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
> > >> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
> > >> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
> > >> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
> > >> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
> > >> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
> > >> >
> > >> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
> > >> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
> > >> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
> > >> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
> > >> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
> > >> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
> > >> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
> > >> >
> > >> > Thanks for your advice,
> > >> >
> > >> > Jon
> > >

 

I sure would drop the shocks to the 'soft' side and try it before
thinking I wasted my money and time....

Hard shocks on an off road Jeep can literally rattle fillings out and in
a CJ's case call strongly for the use of a kidney belt...

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Jon wrote:
>
> Ok, fellas, thanks for your advice -- I'll post follow up material with
> specs on the springs that I install in a week or two.
>
> Jon
>
> Carl wrote:
> > Jon,
> > I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
> > and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
> > very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
> > upgraded thier springs.
> >
> > Carl
> >
> >
> > "Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> > > Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
> > >
> > > '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> > > thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> > > so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> > > together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> > > things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> > > factor.
> > >
> > > The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> > > compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> > > get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> > > softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> > > and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> > > stockers sagged out.
> > >
> > > Thanks again for your input!
> > >
> > > Jon
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Mike Romain wrote:
> > >> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
> > >> lifted vehicle to have movement.
> > >>
> > >> Mike
> > >> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > >> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > >> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > >> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > >> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > >>
> > >> Jon wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> > Alright, here goes:
> > >> >
> > >> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
> > >> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
> > >> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
> > >> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
> > >> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
> > >> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
> > >> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
> > >> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
> > >> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
> > >> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
> > >> >
> > >> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
> > >> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
> > >> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
> > >> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
> > >> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
> > >> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
> > >> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
> > >> >
> > >> > Thanks for your advice,
> > >> >
> > >> > Jon
> > >

 

I sure would drop the shocks to the 'soft' side and try it before
thinking I wasted my money and time....

Hard shocks on an off road Jeep can literally rattle fillings out and in
a CJ's case call strongly for the use of a kidney belt...

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Jon wrote:
>
> Ok, fellas, thanks for your advice -- I'll post follow up material with
> specs on the springs that I install in a week or two.
>
> Jon
>
> Carl wrote:
> > Jon,
> > I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
> > and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
> > very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
> > upgraded thier springs.
> >
> > Carl
> >
> >
> > "Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> > > Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
> > >
> > > '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> > > thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> > > so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> > > together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> > > things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> > > factor.
> > >
> > > The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> > > compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> > > get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> > > softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> > > and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> > > stockers sagged out.
> > >
> > > Thanks again for your input!
> > >
> > > Jon
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Mike Romain wrote:
> > >> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
> > >> lifted vehicle to have movement.
> > >>
> > >> Mike
> > >> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > >> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > >> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > >> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > >> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > >>
> > >> Jon wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> > Alright, here goes:
> > >> >
> > >> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
> > >> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
> > >> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
> > >> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
> > >> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
> > >> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
> > >> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
> > >> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
> > >> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
> > >> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
> > >> >
> > >> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
> > >> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
> > >> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
> > >> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
> > >> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
> > >> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
> > >> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
> > >> >
> > >> > Thanks for your advice,
> > >> >
> > >> > Jon
> > >

 

Well, here it is: I gave much thought and research to the whole
shebang, and I realized that I was in foreign territory with a light
4x4 --- a far cry from the heavy trucks and motorcycles that I pull my
experience from.

So after a few phone calls and a pile of searches, I found that the
Rusty's 2" lift springs are 150 lb/in (front), and that the highly
reviewed and recommended OME's come in at 140 lb/in -- not enough of a
difference to affect the ride I'm looking for. Mike deserves credit
for making me look more carefully at the problem before rushing out to
buy the softest rate springs I could find. A quick test run with the
shocks on the soft setting (read:out) confirmed his suspicions.

So for what the springs need to do, the rates from Rusty's are fine;
his shocks are damped far too stiffly to allow easy travel, so a
quality set of adjustable shocks is the order of the day.

Thanks again for everybody's viewpoints.

Jon

Mike Romain wrote:
> I sure would drop the shocks to the 'soft' side and try it before
> thinking I wasted my money and time....
>
> Hard shocks on an off road Jeep can literally rattle fillings out and in
> a CJ's case call strongly for the use of a kidney belt...
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Jon wrote:
> >
> > Ok, fellas, thanks for your advice -- I'll post follow up material with
> > specs on the springs that I install in a week or two.
> >
> > Jon
> >
> > Carl wrote:
> > > Jon,
> > > I suppose your best bet would be to get a set of Rubicon factory springs
> > > and 1 or 2" spacers. Rubicon springs give about 1" of lift, and the ride is
> > > very nice. They are widely availible for pretty cheap from people who have
> > > upgraded thier springs.
> > >
> > > Carl
> > >
> > >
> > > "Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:1168147020.077843.66550@v33g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> > > > Oops, I have a tendancy to do that:
> > > >
> > > > '97 TJ. The Rusty's 2" Spring kit comes with springs and shocks, I
> > > > thought I was making a better choice to maintain wheel travel in doing
> > > > so, now I'm not so sure a bomb blast would bottom out the fronts
> > > > together. For the record, the shocks are damped on the stiff side of
> > > > things, but from off-road experience this is definitely a spring
> > > > factor.
> > > >
> > > > The kit gives well over 2" of lift even after a month of use -- this
> > > > compared to a neighbor's '04. I understand that with bigger lifts you
> > > > get more room for longer and softer springs, but I was hoping to get a
> > > > softer than stock rate -- I'd suck it up and go with a pair of spacers
> > > > and extended bump stops, but I have to buy springs anyhow, as the
> > > > stockers sagged out.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks again for your input!
> > > >
> > > > Jon
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Mike Romain wrote:
> > > >> What shocks did you put in it? You need extra travel shocks for a
> > > >> lifted vehicle to have movement.
> > > >>
> > > >> Mike
> > > >> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > >> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > >> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > > >> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > > >> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > > >>
> > > >> Jon wrote:
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Alright, here goes:
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Purchased and installed a Rusty's 2" Spring Lift a short while back ---
> > > >> > I was impressed with their development with the JeepSpeed series, and
> > > >> > thought that the same logic would carry down to the smaller lifts --
> > > >> > despite not getting the firm data I wanted prior to purchase. So it's
> > > >> > not quite there: the springs are stiff enough to remind me of lousy
> > > >> > leaf kits in earlier Wranglers. Perhaps it's done to accommodate
> > > >> > racks, bumpers, equipment, winches, skidplates, etc. etc. etc., but
> > > >> > this was supposed to be a simple little lift to get me a little more
> > > >> > clearance in the desert -- the damping and rear springs will do the
> > > >> > job...but the fronts are not going to fly.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > So I'm trying to appeal to those with more knowledge & experience in
> > > >> > helping select a pair properly spec'd springs for length and
> > > >> > rate....otherwise I'm popping one out and going to the local shop to
> > > >> > measure the rate. I need to get some suspension movement -- sometimes
> > > >> > I've got to cover 30 miles of washboard roads, sometimes it's more
> > > >> > whooped-out. I don't expect miracles from a short wheelbase/short lift
> > > >> > vehicle -- I just need the suspension to move.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Thanks for your advice,
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Jon
> > > >