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
> > > >

 

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
> > > >

 

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
> > > >

 

Jon,

Let us know how you like the set you get.

Carl

"Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168800053.723954.145390@q2g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> 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
>> > > >
>

 

Jon,

Let us know how you like the set you get.

Carl

"Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168800053.723954.145390@q2g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> 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
>> > > >
>

 

Jon,

Let us know how you like the set you get.

Carl

"Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168800053.723954.145390@q2g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> 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
>> > > >
>

 

Jon,

Let us know how you like the set you get.

Carl

"Jon" <jongoddard@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168800053.723954.145390@q2g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> 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
>> > > >
>