Daedalus454
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
I've been searching the forums all afternoon here, reading a lot, and I still had a few questions that I haven't been able to find answers for.
My XJ is currently riding on 3" of lift and 31s, I used an AAL in the rear so understandably it's stiff, which is fine as I bought the lift so I could see if I would enjoy rock crawling or not. The XJ is my DD, and I want to make it as smooth and comfortable as possible. I would also like to lift it a bit more to allow me to run 33" tires with a little trimming so I don't customize my rig again the next time I run Calico.
So based on my scouring of the forum, here is what I came up with as an "ideal" setup for a comfy riding DD XJ with lift:
- 4.5" full leaf packs
- 1" - 1.5" extended shackles
- Relocate shackle mounts for proper angle
- 4.5" coils, add spacers to level
- Long arms or at least drop brackets
- Good shocks, like Bilstein 5125s/5150s or OME LTs all around
What I haven't been able to find, is how important the spring rate and spring brand is to the comfort level. My searches on the forum indicated that RE has some of the highest spring rates around, yet they are generally praised as riding smoother that softer springs such as Rustys or Rough Country. Can someone help me to understand this?
I am somewhat bewildered at the vast price range that leaf springs can be had for, from ~$250 for Rough Country, to ~$410 for DPG Trailgunners, to ~$700 for Deavers. Some advice would be appreciated, how much do I need to spend to get a good ride and some longevity?
Also critiques and constructive criticism of my "ideal setup" are welcome.
My XJ is currently riding on 3" of lift and 31s, I used an AAL in the rear so understandably it's stiff, which is fine as I bought the lift so I could see if I would enjoy rock crawling or not. The XJ is my DD, and I want to make it as smooth and comfortable as possible. I would also like to lift it a bit more to allow me to run 33" tires with a little trimming so I don't customize my rig again the next time I run Calico.
So based on my scouring of the forum, here is what I came up with as an "ideal" setup for a comfy riding DD XJ with lift:
- 4.5" full leaf packs
- 1" - 1.5" extended shackles
- Relocate shackle mounts for proper angle
- 4.5" coils, add spacers to level
- Long arms or at least drop brackets
- Good shocks, like Bilstein 5125s/5150s or OME LTs all around
What I haven't been able to find, is how important the spring rate and spring brand is to the comfort level. My searches on the forum indicated that RE has some of the highest spring rates around, yet they are generally praised as riding smoother that softer springs such as Rustys or Rough Country. Can someone help me to understand this?
I am somewhat bewildered at the vast price range that leaf springs can be had for, from ~$250 for Rough Country, to ~$410 for DPG Trailgunners, to ~$700 for Deavers. Some advice would be appreciated, how much do I need to spend to get a good ride and some longevity?
Also critiques and constructive criticism of my "ideal setup" are welcome.