Rear suspension options for carrying heavy loads?

[kayakbrian]

Does anyone here have any practical experience setting up an XJ to carry heavier loads? My last rear spring pack was the OME 3.5” dual rate springs and after three months camping in Mexico we managed to flatten them out to where we were bashing the bump stops constantly and ultimately had to have a shop recurve them so we could get home. so obviously I need a stiffer set up, but I’m really at a loss for specifically what to get. I could get the same spring pack again with the OME add a leaf option, but I’m not sure that that would even be enough. I know that carrying capacity and ride quality are opposite characteristics, but I’m hoping to preserve as much quality as I can without flattening the springs again. if anybody has any recommendations, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!

 

[mewz99]

You might look for a spring shop local to you - some shops are set up to build you custom packs for exactly what you need.

 

[RCP Phx]

You didn't say what you consider a heavy load and how often this would apply?

 

[Ol Blue]

Alcan Spring. They will build whatever custom spring you want. Tell them the intended use, desired lift, and how much weight over stock you are carrying. They aren't cheap but they are high quality and made in the USA (Grand Junction, CO).

 

[kayakbrian]

You didn't say what you consider a heavy load and how often this would apply?

Loaded all the way down to exactly GVWR on that axle (basically I need to carry as much as the vehicle can handle) and it's loaded that heavy 50% of the time, and about 100lbs less the other 50% of the time.

 

[Ol Blue]

Without any people in the Jeep I'm already over the factory GVWR. That doesn't mean much though because not much is stock anymore. I ran the Rubicon Express 3.5" (RE1463) for years and they held up to the weight just fine. They did ride a little stiff. The custom Alcan's ride and flex much nicer and haven't had any issues with the weight.

 

[Anak]

Consider airbags.

Or maybe Sumosprings. But airbags would be my choice.

Have you plated the frame?

 

[phydeaux33]

Does anyone here have any practical experience setting up an XJ to carry heavier loads? My last rear spring pack was the OME 3.5” dual rate springs and after three months camping in Mexico we managed to flatten them out to where we were bashing the bump stops constantly and ultimately had to have a shop recurve them so we could get home. so obviously I need a stiffer set up, but I’m really at a loss for specifically what to get. I could get the same spring pack again with the OME add a leaf option, but I’m not sure that that would even be enough. I know that carrying capacity and ride quality are opposite characteristics, but I’m hoping to preserve as much quality as I can without flattening the springs again. if anybody has any recommendations, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!

As stated earlier Alcan, great company to work with and super high quality. Been running mine for 2 years 4" lift 700lbs overstock, no sag, rides great as long as my normal gear is in it (rides fine empty just like and empty ton and a half truck). Fully loaded for camping trips still sits fine and rides great. As said they are pricey but the quality and service have made them worth it.

 

[Root Moose]

Consider airbags.

Or maybe Sumosprings. But airbags would be my choice.

Have you plated the frame?

Does anyone have first hand experience with Sumosprings?

Curious about how they affect ride quality in an unloaded state compared to say an air bag setup or add-a-leaf or stiffer springs, etc.

 

[stickandrudder]

I have custom packs from Deaver. Worth every penny.