Rubicon Express leafs good or bad?

banderso said:
I'm looking at a set of 3" springs from BDS. What height did you get? How high do they really sit? Are they longer than stock at all to help with shackle angle? How is your jeep set up as far as weight? Tire size? gears? The pictures on their website make it look like the springs are sort of half-way military wrapped. I'm hoping that, along with their relatively high spring rate will help with axle wrap. Do you have any issues with axle wrap?
Click to expand...

Sorry for not getting to this sooner man. I went with the 5" leafs and added my JKS 1" shackle to it. Seemed to set high at fist but i added about 900 lbs in the rear for a week or two to help settle them in real nice. Siting level at 5.5" of lift. IIRC they ar about 1-2" longer than an RE leaf. So you have to run a longer shackle. Stock ones just don't cut it. BDS will tell you this too. The leafs do have a military wrap front and rear. I haven't had any issues with axle wrap and have watched JeeperJohn beat the snot out of his with no issues. Great spring in my book! Everytime someone asks about them, kick myself for not getting them sooner.

As far as my rig goes. I have a custom built tire carrier that is pretty heavy with a 33" on a steel rim. With tire i would guess 250+ lbs maybe?? Running 4:56 gears.

Oh and if you go with BSD and order right of there web site. Have them shipped to a local distributor like ORW and get free shipping. No sense in paying the extra $$ if you don't have to.
 
CaliXJ said:
Sorry for not getting to this sooner man. I went with the 5" leafs and added my JKS 1" shackle to it. Seemed to set high at fist but i added about 900 lbs in the rear for a week or two to help settle them in real nice. Siting level at 5.5" of lift. IIRC they ar about 1-2" longer than an RE leaf. So you have to run a longer shackle. Stock ones just don't cut it. BDS will tell you this too. The leafs do have a military wrap front and rear. I haven't had any issues with axle wrap and have watched JeeperJohn beat the snot out of his with no issues. Great spring in my book! Everytime someone asks about them, kick myself for not getting them sooner.

As far as my rig goes. I have a custom built tire carrier that is pretty heavy with a 33" on a steel rim. With tire i would guess 250+ lbs maybe?? Running 4:56 gears.

Oh and if you go with BSD and order right of there web site. Have them shipped to a local distributor like ORW and get free shipping. No sense in paying the extra $$ if you don't have to.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the good info. I think I'll give them a call today.
 
The Verdict on Current RE?

Hmm. I have to admit I'm a little disapointed to see so much bad press on RE stuff. I was planning on buying an RE lift kit in the next couple months because I finished all the drivetrain stuff.

So what is the verdict on Current RE product? Have they sucumbed to the "get rich and forget quality" plague as well? Such a bummer to see many companies in the last decade abandoning the principles that made their name.

So RE, or not to RE? Anyone bought recently that has terrible ride and sag??
 
Serious Offroad said:
Depends on where ya buy 'em...
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I guess I don't understand. Implying that shady vendors may sell knock-off RE parts?

Or that some vendors have access to the "good" stuff we should be able to expect everywhere?

Please, enlighten us!

Robert
 
CharlesS said:
My first set were a used set of RE 3.5" they road well and flexed great and they were purchased around '00. The next set were purchased new around '02 and performed well....; both were built in the USA. The 3rd set SUCKED....; they were built in India, were VERY stiff and the flex was terrible.
Recently purchased a set of Deavers and they are performing GREAT..., but for the price....; they should !!!
Click to expand...

Did you buy the 4" from Deaver or asked for other size? What about the ride/flex of them? What coil springs are you using to match the leafs?

TIA.
 
WrenchMonkey said:
I guess I don't understand. Implying that shady vendors may sell knock-off RE parts?

Or that some vendors have access to the "good" stuff we should be able to expect everywhere?

Please, enlighten us!

Robert
Click to expand...

X E Ryder said:
+1 !!! :)
Click to expand...
I guess you guy's missed the end of the comment I posted....

Let me help ya a 'lil....

Serious Offroad said:
Depends on where ya buy 'em.......

>>>---> ;) <---<<<
Click to expand...
Wink Wink...Nudge Nudge
It was in jest fellas......
 
Serious Offroad said:
I guess you guy's missed the end of the comment I posted....

Let me help ya a 'lil....

Wink Wink...Nudge Nudge
It was in jest fellas......
Click to expand...



I happen to be in the market for rear springs as well - and it seems that you are following this thread. I don't intend to hijack another members thread BUT: are you saying that Serious Offroad has original Rubicon Express made in the USA parts? Just want to be crystal clear on this

Thanks
 
Serious Offroad said:
No, that's not even close to what I was saying....IT WAS A JOKE.


Tough room....
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Man we really aren't gunnin' for ya. :_

I just think the posts of other members who were not pleased with their particular RE experience, have those of us ready to buy, a little concerned.

As a vendor, I trust you of all people can make it clear to us all now, just Where are the Current RE springs made?

Seems more than one of us would really like to know, officially, so we can buy the Right spring, One time! Fun money is not as plentiful as it once was, so I need to choose, but I must choose wisely! :)
 
Officially?
It's been discussed here many times already.

RE springs are made in multiple countries, all of which are supposed to be built to the same spec's.

I don't work for RE, I don't own RE, I just sell their products...because it's good stuff.

For those of you that don't believe in buying anything other than a Made in the USA product....

Where's your TV made?
Your microwave?
Your Harbor Freight tools and lights?
Your Aftermarket Ring and Pinion set?

It's a global economy folks....get used to it.

To the OP,
Sorry for the hijack.
 
I don't think anybody is saying not to buy RE BECAUSE they're made out of country (though it does add some disdain), they're saying not to buy RE because SINCE they went out of country they've become shit. Once again, pro-comp owns RE now, they're in the business of selling high volume low quality "lift parts" not suspension... There's a huge difference in something that will put your junk 6" higher, and something that will actually work.

Again, search out a used set of Deavers, or pick up some Alcans (BigOffroad on here sells them for a great price), Nationals, DPG's (trail gunners seem to do well) or one of the many other great springs. Deavers are pricey because they're worth it...
 
crazyjim said:
I don't think anybody is saying not to buy RE BECAUSE they're made out of country (though it does add some disdain), they're saying not to buy RE because SINCE they went out of country they've become shit...
Click to expand...

Exactly that.

Bad enough to send our manufacturing job overseas. Then they turn around and sell us junk springs using the name the American workers made great.

As for the joke, the reason we don't find it funny is that we're talking about a fair amount a money and a whole lot of work we've invested in installing said junk on our beloved XJ's, money and work that will now have to be repeated. Personally, that kinda dulls my sense of humor a bit. Sorry.

[/rant]

OP: buy something else. :cheers:

Robert
 
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Serious Offroad said:
The lean is a common XJ problem and not necessarily the fault of RE springs. been discussed here and every other XJ forum many, many times.
Click to expand...

The Rusty's (that were on it when I bought it) sat perfectly level for eight years...

Not blaming you, man... You didn't make em or even sell em to me. But you have to understand that I'll bash RE if someone asks...

Robert
 
No one should be afraid to buy RE. Period. Bought my 3.5 kit 2 years ago, springs were Made in India. Ride great, flex great, bushings are fine, no problems whatsoever. Went up to 5" about a month ago and bought quite a few more RE parts from Serious. My buddy just bought all RE components and Bilsteins for his XJ, rides fantasic at 5" and the quality looked top notch. Have a couple YJ buddies who are also very happy with theor leafs. And for those that are worried about bending the arms, I think you'll have many more problems if you subject your jeep to those types of forces.

I really don't care where their stuff is made. It's American designed and in order to keep the final cost lower to the consumer like myself things are made elsewhere by people who don't need a degree in engineering or designing.

Some people need to understand that everyone doesn't have the money or need for solid steel control arms, trackbars, etc. And that just because its not made in the USA doesn't automatically mean its junk.

Bottom line, you will not be disappointed with their products.
 
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