Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

at 100K and 12 years is it time to replace shocks/springs

cliffish

cliffish

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So as the title says.....at 100K and 12 years is it time to replace shocks/springs? Shocks are marked with Chrysler logo and look the part of OEM, front sits about 1" lower than the back. Is it time to replace? I have new AR23 wheels surrounded by 31 x 10.5 x 15 Duratarcs on the way. I hate to say but for the foreseeable future it will be a pavement queen as Long Island does not lend itself too good for offroading.

Any recommendations on what direction to go? Was thinking maybe a leveling or puck lift for looks as well? Would be a nice winter project around my other winter project of rebuilding my 81 Corvettes suspension.
 
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cliffish said:
So as the title says.....at 100K and 12 years is it time to replace shocks/springs? Shocks are marked with Chrysler logo and look the part of OEM, front sits about 1" lower than the back. Is it time to replace? I have new AR23 wheels surrounded by 31 x 10.5 x 15 Duratarcs on the way. I hate to say but for the foreseeable future it will be a pavement queen as Long Island does not lend itself too good for offroading.

Any recommendations on what direction to go? Was thinking maybe a leveling or puck lift for looks as well? Would be a nice winter project around my other winter project of rebuilding my 81 Corvettes suspension.
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I wish you had said something about the AR23's. I have a single rim that I have been trying to give away forever!
 
With that kind of age, it's a good idea to replace the suspension regardless, you'll likely notice a huge improvement.

Are you looking to lift it at all (say 2" or so)? If so, I highly suggest the OME 2" lift kit. It comes with shocks and springs, and is widely regarded as the best 2" lift on the market for our TJs (which I can attest to having run one myself).

If you're just looking to keep it stock height, I'd replace the stock shocks with a much better aftermarket shock such as the Rancho RS500X.
 
Another good option, which a few on here have done already, is H&R 1" lift springs and Rancho RS5000X shocks. Chances are your springs are sagging and need replaced.
 
Adding a spacer to a sagging spring is not taking care of the problem. It is a temp band aid at best but really a waste of time and money. You can replace the springs with HR like @StG58 or Moogs like I run. Both will give about an inch of lift depending on your set up. Add in some Rancho 5000X shocks and it will ride very nice.
If you are looking for more lift, there are many options depending on what your usage and budget is.
 
I agree with your statement Rob, I am not looking to "Cheap out" I like the H & R spring....shock I am not so sure of yet..Looking into Rusty's RX100 or Quads Nitro 7.0, Rancho 5000....any other thoughts?
 
Honestly, for the price and performance, look no further than the 5000X. It is a great shock with specific valving for the TJ. Everything I have seen has been positive on the HR springs and I can personally attest to the Moogs I run currently. Skip the Rustys, never heard of the Nitros.
 
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X2 to what’s being said. I’d just add that the TJ comes with about a 1” rake, so it’s normal for the front to be lower than the rear. I have had a 1.75” BB on stock springs and that lasted about 2 months. Now I’m on the 2”OME HD and very happy. H&R good Im told, though I have no experience.
 
My 2 cents:

Your springs will be tired and soft at that age but not "finished". You can save a little money and run 1" pucks to restore a little height and new shocks all around. Or you can get aftermarket OEM springs like Moog or H&R springs and install some new shocks for a complete suspension refresh.

I ran H&R springs for a couple years with 5100's, RS5000X's, and Monroe shocks. I liked the ride of the Monroe shocks the best followed by 5100's. I got 1.5" of lift if that matters.

Then there is Old Man Emu that costs a few pennies but worth every one of them. It is a complete suspension upgrade of shocks and springs that are designed to work together for outstanding on and off road performance.

There are aftermarket kits like Rough Country, Quadratec, Skyjacker, etc that are advertised cheap but you will most likely be unhappy with that product due to the cheap parts involved.

I attached a picture of the TJ that had H&R springs and 31x10.5's so you can get an idea of the height and look.

muddy jeeps_zpsznamqcgw.jpg
 
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I've been running OME 2.5" HD suspension on my TJ for 10 years and 120K miles. The springs have finally sagged 1/4", which ain't bad for the age and mileage. My OME nitrocharger shocks(first gen OME shocks) were finally tired out, so I just recently installed Rancho's RS5000X shocks. Granted, any shock replacement would have netted an improvement, but so far I'm pleased with the ride these Ranchos are giving. They ride very similar to the OME Nitros.
 
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