Reducing / fixing lift kit question

[pmendricks]

Hi everyone,
Just bought an 02'. It came with a 3.25" rough country lift that's a bit clapped out. My daughter will be driving it and she's a shorty. I'm thinking of lowering it down a bit and hopefully making it drive a bit nicer. It's got 31" tires that I'm happy with, so I don't think I'll need much of a lift.
My question,
It's tough to figure out which parts I'll actually need to replace. Can I just replace the shocks and springs, or will I need to replace other suspension parts? Thanks for any advice. One alternative that I've considered is a new 2" kit, but if I can save some $$$ I'd be happy to do so.

 

[Rickyd]

pics of what you have would help.

Yes it can be as simple as 2" shocks and springs depending on what other rough country junk is installed

 

[pmendricks]

pics of what you have would help.

Yes it can be as simple as 2" shocks and springs depending on what other rough country junk is installed

Thanks! I should have added pics to begin with.

 

[Duck Doctor]

Replace the shocks, coil springs, remove the transfer case drop (if installed), and do an alignment. Doesn't look to me like the front track bar was relocated so that's one less step.

 

[pmendricks]

Replace the shocks, coil springs, remove the transfer case drop (if installed), and do an alignment. Doesn't look to me like the front track bar was relocated so that's one less step.

This is really helpful, thank you. It does not appear that the transfer case drop was installed.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Hi everyone,
Just bought an 02'. It came with a 3.25" rough country lift that's a bit clapped out.

Clapped out how? That lift is the newest thing on the Jeep.

One alternative that I've considered is a new 2" kit, but if I can save some $$$ I'd be happy to do so.

The RC 3.25" kit consists of 2.5" springs with 3/4" spacers on top and shocks. Remove the spacers and it's only a 2.5" lift, then buy some better riding shocks.

 

[Rickyd]

Clapped out how? That lift is the newest thing on the Jeep.


The RC 3.25" kit consists of 2.5" springs with 3/4" spacers on top and shocks. Remove the spacers and it's only a 2.5" lift, then buy some better riding shocks.

I'm only seeing factory isolators in front and no spacers in back

 

[TheBoogieman]

I'm only seeing factory isolators in front and no spacers in back

The PO ripped him off. I had that kit many years/Jeeps ago.

 

[pmendricks]

Clapped out how? That lift is the newest thing on the Jeep.


The RC 3.25" kit consists of 2.5" springs with 3/4" spacers on top and shocks. Remove the spacers and it's only a 2.5" lift, then buy some better riding shocks.

Clapped out could have been the wrong term. This is helpful, thanks. The shocks ride poorly. Also there is a bit of bump steer. In general it's just not riding well. The kit is definitely not new, and the previous owner put a lot of miles with the kit installed. It would be great to reuse the springs and remove the spacer. 2.5" would probably look better with the 31" tires. Does anyone have suggestions for shocks that won't break the bank but ride well enough. Not planning on doing any off roading.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Clapped out could have been the wrong term. This is helpful, thanks. The shocks ride poorly. Also there is a bit of bump steer. In general it's just not riding well. The kit is definitely not new, and the previous owner put a lot of miles with the kit installed. It would be great to reuse the springs and remove the spacer. 2.5" would probably look better with the 31" tires. Does anyone have suggestions for shocks that won't break the bank but ride well enough. Not planning on doing any off roading.

You can align the front toe-in yourself in 20 minutes. That's the only front-end alignment that can be done. Skyjacker Black Max or Rancho RS5000X shocks. I'm told the Black Max are smoother on the street.

 

[Rickyd]

Clapped out could have been the wrong term. This is helpful, thanks. The shocks ride poorly. Also there is a bit of bump steer. In general it's just not riding well. The kit is definitely not new, and the previous owner put a lot of miles with the kit installed. It would be great to reuse the springs and remove the spacer. 2.5" would probably look better with the 31" tires. Does anyone have suggestions for shocks that won't break the bank but ride well enough. Not planning on doing any off roading.

The factory rubber spacer in the front belongs there. What do the springs measure at ride height? Stock is 12" and 8"

 

[Rickyd]

The PO ripped him off. I had that kit many years/Jeeps ago.



View attachment 628745

Mine had the 2.5" RC when I got it. The rear was actually lower than stock.

 

[pmendricks]

The factory rubber spacer in the front belongs there. What do the springs measure at ride height? Stock is 12" and 8"

Interesting, the springs measure 14" and 10", indicating a 2" lift then? (I realize this might be obvious), noob here.

 

[Rickyd]

Interesting, the springs measure 14" and 10", indicating a 2" lift then? (I realize this might be obvious), noob here.

Yes,2". No lift is needed for 31's. Is there a body lift?

 

[pmendricks]

No body lift. Sounds like I can just get some factory springs and shocks and bring it back to stock height.

 

[TheBoogieman]

No body lift. Sounds like I can just get some factory springs and shocks and bring it back to stock height.

A 2" lift looks good with 31s IMO. I'd leave the lift and get better shocks.
My first TJ with a 2.25" lift and 31s.

 

[pmendricks]

That is an excellent looking Jeep! You might just be right, in that case new shocks may be the ticket.