Spring isolators vs. spacers

[Squatch]

Hey, folks. I have some questions regarding coil spring isolators/insulators and spacers. I'm going to assume that TJs came stock with coil spring isolators. Top and bottom, front and rear would be my assumption. So, if I'm running the OME HD 2" lift springs, and I replaced the old isolators with OE style new units, I'd only gain the 2" lift, correct? Next: To maybe level things out (ie: minimize or eliminate rake), spacers could be added in addition to the OE isolators, correct? Or would I purchase aftermarket isolators that had a thicker base (ie: .750" vs .500"), assuming such items exist? Next: Is it common practice to use the thicker based isolators (Again, I'm assuming there is such a thing...) to obtain added lift all around, or would spacers be used in conjunction with the isolators? Is one practice a better choice than the other? Next: OE-style rubber, or polyurethane. Which would you recommend? My apologies if this has already been dissected, diagnosed and discussed on another thread. I'm looking for the quick 'n easy info on this one. It's not a terribly interesting subject, I realize. I just figured you guys could point me in the right direction so I can acquire what I need. Many thanks! Squatch

 

[greenliftedtj97]

Could do it either way really, I just installed the poly spacer on top of the standard OEM isolators. Never had a problems. I just wouldn't go stacking 2" or 3" spacers on top of one another.

 

[glwood]

Oem has rubber isolaters on top only. When installing new springs, they can be reused, or not. I think they might isolate some of the road vibration, but that's my opinion. I have the oem isolaters and 3/4" poly spacers in addition to my OME springs.

 

[cliffish]

From what I have found is most spacers advertised "lift" includes keeping the stock isolater. The tereflex 2" front puck is only 1.5" high, to get the 2 " lift you need to keep the stock isolater and stack them. This at least gives you the option of going 1.5" with just the teraflex or 2" with both stacked.

 

[Drizit]

Generally you keep the isolator, probably helps preserve the integrity of the spacer to as the spring isn't rubbing on it.

I used a 3/4" spacer in the front to compensate for the weight if my winch. Over time as the rear springs sagged I've added 3/4" spacers to the rear as well, I'm now up to 3 per side in the back. In all cases I have reuseed the isolator.

Also in the back I the spacers are held in place by the bump top pad so there's no chance of them shifting off each other.

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.

 

[Rob5589]

The stock configuration is rubber isolators on top. You can run a urethane spacer to level your Jeep or add height. Run the rubber against the spring. It is generally considered a bad idea to stack multiple spacers as opposed to one of the same thickness. Most seem to run a spacer of some kind in front to level, or come close to, leveling the front to rear. I run a .75" spacer up front and the rear is still a 1/4" higher which is good with me.

 

[bobthetj03]

The OEM isolator is on top only and is a softer rubber than poly spacers. I kept the OEM isolator up top and added the OME 10mm spacer below it. Ran that way for years. I now run 3/4" poly spacers front/rear in that same configuration. As usual, I have pics, lol!

 

[Chris]

The OEM isolator is on top only and is a softer rubber than poly spacers. I kept the OEM isolator up top and added the OME 10mm spacer below it. Ran that way for years. I now run 3/4" poly spacers front/rear in that same configuration. As usual, I have pics, lol!
View attachment 32781

If you keep that isolator on there, then add the 10mm OME spacer, then the spring, I'm going to have to assume you'll gain much more than 2", probably closer to 3", right?

I'm debating whether I should keep my isolators in there with my OME lift. Not sure how much extra height it will add.

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

The OEM isolator is on top only and is a softer rubber than poly spacers. I kept the OEM isolator up top and added the OME 10mm spacer below it. Ran that way for years. I now run 3/4" poly spacers front/rear in that same configuration. As usual, I have pics, lol!
View attachment 32781

Everytime I see this I think, will my JJ’s ever leak that like?

 

[bobthetj03]

If you keep that isolator on there, then add the 10mm OME spacer, then the spring, I'm going to have to assume you'll gain much more than 2", probably closer to 3", right?

I'm debating whether I should keep my isolators in there with my OME lift. Not sure how much extra height it will add.

Spring companies assume that the factory isolator is always there, so keeping the isolators there doesn't change the advertised lift height, from the best of my lack of knowledge. I netted exactly 2.5" after installing a winch up front.

 

[bobthetj03]

Everytime I see this I think, will my JJ’s ever leak that like?

They will. There is nothing stopping the grease from spoodging out a little.

 

[Chris]

Spring companies assume that the factory isolator is always there, so keeping the isolators there doesn't change the advertised lift height, from the best of my lack of knowledge. I netted exactly 2.5" after installing a winch up front.

Great, that's what I wanted to hear. In that case. I'm keeping them in there.

 

[jjvw]

I've run several combinations of lift springs and spacers (together!) with and without isolators. Currently, I don't have rear isolators. The only difference I could ever tell is the change in ride height from whatever combination I had going at the time.

Don't over think it. Just get your ride height where you want it. Preferably without too much spacer.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Squatch]

Appreciate all the info, guys. It seems odd to me to even consider not running an isolator (as some of you have mentioned). The metal on metal contact seems like it would be a creaking/moaning mother. It sure is in my Dodge. Its isolators are shot, and the old boy pops and creaks when making a real tight corner. I'd think any rig would be like that without something between the coils and their perches.

 

[jjvw]

Appreciate all the info, guys. It seems odd to me to even consider not running an isolator (as some of you have mentioned). The metal on metal contact seems like it would be a creaking/moaning mother. It sure is in my Dodge. Its isolators are shot, and the old boy pops and creaks when making a real tight corner. I'd think any rig would be like that without something between the coils and their perches.

My Jeep's suspension is very quiet even without spring isolators. I think I removed them nearly a year ago in order to lose some height and have been daily driving with metal on metal contact ever since.

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[astjp2]

Ok, so where does everyone get an OEM rubber isolators from? I used to buy a lot of crown stuff but I never had great luck with their rubber products lasting. Should I try to find factory ones? I am not interested in poly unless I am lifting the jeep. Thanks, Tim

 

[MountaineerTom]

MOOG makes some. https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k160039 They have a steel core too.

When I ordered my OME lift from DPG Offroad, Dirk suggested doing the front and see how I like the stance. If it was too low in the front due to the weight of my bumper, winch plate and winch, remove the springs and install a second spring isolator (which he included in the kit, I don't know if they are MOOG or not) on top of the one already there. I did as he suggested and the ass end was a lot higher, so I added the isolator. It set well for me. I don't carry a lot of weight in the jeep usually but I planned on waiting a while for things to settle and see if I needed to add the OME packer in the rear, but it's been 9 months since I installed the lift and I don't see a need for the rear packer.

I did have my wife, my son's girlfriend and her daughter in the back seat, and my son and their dog behind the rear seat (LJ) in the jeep all at once while riding on the beach in Oct. It didn't look like it was sitting low in the rear at all.

 

[MountaineerTom]

You can see it a little bit here.

 

[Mr. Bills]

The Crown spring isolators look exactly the same as OEM and will probably last just as long. I have Crown isolators and have no complaints. They are not mission critical parts.

 

[bobthetj03]

When adding spacers for lift, is it best to put the factory isolators on the spring seat side or perch seat?