Thoughts on upgrading a 2" lift for LJ

[LJcooljay]

Hello

I have an 05 auto LJ that has been lifted 2" for the past 4 years now.
I used 2" coil spacers on the front & 3/4" spacers on the rear along with the original springs. I also added some type of Rancho Shocks then but cannot remember the model.

I later replaced the PO's nonoriginal rims with a set of 245/75R17s from a JL sport. (31.5 inch) along with wheel spacers to match the bolt pattern.

Anyway, I feel like the ride quality has gone down recently after about 4 years of daily driving with a hard top.
I was wondering if anyone had suggestions or recommendations for a nonspacer 2" Lift.
Ride feels fine on the highway but recently bumps & potholes feel extra rough in town. The back really slams down harder than I remember.

If this helps any, I mostly drive it on pavement 80% of the time but it does well in the FL beaches & backroad trails when I can get there.
I Enjoy the looks of this setup & ride though maybe one day I'll go back to the OEM rim size if I stumble upon a good deal.

I have read good things about OME but 1K+ for a kit is a bit high...idk may be worth the investment if it lasts. thoughts?

I have already replaced most of the control arms, bushings & other suspension but am wondering if I would need to get adjustable sway bar links or control arms for the 2" lift? I've read other threads when I originally did this and am still seeing different answers for different years & makes.
Maybe a bit too late to ask that... but over the past 4 years, it's been driving great! just wondering if I'm causing some unnecessary damage as well.

Below is a pic for reference.

 

[AndyG]

This is a vague answer- but the more thorough you are the better it will all work.

 

[L J]

Ride feels fine on the highway but recently bumps & potholes feel extra rough in town. The back really slams down harder than I remember.

Shocks are generally what give you good, or  bad, ride quality. I'd look at getting some new shocks. There are two budget shocks that are popular with the members here: Skyjacker Black Max or Rancho 5000X. You'll want to properly measure for the shocks to get the correct extended and composed lengths. You can also make sure you're not running an excessive amount of air pressure in the tires.

 

[Harold&Cat]

Ours has the 2 inch OME springs in the front and a 1 inch spacer in the rear . It's been lifted like this for 11 years . It still has the original factory control arms and track arms . I lifted it recently , but went back to my original setup , I didn't like the ride or handling . I probably need new shocks and will probably go with the Black Max shocks . I also believe the heavier tires are having a negative effect on ride and handling . My current 33 inch tires weigh in at 58 lbs . My previous tires were 44 lbs . I may go back down to 32 inch tires , which will be 14 pounds lighter per tire .

https://wranglertjforum.com/posts/1614021/

 

[JustDandee]

Honestly I swapped in the JKS springs- even used the OEM shocks for a short time with 90k miles on them- some home made spacers for compensating for length. Did nothing further on the track bar/ control arms. Ride firmed up and then put a proper length shock and it was even mor’ better. If the shocks are still bueno- I am thinking springs is all you need when you pull the spacers.

 

[06lj]

I ran a OME 2.5" lift on my LJ for several years on stock arms. I opted to use their ZJ springs on the front as they sit a little higher. When paired with their rear LJ springs my Jeep sat level. I had no complaints about the springs. As far as ride quality goes your springs will, generally, not be the problem. I always had a similar complaint about my LJ's ride. Even with all new suspension parts the rear axle always felt like an old wagon, slamming down after every bump. I tried a couple different versions of Rancho shocks that are highly rated around here. They were decent shocks but I still had a harsh ride on the rear. A couple of years ago I heard about the BlackMax shocks and figured I'd give them a try. I tossed a set on the rear and was surprised at how much better it rode. They are a hydraulic shock which seems to offer a smoother ride than the gas charged options. There are several threads here with some more discussion on the shocks.

 

[LJcooljay]

I ran a OME 2.5" lift on my LJ for several years on stock arms. I opted to use their ZJ springs on the front as they sit a little higher. When paired with their rear LJ springs my Jeep sat level. I had no complaints about the springs. As far as ride quality goes your springs will, generally, not be the problem. I always had a similar complaint about my LJ's ride. Even with all new suspension parts the rear axle always felt like an old wagon, slamming down after every bump. I tried a couple different versions of Rancho shocks that are highly rated around here. They were decent shocks but I still had a harsh ride on the rear. A couple of years ago I heard about the BlackMax shocks and figured I'd give them a try. I tossed a set on the rear and was surprised at how much better it rode. They are a hydraulic shock which seems to offer a smoother ride than the gas charged options. There are several threads here with some more discussion on the shocks.

Thank you!
I have seen you posting quite a bit in the forums about these & other shocks.
I think I'll give them a try versus replacing the springs etc.

Are these the same ones? https://skyjacker.com/shop/shocks/b...with-black-boot/#kor_gamma_woocommerce_tabs|2

 

[06lj]

Thank you!
I have seen you posting quite a bit in the forums about these & other shocks.
I think I'll give them a try versus replacing the springs etc.

Are these the same ones? https://skyjacker.com/shop/shocks/b...with-black-boot/#kor_gamma_woocommerce_tabs|2

Those are the correct shocks.
FYI- the bar pin does not come installed so you will need to do that yourself. Also the part number on the shock will not match the box. At first I was concerned that I received some mispackaged shocks. I found out that the number visible on the shock is the cylinder part number. Skyjacker uses it for 3 other shock applications.

 

[Danarch]

Not exactly what you are asking. I went with the 3” BDS suspension system and have been very happy with it. Overall ride is good and off road does well. I think they have a 2” setup, just can’t speak at how well it rides.