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Replacing stock suspension

3K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  LibertyOrDeath 
#1 ·
Hey guys. Been a while since I've made a post. I'm considering replacing the stock suspension on my 05 sport with somewhere in the neighborhood of 118,000 miles on it. Tons of sagging. I'm not really in need of a lift and won't be wheeling it since its only a 2.4l. What would be the most cost effective route to take? Could I get all the replacement parts through Chrysler or is there somewhere online I could get a better deal? Also, what all would I be looking to replace? Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
Well, replacing your current springs and shocks WILL give you a "lift" - whether you want it or not - because of the amount of sagging you have now on your Jeep.

You'll pay the same price for factory springs as you would high-quality OME springs...So why not go with the OME? The ride will be tons better anyway so you'll enjoy your Jeep more than you are currently. Everything has to be torn apart the same way so there's no difference from a labor/time standpoint.

If you want to save a few bucks go with lower cost shocks - check out KYB, Rancho, etc. They will give you an average ride and keep you safe.

Bob
 
#3 ·
Thanks bob. I understand that in a sense, it is a "lift". My intent is to replace the worn parts to provide a better ride while bringing the hight of the jeep back to a respectable level. Personally I would love to go with a 2.5' OME lift but I just don't see it as practical to spend that kind of money on a jeep I can't really take off road. Do you know about what the cost of the higher quality OME springs would be and where I could possibly order them?
 
#5 ·
I just did the OME lift with Bilstien shocks. Yes it cost a few bucks to do (700+)but...the ride I now have is better than the stock ride ever was even better than the day I drove it off the lot. I may only go off ride once or twice a year but I live in the northeast where we usually get snow and the lift will help with not getting stuck (not that I have actually been stuck)
 
#6 ·
Try ...Rock Auto... they sell complete struts for $200 and less ..just stay away from the monroe i have them and hate them, they hit hard ... already had to get warranty on 1 cause the spring broke...they have a life time warranty which is good but now im kinda stuck with them..warranty is only good for replacement not money back....
 
#7 ·
03libby:
I've actually been wanting a lift for quite some time now. I might save up a little bit and go with a full OME lift. Might take me a little longer though. It sucks being a broke college kid. Haha. I don't have to deal with snow but it tends to flood a lot down here in southeast Louisiana, so I can kinda relate. How much did the labor on it run you? Or did you do the instal yourself?

Dave:
Oh man I'm glad you warned me. I was actually considering them after I found them on the web. They looked like they might've been a bargain. Thanks!

On a side note, I'm not getting my hopes up but has anyone had any experience running some light trails with maybe some relatively shallow mud in a 2wd? I have a couple buds that take their wranglers out on some light trails and I love to go out with them but sometimes I'd like to be in the drivers seat =] would I be okay with some recovery points in some fairly light conditions or is it just best to leave this Libby on the pavement? I'm not running street tires and would like to know how it would fair.
 
#8 ·
I would stay out of the mud but you wont im sure...lol so put a bit of xtra weight in the back...the liberty is pretty light in the back and dont take much to spin the tires but with say 100 pound or more over the rear tires help with traction alot...i know in the snow 2wd sucks a** without xtra weight lol which would be the same as mud im sure but If you have people to tow you out of the mud would really help....as long as the trails dont have any large rocks or steep inclines you should be ok...just remember 2wd is the same as a car with more ground clearance...i put a few cars is crazy places....I also think you will regret putting a lift on a 2wd...you will want a 4wd after the 1st time on the trails...just my thoughts
 
#9 ·
Dhutch225 said:
03libby:
I've actually been wanting a lift for quite some time now. I might save up a little bit and go with a full OME lift. Might take me a little longer though. It sucks being a broke college kid. Haha. I don't have to deal with snow but it tends to flood a lot down here in southeast Louisiana, so I can kinda relate. How much did the labor on it run you? Or did you do the instal yourself?

Dave:
Oh man I'm glad you warned me. I was actually considering them after I found them on the web. They looked like they might've been a bargain. Thanks!

On a side note, I'm not getting my hopes up but has anyone had any experience running some light trails with maybe some relatively shallow mud in a 2wd? I have a couple buds that take their wranglers out on some light trails and I love to go out with them but sometimes I'd like to be in the drivers seat =] would I be okay with some recovery points in some fairly light conditions or is it just best to leave this Libby on the pavement? I'm not running street tires and would like to know how it would fair.
I choose to do the install myself. I have access to a body shop with lifts and all needed tools not a bad job if you have some knowledge.
 
#11 ·
I was about to do the same to the wifes KJ.

I purchased OME front coils and Rusty's rears, KYB front shocks, RC rear shocks, new front strut mounts and had the front coils/shocks/mounts assembled. got bumpstops and all.....but not going to use it i dont think.

I even bought wheels/tires.

Its all for sale. LOL
 
#13 ·
'05 KJ, more advice please re shocks, struts, springs

Same here, '05 KJ Ltd, it will never see a hill but at 120K miles the second set of shocks/struts are gone. My usual shop, whose a fair guy, wants $1300 w/labor, ridiculous).

Questions:

I see struts and springs sold separate - I am fine with KYB, know from my Corvette experience Monroe is often junk, but am not finding a KYB strut with spring included type part. If they don't sell one who does in the sub $200 each price range? I checked Rock Auto and O'Reilly. Or is that the wrong way to dothis, should I get the KYB strut and some other separate spring for it?? Sorry, ignorant of this type stuff, I know engines a lot better...

Should I replace those springs in the rear also, are they 'tired' by now? Is that much more labor or really just can be done as part of the rear shock replacement with maybe a little more effort? (I bought a compressor and air tools)

My front end squawks like crazy mornings over speed bumps, is that going to be fixed by this or is that bushings somewhere?

What else should I really do as part of this suspension project, for not much more parts cost and reasonable extra labor, again this is a street car but we're moving to Denver so it's going to see snow and mud this winter. Either for a better ride and/or longevity of the fix.

And a side comment, that whole gas tank/rear end collision - explosion issue, we have a heavy duty tow package on the car, it seems like that really gives me some protection back there. My wife drives it so this little threat does give me some pause. If I'm concerned, should I put a skid shield on the tank too?

THANKS
 
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