TJ ride quality

[SeaRubi]

stock '06 rubi unlimited, and the ride quality off-road is pretty bad. Even with the longer wheelbase of the unlimited, I could swear there are leafs holding the axles on

On a short-arm (stock) type setup, is an OME kit enough to smooth things out or do I need to up my medical plan to afford the oncoming kidney transplant?
The ride quality is horrendous - rockier sections of trail or road come close to giving me a concussion.

Just curious what some other folks have done to make the longer hauls more friendly to children's teeth and my internal organs.

cheers
-isaac

[Wanderlusty]

I can't give you any sure fired remedies, as I have just kind of dealt with it. I am actually pretty pleased with the ride on-road and off, when considering the specs of a Jeep.

Before getting the whole OME setup, unless you plan on lifting anyway, try just getting some of their shocks. It is on my wish list, and have always heard GREAT things. In fact, I have never heard anyone say a bad thing about anything OME.

I think, though, that even with the best the aftermarket has to offer, it will never ride like a Cadillac.

[articulate]

I found that anti-sway bar disconnects improved the off-road ride on my TJ. It's a night and day difference. How about your tire pressure? Get those things down to 15 psi or so.

An Old Man Emu kit will help - it's definately better on road - but I think disconnecting the anti-sway bar does more for improving the ride on rough roads.

Hope it helps.

Mark

[Wanderlusty]

Discos are on my wish list, and I thought they may help, but since I have never disconnected them, I did not want to venture an opinion, but in principle, I thought that might be the right way to go. I think they just moved a little further up the 'want' list.

[Steve Curren]

I must agree with Mark, disconnects and tire pressure makes a world of difference. I found that when you drop to 12-15 pounds it makes a big difference on the bumpy roads.

[SeaRubi]

thanks guys. i've been keeping the tires at about 18 ~ 20psi. i haven't tried disconnecting the sway bar yet (been too lazy) ... assuming it wouldn't have much effect. i'll give it a go.

I've strongly suspected the factory nitrogen charged shocks are much of the culprit. There's so little travel to them that the valving must be extremely stiff to not bottom out all the time.

I'm trying really hard to resist the temptation to over-modify this rig. Pretty easy right now since I'm broke, but that's besides the piont My last was riding around on bilstein 7100's ... VERY nice ride, but a major PITA and expense to fit them, and keep the heim joints happy with any kind of road use.

i see an OME kit and some 255's at some point in my future, but I worry that it won't do much to improve the ride.

[goodtimes]

Tire pressure is really the only way to improve the ride without spending a bunch of money. I have no problem running 10psi down severly washboarded roads.

For those considering disconnects, but having trouble parting with the cash...
http://www.myjeeprocks.com/features/...TJ_Disconnects

[Wanderlusty]

Tire pressure is really the only way to improve the ride without spending a bunch of money. I have no problem running 10psi down severly washboarded roads.

For those considering disconnects, but having trouble parting with the cash...
http://www.myjeeprocks.com/features/...TJ_Disconnects

I like saving money. $5 mod...nice. What advantage do aftermarket ones hold over this mod? Any?

[cshontz]

I beg to differ somewhat - I agree that OME offers superb ride quality compared to other aftermarket suspensions. It may also improve handling. But as far as comfort is concerned, I don't think it is better than stock. In fact, I think it is uncommon for any suspension that increases ride height to offer better-than-stock ride quality due to changes (albeit slight) to suspension geometry and increased spring rates. Make no mistake, OME makes the best of this.

With the possible exception of the $4,000 Nth Degree system which changes the suspension geometry so thoroughly for superior comfort and performance at a significantly increased ride height.

Actually, I think your 245/75R16 load range E tires are the culprit. Those things are bricks. They're still nice tires though, and great off-pavement. I'd hold onto them. Good luck!

[cshontz]

You know, I just noticed that the original post was regarding off-road comfort, and my previous post was kinda skewed toward on-road. That'll teach me to skim!

In that case, air down to 12-15, and disconnect your front swaybar. That's all there is to it. You'll be riding on a cloud. It'll feel like a Lincoln on those rocks. Good luck!