Softest Springs in Mild (1.5”-2.5”) Lift Category?

[aug0211]

I sent Eddie and Cindy a PM asking for some product advice - unsure if it was OK to create a thread for it - and they replied with an awesome response

Essentially, they’d like the entire forum to benefit from the discussion, so I’m taking the question public as requested Awesome!

So, here it goes. Who has the softest springs out there in the “mild” lift category (1.5”-2.5”)?

Here’s the original message I sent, for context.

Hi Eddie and Cindy,

Thanks for all of the help you’ve been giving me so far on my journey to select a lift.

Can you say analysis paralysis?

I’m wondering what your experience or knowledge so far is, in terms of the softest springs available.

I’m now leaning away from a spacer lift, in hopes of finding a spring that will be softer than my factory Rubi springs.

I’m looking in the 1.5”-2.5” range and really want a nice, cushy ride. I’m thinking NOT a dual rate or progressive spring, based on some of your posts I’ve read.

I would consider splicing together a combo, possibly, if there are specific springs that you think would be a good option for me.

•Mopar? Maybe too much lift for me?
•Dynatrac? Seem good, but are they the softest?
•Rough Country?
•Rubicon Express?
•ICON?
•SuperLift?
•Others?

If you prefer for me to create a thread so the whole forum can benefit, I can go that route, too.

So, let’s have at it! All information is welcomed. Remember, we’re focused on soft springs in the mild lift category for this discussion.


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[wayoflife]

First off, I seriously doubt you're gonna find someone who's actually tested out more coils that the ones they chose to buy. Me, I've been able to test out a few but only because of what I do. That being said, of the coils I've tested, the Dynatrac coils are the softest. I should also note that soft coils alone won't necessarily give you the best ride. Having your coils paired up with the right shocks will make a difference and this is why I still would recommend the Dyantrac kit being that they spent so much time developing their coils at the same time and so that they'd compliment each other.

Of the lift kits you've mentioned, I've only had a chance to test out Mopar, Dynatrac and Rancho. I have run Rough County in the past on my JK and can't say that I was impressed with them. I have also run Rubicon Express on my JK and TJ before and they're coils were okay but far from being the softest. I have tested Superlift in the past and they're okay too but again, not the softest. I have no experience with ICON. I do have experience running a whole host of other coils but mostly on the JK or TJ. The JL is just too new and I haven't had enough time.

With all that said, ride quality is 100% subjective. Also, you'll rarely hear anyone talk down about the lift they chose to buy if only because, it would mean they made a mistake. And, I've always found that most guys are hard pressed to admit that. I think I've stated more than once what I "think" you'd be most happy with and based on my personal experience but hopefully, someone will do a better job of convincing you of what you need.

 

[WiscoHR]

I sent Eddie and Cindy a PM asking for some product advice - unsure if it was OK to create a thread for it - and they replied with an awesome response

Essentially, they’d like the entire forum to benefit from the discussion, so I’m taking the question public as requested Awesome!

So, here it goes. Who has the softest springs out there in the “mild” lift category (1.5”-2.5”)?

Here’s the original message I sent, for context.



So, let’s have at it! All information is welcomed. Remember, we’re focused on soft springs in the mild lift category for this discussion.


Sent from my iPhone using JL Wrangler Jeep Forum mobile app

Honestly as Eddie stated most of us don’t get the opportunity to try different set ups. I run EVO 2.5” plush rides with Rancho shocks. I think the ride is great but can’t say compared to other lifts. I’m interested is riding in a JL with Dynatrac’s lift because it looks like it gets the most use of the 2” lift. Lots of flex!


Sent from my iPhone using JL Wrangler Jeep Forum mobile app

 

[aug0211]

Thanks for the responses! Totally understand and agree with the info shared so far.

I’m wondering if people have gathered (or procured) spring rates from anything out there so far.

That said, anecdotal information is appreciated!

WiscoHR, what do you think of the plush rides with Ranchos? Is this with the 5000s or the 9000s? IIRC the EVOs are dual rate springs, right?

Getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on Dynatrac.


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[Dynatrac]

I sent Eddie and Cindy a PM asking for some product advice - unsure if it was OK to create a thread for it - and they replied with an awesome response

Essentially, they’d like the entire forum to benefit from the discussion, so I’m taking the question public as requested Awesome!

So, here it goes. Who has the softest springs out there in the “mild” lift category (1.5”-2.5”)?

Here’s the original message I sent, for context.



So, let’s have at it! All information is welcomed. Remember, we’re focused on soft springs in the mild lift category for this discussion.


Sent from my iPhone using JL Wrangler Jeep Forum mobile app

This is actually a great discussion point. Many people think that the spring rate determine the ride quality. That's only true in the case of a really high spring rate potentially creating a stiff ride. In the old days, 4x4s came from the factory with very stiff suspensions. And one of the easiest ways to increase suspension travel was to use a softer spring. But with that came a massive deterioration in handling and vehicle stability (both on-road and off-road). But the primary job of a spring is to hold weight, and a reasonable spring rate should be determined to target a desired compression (or lack of compression) with anticipated vehicle and cargo weight added.

The shocks play the biggest role in ride quality, which is why a suspension kit with low-cost shocks has a very hard time delivering both good ride quality and good vehicle stability. It's also why we worked with Fox to develop specific valving used in our EnduroSport lift kit. It's another reason that our suspension kit will compress less when weight is added, yet still has a better ride quality.

Another item that affects ride quality on today's Jeeps is the suspension bushings. You may not believe how much the wrong bushing durometer or a bound bushing (one that resist suspension movement significantly more than it should) will hurt ride quality and make a suspension feel "stiff."

We hope this explanation helps!