Topic: shocks and a seat

[melbill]

I have a 95 YJ with a 1.5 inch AAL from '96. The shocks have totally quit and I need to replace them. This is my daily driver. I injured my back; I have herniated most of my disks, and have some nerve damage. Anybody have ideas for a good shock/ seat combination for me to go easy on my back without taking away all offroad ability? I have searched but mostly found only recommendations  for shocks with lifts over 3 inches. I do not want to increase the lift now, I am soon to be installing genright high clearance flares. I am trying to keep a low center of gravity. Also as I said it is a daily driver.

Thanks all for any help.

Bill

[oldjeep]

Best thing you can do is get a suspension seat.  Unfortunately even good shocks are not going to make enough difference in ride if you have a bad back.

Better bet would be to sell the YJ and buy a TJ if you need something that rides softer.

[sharpxmen]

like oldjeep said, YJs have a rough ride (especially when lifted) - with your back i think he's suggestion of getting a TJ would prolly be your best option.

[Jeffy]

Well, I'd get rid of the AAL's as those really stiffening up your suspension unnecessarily for marginal lift.  If you want a true 1.5" lift then you could have to order some custom leafs which will probably be around $160 each but they would ride soft and flex well while retaining the 1.5".  Otherwise I'd consider a 2.5" lift from OME or maybe Rubicon Express Extreme line.  I would also recommend removing the rear and possibly front track bars as they too stiffen the suspension.  Air pressure will also come into play.  If you run too high pressure up front you'll really feel it.

For shocks I'd go with Bilstein.  For height, well, you're going to have to measure your extended and compressed as well as neutral lengths.  This is the surest way to make sure you have the correct length shocks.  Do not go by with that MFG. recommends.  I'm sure you will find out that your front suspension will be limited by the sway-bar as well as the brake lines.  You will need to address these issues before needing flares.

[melbill]

Thanks for the quick replies. I have already tossed the track bars. I was thinking about going with the OME lift from the searches I have done here they looked promising. I was wondering if I should get a longer drive shaft to not loose travel with the increased angle. Also when measuring for shocks do I do the compressed and extended measurement with the new springs, but no shocks? Im sorry, Im not as smart as I used to be.  Also with the suspension seats are any of the ones that recline worth the price? It would be a nice option but if it bakes the seats less effective not worth it.

Thanks again,
Bill

 

[Jeffy]

Thanks for the quick replies. I have already tossed the track bars. I was thinking about going with the OME lift from the searches I have done here they looked promising. I was wondering if I should get a longer drive shaft to not loose travel with the increased angle. Also when measuring for shocks do I do the compressed and extended measurement with the new springs, but no shocks? Im sorry, Im not as smart as I used to be.  Also with the suspension seats are any of the ones that recline worth the price? It would be a nice option but if it bakes the seats less effective not worth it.

Thanks again,
Bill

Yes, take the shocks off both sides of the axle then flex the suspension to get a min and max measurement as well as a neutral.  I would disconnect your swaybar as well since that really limits your travel.  You will also want to extend your brake lines.  There's a cheap trick (free) is to move the front brakelines so they are under the frame.  This gives you about 6-8" of additional length.  There is a quick write-up in the FAQ.  For the rear you can just get a new brakeline for the rear.  Either find a OEM application that has teh same threads or you can extend your existing line a bit.  If you don't want to go through all that then Rubicon Express sells a inexpensive brakeline extension kit which give you a new rear line and hard line extention for the front.

If you're going with an OME kit then you should be ok with their shocks.  They are one of the few companies that actually take everything into account.  They are one of the best off-the-shelf kits on the market.  The only downside is that they are 2.5" but for you this is fine.  You could be able to clear 32's with the kit.

[countryboy15]

I say go with oem lift supension but with ride comfort like blistien, etc. You can always get a small body lift. This disturbs the center of gravity slightly but not like it would with supesion or shackle lifts, because it keeps jeep's main wieght(motor,transfer case, transmission,etc) at a lower center of gravity while at the same time it gives the lift needed to clear bigger tires. THe downside to this is it raises the body parts such as the fenders and tub. hope this helps, Cameron