Exciting New Suspension Products for the Jeep Wrangler JL
According to the 2017 SEMA Wrangler Report, more than half of the TJ and JK Wranglers rolling around America at the time were modified—roughly 1.3 million vehicles. And of those, about 67% were sporting suspension upgrades. Keep in mind, friends, this data was compiled before the record-smashing JL began gracing dealership showrooms. (And if you’re thinking new Wrangler owners with a loan payment and manufacturer’s warranty aren’t modifying their rigs—think again.) Even if these beauties never see a dirt road, the style and desired function of a lifted ride is still an enticing mod.
So, whether you plan to hit the trails or just cruise around the mall parking lot—we don’t judge. But we do support your patronage of the aftermarket arts. And to make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest new suspension products for the Jeep Wrangler JL. Better start factoring them into the ‘accessorizing budget’ now, because there’s more where this came from. (We haven’t even gotten to Wheels & Tires, Exterior Protection, Cargo Management…)
A Smooth Ride, At the Right Height
Just as important as getting the most out of its engine, today’s Wrangler drivers are making certain they’re getting the best ride that they can, from suspension components to lift height. And plenty of companies are along for the journey..
Skyjacker
Skyjacker has been one of the most trusted names in the lifted Wrangler community for some time now, so it makes perfect sense that its good name will carry over to the JL generation. The Wrangler JL 3.5 Inch Dual Rate-Long Travel Lift Kit System with either Black MAX or M95 Shocks is a great moderate-sized suspension lift, at a moderate price point that appeals to most JL owners.
The Dual Rate-Long Travel coil springs ensure the smoothest of rides, whether on rough trails or paved suburban streets. The first spring rate allows for a smooth highway ride, while the second rate (lower coils)—which only engages after compression past the first rate—ensures consistent control during off-road articulation.
TeraFlex
TeraFlex engineered the first suspension lift kit for the brand-new TJ Wrangler in the mid-90s, and has been at the forefront of the Jeep aftermarket suspension community ever since. The company’s cache of valuable Wrangler additions includes body armor, heavy-duty axles, and soup-to-nuts suspension kits. TeraFlex debuted several new suspension products for the Jeep Wrangler JL at the 2018 SEMA show, not all of which are available yet. But lucky for you, you can grab the company’s 1.5” Sport ST1 Suspension System. (Or the 2.5” Sport ST2 Suspension System.)
All of TeraFlex’s Sport ST (Street & Trail) suspension systems are all-inclusive and deliver no-compromises-necessary performance and capability on any driving surface. “This kit is perfect for the Jeeper who wants to add larger tires for increased ground clearance while gaining premium and responsive handling,” says TeraFlex. “Thanks to their minimal impact on factory suspension geometry, the components in this kit won’t compromise the Wrangler’s on- or off-road prowess. The Sport ST1 Suspension System can be installed on Friday, wheeled on Saturday, and driven to church on Sunday!”
Keep an eye out for the JL/JLU 2.5” Alpine CT2 & 3.5” Alpine CT3 Suspension Systems which pick up where the Sport ST leaves off—currently available for pre-order!
Rubicon Express
Making its home just minutes from the Rubicon Trail, Rubicon Express has steadily built its name by making quality, affordable suspension and drivetrain parts for the Wrangler community since 1996. Its 2-inch Economy Lift Kit is the company’s debut product for JL suspensions, offering “increased ground clearance, enhanced attitude, and exceptional value.”
A steel coil spacer setup, complete with sway bar drops and bump stop extensions, is easy to install and helps drivers clear the way for off-road tires up to 35 inches (37 inches on Rubicon models). Drivers get the aggressive lifted look that so many crave, while still enjoying the JL’s improved ride quality and impeccable off-road resume.
Rancho
Rancho’s new Crawler Short Arm Systems are tailor made for the JL Wrangler whether on pavement or nowhere near a roadway. These kits include progressive rate coil springs and fully adjustable control arms with D2 bushings to improve ride comfort, and a lifetime warranty to improve peace of mind. The bushings feature PTFE, allowing for grease-free operation (the sleeve actually rotates inside the bushing, eliminating the ordinary wear and tear).
To get the full effect, pair this system with some Rancho JL-specific shocks with Dynamic Rebound Spring (DRS) Technology, and away you go.
ReadyLift
The Wrangler has long been a vehicle ready to accept larger-than-average tires with minimal effort. And ReadyLift has long been a company providing buyers with simple-but-effective lift kits at extremely affordable costs. The company’s new Coil Spring Lift Kit uses the vehicle’s existing leaf springs to provide JL Wrangler owners with an additional 3.5 inches of lift.
This is a simple, clean, and easy way to bring that rig up high enough to stuff some sweet 35-inch tires underneath. Coming in at around $700, this is the perfect kit for the weekend warrior looking for some added off-road capability or the JL-lover looking to accent their personality with a more aggressive stance.
Fabtech
For those Wranglers that aren’t destined for an easy life, some serious suspension upgrades will be needed. Luckily, the Fabtech 5”Crawler System with front and rear Dirt Logic Resi Coilovers provides unparalleled articulation and performance for those Wrangler-owners looking to push their truck to its limits.
Designed to suit the needs of rock crawler builds requiring maximum tire clearance and maximum travel, this Fabtech kit achieves both with a 5″ lift height allowing 37s and the use of long arms for that sweet spot geometry. Dirt Logic Resi Coilovers are bundled into the kit, ensuring suspension quality will not suffer even on the toughest of days. This conversion sits on the high-end of our list of new suspension products for the Jeep Wrangler JL, as the retail runs around $7K. But, trust us, this is the kind of kit you can rely on as the last lift kit you’ll ever need.
ProComp
You might know ProComp for its Wheel & Tire offerings, but this company cut its teeth on suspension systems. And as they remain a cornerstone department, the leading manufacturer refused to be left out of the game when it came to suspension products for the Jeep Wrangler JL.
For those looking to add a little height but maintain the factory ride and feel, check out the ProComp 2″ Spacer Lift Kit. Complete with durable steel coil spacer, shock extensions, and bump stop extensions that require no modifications to factory equipment, this ProComp kit makes room for 35” tall tires or 37” tires on Rubicon models. Easy to install and easy on the wallet, this is a great option for anyone looking for an easy upgrade they can tackle in their home garage.
Fox Shocks
Right now, reservoir style shocks are all the rage. The problem is that these top-of-the-line shocks can be quite expensive. And honestly, most owners really don’t need to use an external reservoir. However, many will want to use a high-quality shock absorber that increases performance off-road and ride quality all around. Fox Performance Series 2.0 Smooth Body shock absorbers are designed to fit in place of factory shock absorbers and trust us, they bring along some serious gains.
Using race-proven damping control, these mono-tube style shocks promise highway comfort and off-road handling with exceptional durability and application-specific valving to maximize performance. They’re made of CNC billet aluminum, guaranteeing toughness, and sit at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Skyjacker
Everything comes full circle, eh? Ending where we began, Skyjacker’s Silver Dual Steering Stabilizer set up is worth the mention. Off-roading is about much more than simply rolling over obstacles. It’s about maintaining control. Aftermarket steering stabilizer systems are a sure fire way to increase your ability to accurately move the wheel, even as rocks, stumps, and other obstacles try their best to rip it out of your grip.
The Skyjacker Silver Dual Steering Stabilizer is an incredibly affordable method of upping that control a few notches. Replacing the factory-installed steering stabilizer, Skyjacker’s solution will “dampen out the harshness of the highway, the ‘shimmy’ from running the additional weight of larger tires & wheels and place control back into the driver’s hands.”
