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About the ride being rough, yes it is but believe it or not your springs are probably even softer and more sgayy than when new. Take a look at the leaf springs and in particular the "C" pieces that hold the sets of "leaves" together. If it is loose or there is a gap that you can see btwn the leaves they are probably shot. Mine actually got to the point where the curve of the springs was upside down, as in the leaf springs sat in an arch like a bridge, where the peak of the arc was above the end points instead of the center of the arch being lower. The best way to make it ride more smoothly is with some aftermarket springs and shocks. I found it was also cheaper to go aftermarket than OEM replacement(imagine that, lol). The key is to get a GOOD kit that is well engineered for the Jeep. Also, I'd reccomend getting as small a lift as you can so you don't raise the center of gravity too much. I got a 1.5" lift kit but it seemed like I got a 6" lift because my springs were so worn, lol. Anyway, the kit I got has *stiff* springs to give the lift. This makes the ride considerably more stiff and harsh than stock :-( but it only cost like $450 for all new springs, bushings and shocks as well as a transfercase lowering kit to keep the driveshaft angle from getting too steep and eating U-joints. This is an important feature! I seriously want to get anothe brand of lift kit as this one is too punishing(Rough County). I've done some looking and a brand that is well respected and has softer springs is called "Old Man Emu" I think. They have several different spring stiffnesses depending on what you will use the Jeep for and the equipment you will carry. They have a softer sprung kit for a YJ that will only have a softop and no extra gear, then a stiffer one for YJ's with a hardtop and then an extra stiff one for hardtop plus onboard air, and a bunch of off-raoding and camnping gear. If you get the softer kit the sprins and shocks are matched to that the ride is more compliant and not so harsh. I think they run $1000 or so, but from what I've read there are few complaints and lots of praise. Another thing you can do is get a "shackle reversing kit". If you look at the front leaf springs you will notice that there is a pivot link at the front end and the rear end attaches directly to the frame. When you go over a bump, the front axle can't move backwards becasue of this and more shock is fed into the frame and your butt. A shackle reversing kit puts the pivot link at the rear and the fixed pivot point at the front so the axle can move backwards and up when you hit a bump, softening the blow. Why it was made like this from the factory I do not know. I *think* most of these kits require welding tho, but not sure. One last thing, be carefull about your sub and where you park. I had a sub walk off from my Jeep back in college :-( Fucking thieving bastards.
Mike ------------------------------------------------------
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18:33:29 03/25/03
