Well I got the jeep off-road with the new 4-link, springs and shocks.
Saturday (6/23/62) Deb and I met up with my friend James (JimHatTJ if you get on CO4x4.org) and his family for a trial run (that's TRIAL, not TRAIL) from Colorado Springs to the top of the Wheeler Lake Trail.
My first impression was the incredibly smooth ride on pavement that the system delivered and the stability as well. Body roll is still evident but moderate since the springs have a very high spring rate and the shocks are valved very firm for an XJ (360/80). The road feel is still there but it's not
In Your Face like the leaf springs were.
After turning off the highway near the top of Hoosier Pass onto the dirt road (County Rd 4) that took us to the trailhead the ride on the wash-board was simply amazing, even without airing down.
Okay so getting to the trailhead isn't that big a deal to most people, but the devil is the details, right?
After airing down we got in line behind another group of wheelers and waited out turn to hit the trail. Since we had James family from Texas with us we weren't in a big rush and made every effort to enjoy the trail, the sights, the excellent weather, and the great company. the first minor climb up some rocks near the mine at the beginning of the trail caused be eyes to damn near pop-out.
The only word that comes to mind is Silk.....smooth as silk. The front long arms performed as usual but the rear axle moved like liquid metal. Easy transitions from compression to droop to level again.
After getting out to take the obligatory pics at the water fall and a breif tour of the old mine we made our way to the obstacle.
A small rock formation that is a bit dug out in spots and some sharp edges that push your rig in directions you don't want to go. More silk. No fighting the rocks, no dramatic rig shifts/swinging from left to right and back. No need to back up and try getting the rig 2" this way or 6" that way. A little throttle and the tires moved up and down with ease and we walked up without spinning a tire.
The group ahead of us was taking their time at the v-notch and the optional line next to it. I opted to take the line up the v-notch since it had given me trouble in the past. Again...Silk. All four wheels stayed firmly planted on the ground and the rear stuffed fully into the applicable wheel well.
James' mom Susan in her 6.0L Vortec, front and rear Dana 60 equipped TJ at the V-Notch.
James in his 6.0L Vortec, front and rear Dana 60 equipped TJ on the alternate line next to the v-Notch.
My turn.
We continued on the trail till encountering assorted sizes of rocks, ruts and loose rocks along the way until we got to Bowling Ball Hill. In the past this section of the trail has caused me bounce around on the rear suspension a lot and constanly adjust my line and speed to smoothout the ride for myself and my passengers. Not so much on this day. Climbing over the rocks and boulders was so much smoother and effortless. Not a caddy on new asphalt smooth, but still much better than the old leafs.
After reaching the lake and letting the kids get out and burn up some energy and a well earned lunch we headed back down. The break at the top allowed me a chance to wipe the slate lean and get a fresh downhill perspective.
The ride was virtually the same going down the trail, even with the weight transfer toward the front axle. Smooth and predictable.
Don't get me wrong here folks, I still felt every rock on the trail. BUT, the effect of the rear coils, 5165 shocks and 4 links combined to make even the roughest sections more than just bearable.
The pics on my camera from the trip down aren't that great, but I'm hoping to get some better ones from my friends soon.
All things considered, I have to admit that I'm truly amazed at the performance, ride quality and overall handling.
I can't believe I didn't do this sooner.
