Hey so I just got a rough country 4.5 inch lift with the full leafs. I have RC's lower grade shocks, and it rides really bad. Every time you hit a bump the car feels like it jumps, just seems really stiff. Its an extremely bumpy ride and ever bump you hit its like a bang that goes off. My friend has a lifted jeep and his rides extremely nice and a better on and off road vehicle. I just want to know if its my shocks, coil springs. leaf springs, trac bar or control arms. I have know Idea but i just want a smooth on and off road, its a daily driver but it rides like crap. HELP ME!!!! :su rrender:

 

Well you have rough country..so there is your first problem

Is bet your shackle angle is at a nice 90 degrees which will result in a horrible ride.. it needs to be at a 45* angle.

As far as shocks I'd consider some bilstein 5100s

 

Well I think you should start with good shocks. And most likely your springs have a high sprig rate or high load capacity like most lift springs do. That will cause a rough ride so will control arm angle the more parallel to the road the control arms are the smoother the ride will be. That's one benefit of long arms. And shackle angle in the rear plays a large part in ride quality. For me I Dont Know why min is so smooth. I have stock uppers and lowers in a 4.5 lift spring 3" and spacer 1.5 " rear shackles at a 90* angle but it rides like a dream over bumps and all

 

It's probably... A combination of everything lol

Post a picture of your shackle angle. RC 4.5" leafs have a reputation for being too short and giving a terrible angle.

Next I would look at your control arm angle, take a pic of that too.

 

Just buy what your friend has.

 

Shackle relocator. That 4.5" leaf is short, like stated. Shocks aren't going to fix it.

 

Shackle relocation and CAD brackets will improve it dramatically. It will likely remain stiff as pointed out already, because of the springs, but will handle so much better and take away that teeth jarring bang. It does that because the geometry of the suspension is way out of whack from the lift. The rear leafs can't extend and shorten and the steep angle of the cotrol arms in the front direct the energy from bumps into the body instead.of absorbing and flexing. I just installed RR CAD brackets and it is absolutely amazing how it rides now very nice product. Stiff springs and shocks can make for a rough ride but add poor geometry and it becomes just horrible.

 

Why is it that the lower control arms being paarrellel to the ground help opposed to not being as parrell. And I don't understand this whole shackle thing wither. Can you elaborate

 

Ill try to get some pictures but why is that so> how can it give it a smoother ride by changing some angles?

 

Can you send me a link to the things I should buy to get rid of the teeth jarring hit. Thanks so much this really helped me out a ton!!!

 

Also do you think by just doing that the ride will be stellar. I totally get what your talking about and was wondering if you would recommend like shocks for any other component just to help the ride become even more comfortable

 

The more parallel the arms are to the ground means you have more travel or the arm makes a smother arc on Jounce or rebound. And your shackle should be pointing down and to the rear of the vehicle at a 45* angle so you get the most swing from it on compression. When a spring flattens out it's lengthens it's smoother to push the shackle back if it's already leaning back that easier motion translates into smoother ride and when the spring travels down there's more swing available it will be smoother becaus your not getting anymore droop that at 90* so if your AR 90* it will go more forward but when it goes back it's going to hit hard at that 90* breaking point. It's hard to understand and I ain't the best s'plainer

 

It's a geometry thing. I failed geometry class but I am a suspension guy at work I know how they work and why but can't explain it easily. Sorry.

 

I have the same lift. I can almost guarantee you dont have an issue with the front.

Like Kris is saying, it's geometry. Angles. Straighten out a paper clip, and at a 90 degree angle, mash the head into a flat surface. Now, take same paper clip, and mash it into said surface at a 45 degree angle. Now think of that as a shackle holding a piece of metal. 45 slides, 90 bangs!

That us what a shackle relocation bracket will do for you. Allow you to get closer to that 45 degree angle, to allow the spring to full compress/decompress.

That's all I got. Beer.

 

Adding softer shocks, adjusting tire pressure and even the tire makeup itself will all affect your ride for sure. As for brand or type I don't have enough experience with different ones to offer a solid choice. I currently run some zone nitro charged shocks that came with my initial lift. They are very stiff but do dampen well. Shocks are on my list of upgrades.

I would research shock brands on here and make an educated selection.