Race Car Dynamics (RCD) Suspensions, designer and manufacturer of a number of 2WD and 4WD pickup and SUV suspension systems, is now producing its first Jeep offering. The new 3- to 4-inch suspension system is available for '87-'96 Jeep Wrangler YJ vehicles and will accommodate a tire as large as 33 inches. RCD intends to continue developing aftermarket Jeep suspension kits and will introduce a new long-arm Jeep TJ system to be released later this year.
The 3- to 4-inch YJ suspension system from RCD is ideal for the entry-level Jeep YJ owner looking for improved off-road performance and the ability to run larger-than-stock tires. Accommodating tires as large as 33x12.50 inches, the new RCD kit replaces the factory suspension components with new lifted springs, Bilstein 5100-series shock absorbers, and track bar relocation brackets for the front and rear. The kit is designed to maintain factory steering geometry and proper pinion angles without the need for new driveshafts. RCD builds its own progressive-rate leaf springs with individually shot-peened and powdercoated leaves, assembled using open spring clamps and nylon anti-friction pads. The rear springs feature integrated-degree shims to achieve the proper pinion angle, and RCD provides polyurethane spring bushings and all of the necessary hardware for installation.
In installing the RCD suspension system, consumers can expect to gain 3 to 4 inches of lift and clear 33-inch tires. Four-cylinder-equipped Wranglers will sit higher than those equipped with the I-6 engine. Once our guinea pig Wrangler was outfitted with the new RCD system, we installed a set of 33x12.50R15 Dick Cepek Radial F-C II tires mounted to 15x8-inch Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels. Providing plenty of traction on and off the trail, the Dick Cepek tires combine a wide footprint and aggressive lugs for increased trail performance while offering a quiet ride on the pavement. The F-C II is available in diameters ranging from 31 to 37 inches and in rim diameters of 15 to 17 inches. The Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels provide a clean look and are available for a number of applications. The wheels and tires were mounted and balanced at Performance Plus in Long Beach, California.
Installation of the RCD suspension system is a fairly straightforward process and can be completed in a day's time using basic tools. Once our test vehicle was up and running, it offered an improved ride compared with stock, and even increased handling performance to some degree. If you're looking for a worry-free method of converting that aging Wrangler YJ of yours into a good looking and performing trail machine, RCD now offers what it takes to do so. Check out the photos for the play-by-play as we detail what it takes to pull off such a transformation.