When we get our hands on a stock rig, it never stays stock for long. Such is the case with a '91 Jeep Wrangler YJ we recently came across. Having long served as a tow-behind-the-motorhome rig, the YJ had more than 100,000 miles on the odometer and was plenty worn from the journey. Although the Jeep had seen very little trail use, the long road miles had left the stock springs and shocks sagging and mostly shot, which was very apparent under even the smoothest driving conditions. Desiring more of what we knew the YJ had to offer, we contacted BDS Suspension in Coldwater, Michigan, to get some recommendations about which of its products might best serve this high-mileage Wrangler.
Since moderately difficult trails and fire roads were all we were interested in conquering in the YJ, monster-size tires and springs weren't what we were after. Something simple and easy was more this rig's speed, and BDS provided just the right fit with its 3-1/2-inch Glide Ride Suspension System. The kit includes everything required to properly lift a Jeep YJ and permits use of 33x12.50R15 tires -- exactly the size we'd hoped to fit. The backbone of the system is the Glide Ride full-military-wrap springs, which not only provide ample elevation, but function smoothly in a variety of conditions.
Once the kit was installed, we immediately realized what we'd been missing with the factory components. The highway ride was much improved, and the added suspension height and increased tire size were saviors on the trail. Check out the photos and captions, which detail the installation of the BDS system. We'll continue to outfit this high-mile Wrangler with off-road ability-enhancing products over the next couple months, so keep an eye out for more on this buildup, and feel free to follow along by completing similar steps on your own Jeep Wrangler to better equip it for trail use.
Rock-Tech Off-Road
We visit a lot of new shops in our line of work, some of them better than others. When we started looking around for a shop for this particular install, we took a tip from an old buddy and scheduled some time with Chris Johnson of Rock-Tech Off-Road in La Habra, California. Upon first pulling up to Rock-Tech, we were immediately impressed. A selection of good-looking "real" 4x4s were parked in the back lot, including a beauty FJ-40 Land Cruiser in the later stages of a restoration and two International Scouts that were awaiting the same treatment. Chris is quite skilled and very knowledgeable about the whole spectrum of 4x4s and can offer any degree of vehicle repair and modifications, including custom suspensions, axle work, engine wiring, fabrication -- you name it. We were very pleased with the work he completed and can confidently recommend Rock-Tech's services for any of your 4x4 needs.
BDS Suspension's 3-1/2-inch...
BDS Suspension's 3-1/2-inch system includes front and rear Glide Ride leaf springs, front antisway bar links, front and rear track bar relocation brackets, bumpstop contact brackets, new U-bolts, urethane bushings, a transfer case drop kit, rear pinion shims, front and rear brake line relocation brackets, and a dropped pitman arm. We'll also install front and rear BDS shackles and a set of BDS 550-series shock absorbers.
The full-military-wrap Glide...
The full-military-wrap Glide Ride leaf springs feature roll-pointed leaves, bolt-style leaf-alignment clamps, and antifriction pads.
The kit includes front and...
The kit includes front and rear brake line relocation brackets. The brackets are designed to reposition the factory brake hard-line mount to account for the taller suspension.
Shown side by side, the benefits...
Shown side by side, the benefits of the new spring pack compared with the stock spring pack are very apparent. The military-wrap spring eye is noticeably beefier, as are the spring leaves and alignment clamps. Also note the new urethane bushing.
BDS provides aluminum spacers...
BDS provides aluminum spacers to drop the transfer case and skidplate to accommodate the taller springs and maintain the proper driveline geometry.
With the factory shackles...
With the factory shackles removed, Chris Johnson first installed the new BDS front shackles, then bolted the spring in place.
The spring was then bolted...
The spring was then bolted to the front hanger using the provided hardware.
Johnson positioned a new bumpstop...
Johnson positioned a new bumpstop contact bracket over the leaf spring and secured it in place using the provided U-bolts. Also note the new antisway bar extensions.
The new rear shackles were...
The new rear shackles were then bolted to the frame, along with the new rear springs.
The rear bumpstop contact...
The rear bumpstop contact bracket was then installed, along with the new U-bolts.
A dropped pitman arm is included...
A dropped pitman arm is included in the kit to maintain proper steering function.
With the installation nearly...
With the installation nearly complete, Johnson installed the BDS 550-series shock absorbers in each corner. The 550 shock features correct application valving and is designed to offer increased stability for improved handling.
Once the vehicle was on the...
Once the vehicle was on the ground, Johnson lined up the track bars with the relocation brackets and bolted them in place. Here, Johnson secures the rear track bar bolt.
The BDS 3-1/2-inch Glide Ride...
The BDS 3-1/2-inch Glide Ride suspension system was topped off with a set of 35x12.50R15 Dick Cepek Radial FC II tires mounted to 15x8-inch Mickey Thompson Classic Lock wheels. The tire and wheel combo was a great fit, offering no rubbing under regular driving conditions and plenty of room to stuff the fenders once on the trail.