BDS Suspension

BTW, I've got a '85 CJ7 with a winch and hardtop.

Chris

The R5000 is very stiff. You will probably not like it. The RSX from Rancho is a much better choice, and the R9000 is also a better choice. I have the R9000, and I like it, but it is kind of a waste of money because I have found that the best ride comes on the softest setting. Since I never change the setting, there is not much point in having the adjustment capability.

I am guessing you are doing either a CJ or YJ since you asked about a spring over. The spring over project has fabrication issues that are somewhat difficult to solve if you don't know much about fabrication. The people that do spring overs, and then write up the process, have said that the fabrication costs cause what seems like should be free because the same springs are used over again, actually ends up costing about the same as buying new springs. Basically, a 4" lift under the axle will put you in the same place as stock springs over the axle. The main advantage of a spring over is the added clearance under the axles because of the relocation of the spring perches. The spring over raises issues like spring wrap of the rear axle. This can be solved pretty easily, but if overlooked it can cause your Jeep to bounce badly during hill climbs or other high load situations. The bouncing can be disasterous, and can even cause you to roll over backwards if the conditions are right - or wrong, depending on your perspective.

I have a '75 CJ5. I bought the 2 1/2" BDS springs and like them. They seem to flex good. I rode in another CJ with Rancho springs they felt more ridgid. My shocks are the R9000's and like Jeff, I have them set on the softest setting. I've tried them in all the different settings too. I had vehicle controlling issues when set up on #5. I drove over a recessed manhole cover at 55 mph and with the low vehicle weight and the stiff setting I damn near lost control on the wet pavement. I have had no issues like that though on the #1 setting.

I got my setup at Mle High Jeep Rebuilders in Denver. Plus got the shocks on sale, some buy 3 get one free deal. I'm happy with the setup and would probably buy the same again. I agree with Jeff, it's kind of a waste only using them on the softest setting. Rancho should produce one that is equivilent to this setting for a reduced price.

Paul

The Rancho 2.5" suspension SUCKS with a capital SUCKS!!! It was one of the first lift kits done for the YJ back in the 80's and hasn't been updated since, stay away like it's the plague. (Yes I have had one on my YJ.)

I hear great things about both the BDS kit, and the Rubicon 2.5". I have a Rubicon 4.5" extreme duty kit on my highly modified YJ and can't say enough good things about it. This is my YJs third lift suspension; Rancho 2.5, Superlift 3.5 and the Rubicon is best by far.

I have a 2.5" BDS on my 95 and love it. Stay AWAY from Rancho!

I have a 4" Rough Country on my 89 and hated it until I got rid of the shocks and got DT3000's... now it's like night and day.