Coil springs are one of those essential parts that ensure you enjoy a smooth ride, no matter what type of terrain you are traversing.
Given that most Jeep Wrangler TJ owners enjoy adventures that take them off the beaten path, they must equip their vehicle with a high-quality set of coil springs.
Comparison of Best Coil Springs For Jeep TJ
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What Are Coil Springs and What Are They Used For?
In simple terms, a coil spring is a wide-gapped, spiraled metal wire designed to compress and extend to cushion impacts.
The function of a coil spring in a vehicle is to make sure its frame stays at its desired height. It maintains proper alignment angles and absorbs impacts from the driving surface and transmitted through the tires and shock absorbers. Without coil springs, the occupants of a vehicle would feel every bump in the road, and the vehicle could also sustain damage.
In addition to improving ride quality, they make sure the vehicle does not sag and put too much pressure on the shock absorbers.
When is it Time to Replace the Coil Springs on My Jeep TJ?
As the coil springs age, they become susceptible to wear, which can cause them to sag and reduce the height of the vehicle. Not only is the Jeep less supported with worn-out coil springs, but the ride quality also suffers drastically. With sagging coil springs, the Jeep’s suspension travels much more than it should.
Because ride height links to a Jeep’s complicated suspension system, it can lead to wheel alignment issues and excessive tire wear. If a coil spring wears out or corrodes too much, it can eventually snap, which can cause significant damage to your Jeep.
You can also upgrade your coil springs to a better set if you want to experience a comfier drive or take your Jeep TJ along rockier terrain that demands more from the suspension system.
How Long Do Coil Springs Last in a Jeep?
While the lifespan will depend on many factors, such as the type of driving the Jeep is used for, many Jeep owners believe they should replace the factory coil springs after roughly 90,000 miles.
What Size Coil Springs Do I Need For a Jeep TJ?
The size of coil springs you will require for your Jeep TJ largely depends on the height of the vehicle. If you have left your TJ at the stock height, you should use 12-inch front coil springs and 8 inch rear coil springs.
However, if you have lifted your TJ with any type of lift kit, use the following chart to determine the length of coil springs you will require.
|
Lift Height |
Coil Spring Length (Front) |
Coil Spring Length (Rear) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 inch |
13 inches |
9 inches |
|
2 inches |
14 inches |
10 inches |
|
3 inches |
15 inches |
11 inches |
|
4 inches |
16 inches |
12 inches |
|
6 inches |
18 inches |
14 inches |
|
8 inches |
20 inches |
16 inches |
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Review of the Best Coil Springs For Jeep TJ
To help you choose the best product for your vehicle, we have reviewed five of the best Jeep TJ springs on the market in 2020:
Best Overall
Rough Country – 2.5″ Jeep TJ Lift Kit
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were impressed with how well this kit was able to maintain a high level of comfort while raising the vehicle by a full 2.5 inches. Buyers also found the installation was straightforward, and Rough Country’s customer service helpline was able to guide them through any issues. While some found installing the coil springs to be a bit time consuming, it was worth it in the end.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main reason why these coil springs stood out to us is the overall quality of the kit. While you can choose to purchase coil springs on their own, upgrading the springs and shock absorbers at the same time can be a better choice from an economical and performance standpoint.
The springs work flawlessly with Rough Country’s impressive N3 shock absorbers, so not only do you get a 2.5-inch lift, you get a smooth ride that can be an even better level of comfort than you get with the factory setup.
Bottom Line
This kit features high-quality coil springs and adjustable performance shock absorbers. It is a great deal and helps you get the most from your Jeep TJ.
Pros
Backed by a lifetime replacement warranty
Coil springs are factory tuned for compatibility with the Jeep TJ
Specifically designed to level out the front and rear of the Jeep TJ
Adds 2.5 inches of ground clearance for better off-road performance
Kit includes high-performance coil springs and premium N3 shock absorbers
Cons
Can take a while to install
Powder coating on the coil springs can chip and peel
Runner-up
MOOG Steering & Suspension – Dorman 14505 Coil Spring Set
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were satisfied with how seamlessly these coil springs fit their Jeep Wrangler TJ. While they are not compatible with a lift kit, those that kept their Jeep at its stock height found these springs worked flawlessly. While the instructions are lacking, since they are a straight swap for damaged or worn out factory springs, installation is straightforward.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we liked the most about this coil spring set is that it provides what you need at a fair price. The springs are the same dimensions as the stock Jeep TJ coil springs, but they feature a black finish and are quality tested.
If your original coil springs are beginning to wear and you have no interest in lifting your Jeep or doing a full suspension system replacement, these MOOG coil springs could be just what you need.
Bottom Line
This set of black coil springs perfectly fits the Jeep TJ. If your stock springs are beginning to sag and need replacing, this affordable kit will allow you to enjoy the same level of comfort you experienced the first day you drove your Jeep off the lot.
Pros
Load Tested
Perfectly fits the Jeep Wrangler TJ
Straightforward and easy installation process
Features an attractive, corrosion-resistant matte black finish
Designed to lower stress on the vehicle and extend its lifespan
Cons
Poor instructions
Only includes front end coil springs
Best for the Money
ACDelco – 45H2114
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are typically satisfied that they could replace their worn-out factory coil springs without needing to make any other modifications to the vehicle. Quite a few buyers chose to go with the ACDelco rear coil spring set because they had positive experiences with the brand’s products in the past.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this rear coil spring set stood out to us is because of the reasonable price and quality. The coil springs fit just as well as the factory springs, so they can be used as the straight replacement when the old set begins to sag or corrode. The black finish also matches any vehicle color, so they will look great on your Jeep TJ.
Bottom Line
If your Jeep Wrangler TJ’s rear coil springs have snapped, corroded, begun to sag, or they are showing any other signs of deterioration, this set from ACDelco offers an affordable and practical solution.
Pros
Very affordable price
Features a gloss black finish
Designed to fit the Jeep Wrangler TJ
Made from durable, high-quality steel wire
Designed to work flawlessly with the vehicle’s existing suspension system
Cons
A little softer than the stock coil springs
Does not come with front-end coil springs
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Best Jeep TJ Dual Rate Coil Springs
Skyjacker – JKU40FDR
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers liked that they could use these coil springs with up to a 4-inch lift kit. Given how many Jeep Wrangler TJ owners choose to upgrade their vehicle with a lift kit, it is unsurprising that these proved to be a popular item. While most found installation to be fairly straightforward, some buyers had issues with the quality of Skyjacker’s customer service.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When we were looking for a set of dual-rate coil springs, we found that there were surprisingly few options available that could accommodate a 4-inch lift kit. Luckily, Skyjacker’s front end coil springs are compatible with the added height, and they feature some other features, such as a powder-coated finish for rust protection and durable construction.
Bottom Line
If you have increased the height of your Jeep TJ with a 4-inch lift kit, these affordable coil springs will help you make sure that your newly raised Jeep remains comfortable to drive.
Pros
Compatible with a 4-inch lift kit
Gloss black powder-coated finish
Designed to maximize articulation
Compatible with the Jeep Wrangler TJ
Constructed of a high strength alloy that prevents sagging
Cons
Poor customer service
Only comes with front coil springs
Best Jeep TJ Rear Coil Springs
Rubicon Express – RE1365
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were impressed with how comfortable their driving experience became after installing these rear coil springs. They also enjoyed that they had the flexibility to install them on an unmodified TJ, as well as one with a small lift. This fact is helpful for those that planned to lift their vehicle to accommodate larger tires in the future.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main reason why this set of rear coil springs from Rubicon Express stood out to us is their ability to improve suspension performance. Where the stock Jeep TJ coil springs are stiff, these aftermarket springs react better to various driving conditions, which means a smoother ride for you and your passengers.
While the chrome finish might not match every Jeep TJ owner’s tastes, we think it looks great and adds a little bit of flair to your vehicle.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to replace the rear coil springs on your Jeep TJ, but want to have the flexibility to install a lift kit down the line, we cannot recommend this set enough. It is easy to install, and the springs are a noticeable improvement over the stock set.
Pros
Fairly easy to install
Chrome color finish
Can accommodate a 1-inch lift
Each coil receives a visual inspection for quality
Designed for compatibility with the Jeep Wrangler TJ
Cons
Poor instruction manual
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What Do I Need To Know Before Buying a Coil Spring For Jeep TJ?
Before you decide on a new set of coil springs for your Jeep, you need to make sure they fit your vehicle and are high quality. The following are some of the most important factors to consider before settling on a set of coil springs:
Compatibility
Coil springs vary in dimension, design, and weight depending on the particular make and model they fit. Before you make any purchase decision, make sure that the coil springs work with a Jeep TJ.
Manufacturing Material
Not all coil springs use the same quality materials. The best coil springs use durable metals that can withstand all sorts of driving conditions. High-quality springs will also feature a protective powder coating, which helps protect them from deterioration caused by moisture, salt, and debris.
Height
Given how many Jeep owners install lift kits, you must make sure the particular set of coil springs you chose works with the height of your vehicle.
Spring Rate
The spring rate will determine how much weight and force will compress the spring. Finding the right spring rate will depend on a variety of factors, such as the weight of your vehicle and whether or not it has a lift kit.
Using a coil with a lower spring rate causes it to compress easier, which could be useful for some driving conditions and a problem for others. Choose an appropriate spring rating for the type of driving you to do the most.
Comparison Overview
If you’re still not sure what coil springs are best for your Jeep TJ, here are some direct comparisons to help you make a decision.
Coil Spacers vs New Springs
Coil spacers are a bit of a shortcut solution for extending the length of coil springs. They are inserted between the coil cap and the spring to shorten the interval the spring needs to travel. They are for those that would like to raise their Jeep’s height with a lift kit but don’t want to have to buy a new set of coil springs. Unfortunately, they tend to stiffen the ride and reduce the effectiveness of the coil springs.
On the other hand, buying a new set of springs designed for use with the new height of the vehicle ensures that the coil spring performs properly and the ride quality remains as good as before the kit installation.
Rubicon Express vs Teraflex Coil Spring for Jeep TJ
Rubicon Express and Teraflex are well-known brands within the lift kit industry. When it comes to choosing between either brand’s coil spring options, the decision mostly comes down to price.
While Teraflex coil springs are known to have a good spring rating and help create a more comfortable ride experience, they are quite a bit more expensive than a set of Rubicon Express coil springs. In our opinion, the price difference is not noticeable enough to be justified, so we usually prefer the Rubicon Express coil springs for the Jeep TJ.
How to Install Coil Springs on Jeep TJ
If you’re wondering how to install coil springs on your Jeep TJ, here’s a quick guide to get you started.
- Put the front end on jack stands to raise it. Then remove the front wheels.
- Raise it further so you can remove the shocks.
- Remove the sway bar link. Take out the bolt attaching the track bar.
- Remove the retaining clip attached to the bottom of each coil spring.
- Remove the stock springs from the vehicle.
- Install the new springs. Rotate it until it contacts the stop. Re-attach the retaining clip and then
reconnect everything in the reverse order until it looks the same way as it did before you started.
Be sure to refer to the video below for a full overview of how you can install new coil springs on your Jeep TJ. Remember, if you are uncomfortable performing the installation yourself, any mechanic that has experience working with Jeeps should be able to install it for you.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for spring coils for your Jeep TJ, we hope we helped you figure out which are the right ones for you. We included a variety of products to help you find one that’s perfect for your Jeep.
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People Also Ask
Choosing the right coil springs for your Jeep TJ might be a little overwhelming. Here are some of the most common things people wonder about when looking for coil springs.
We don’t recommend that you use JK coil springs on a TJ. The sizing is slightly different, and this can affect performance.
Depending on experience level, a coil spring replacement should take between two and four hours.
You can usually tell if a coil spring needs to be replaced by doing a simple visual inspection. If you notice the spring is corroded, cracked, or has any other obvious signs of damage, it is almost always a sign that it needs replacing. Another sign is if your vehicle is sagging.
Coil springs will vary in price depending on the brand, size, number of springs that need replacing, and quality. However, you can usually find a full set of four replacement coil springs for $350 to about $500.
More often than not, new coil springs will settle within 500 to 1000 miles of driving.
You can usually tell the length of your coil springs by knowing the amount of lift the Jeep has. However, if you are unsure, you can always remove a wheel and use a measuring tape.
A broken coil spring will create a knocking noise, especially when you drive over any bump in the road. You will also sometimes notice a bit of a rattling sound if the spring is cracked and about to break.
The maximum load that a standard coil spring can support is 50,000 lbs. However, the weight capacity will vary depending on the type of spring and how well it is made.
Coil spring rate refers to the amount of force (lb-force) that is needed to compress the spring by one inch. It is a measurement used to describe how soft the spring is and how easily it will compress.
Ride height will not be affected by spring rate. The spring rate is how STIFF the spring is, the length of the spring is not dependant. However, higher spring rates may hold the vehicle slightly higher since it does not compress as much under the weight.
While you can technically replace one spring at a time, we recommend replacing them two at a time in front and rear pairs. Over time, coil springs weaken, so you want to make sure that both springs have the same amount of wear so it does not impact your alignment.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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