Linear vs. Progressive Coil Springs for Jeep Wrangler
WHAT ARE COIL SPRINGS?
From rocks and other obstacles to potholes and rough roads, you count on coil springs and shocks/struts to work together to dampen impacts and help keep your tires in contact with the road. Made of wound metal, coil springs compress and dampen road impacts to allow the frame and body of the vehicle to experience minimal disturbances when travelling over bumps.
Replacing the coil springs on your Jeep Wrangler can have a dramatic impact on its ride and handling. Whether you want to match the OE part or want to achieve improvements in performance, selecting the right replacement coil spring is crucial.
SELECTING THE RIGHT COIL SPRING
When picking a coil spring for your Jeep, you’ll have the choice between two main types – linear coil springs and progressive coil springs.
Linear Coil Springs
Also known as constant rate springs, these are the type of coil springs that most Jeeps come equipped with from the factory. Featuring evenly spaced coils for a uniform rate of compression, the spring compresses an amount proportional to the load being placed on the spring.
Delivering more of a soft-ride feel, linear springs can be a bit bouncy on off-camber obstacles. After installation, linear springs start off higher than advertised height and then settle to their ride height. Over time, they’re prone to sagging when under weight.
Pros:
• Soft ride
• Good for everyday driving
• Replicates OE ride and handling
Cons:
• Sags under weight of winches, bumpers and added accessories
• Not ideal for trail riding
• Can feel like a loss of control when going over off-camber obstacles
• Excessive tuning can eliminate soft ride leaving them too stiff
Progressive Coil Springs
Also known as variable rate springs, this type of spring has coils that aren’t evenly spaced out. As the spring is compressed, the spring rate changes dynamically allowing it to have different spring rates. The spring is often divided into two sections. The top section has a tightly wound coil section that performs well on small bumps at lower speeds. Once the vehicle’s speed increases or it travels over more bumps, the coil will start to activate in the lower coils to help control the ride and feel.
Ideal for hardworking vehicles that tow, haul or go off-road, progressive coil springs can help reduce harshness and pitch and roll while helping to avoid bottoming out under various load conditions. Designed to deliver better handling on and off road, progressive coil springs can handle the added weight of bumpers, winches and other accessories.
Pros:
• Delivers better ride control
• Good for on- and off-road use
• Good for use with bumpers, winches and other accessories
• Improved handling specifically with lifted vehicles
Cons:
• Installation may require use of spring compressor
• Typically costs more than linear springs
• Firmer ride feel
RANCHO COIL SPRINGS
Rancho offers replacement progressive coil springs that are specifically tuned to provide superior on- road comfort and off-road performance. Corner-specific progressive rate coil springs ensure that your vehicle maintains a level stance and ride even while under heavy load or towing.
| Rancho Coil Springs for Jeep Wrangler | ||
| Part Number | Application | Position |
| RS80136 | 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL (2-door; Rubicon/non-Rubicon) | Front |
| RS80137 | 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL (2-door; Rubicon/non-Rubicon) | Rear |
| RS80142B | 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler JLU Diesel (Rubicon/non-Rubicon) | Front |
| RS80143B | 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler JLU Diesel (Rubicon/non-Rubicon) | Rear |
| RS80135B | 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (2-door) | Rear |
| RS80134B | 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU (4-door) | Rear |
| RS80133B | 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU (4-door) | Front |
| RS80139 | 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator JT | Rear |
| RS80131B | 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK | Rear |
| RS80130B | 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK | Rear |
| RS80129B | 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK | Front |
| RS6417B | 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ | Rear |
| RS6416B | 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ | Front |
| RS80128B | 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL (4-door; Rubicon/non-Rubicon) | Front |
| RS80127B |
2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL (4-door; Rubicon/non-Rubicon); 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator JT |
Front |
| RS80126B | 2018-2022 Jeep JL (4-door; Rubicon/non-Rubicon) | Rear |
Learn more about performance shocks, find your performance suspension part, or find where to buy your shock or suspension part today.
The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.