JK Wrangler 60 Springs vs. 56 – What are the Differences?

A vehicle’s performance and handling are often impacting the choice of springs. Any true Wrangler fan must make this selection.

Having the appropriate suspension configuration for your Jeep is crucial. This will help to overcome tough terrain and make the most of its capabilities. You can modify your car’s efficiency and ease to what you want by choosing between these two.

This guide discusses a head-to-head comparison of JK Wrangler 60 springs vs 56. Knowing the pros and cons of both 60 and 56 springs is crucial. This is going to help you make a smart choice.

JK Wrangler 60 Springs Vs 56 – Comparison Chart

If you’re looking for a stiffer ride and better control at high speeds, the JK Wrangler 60 springs are an excellent option. They’re also a smart buy for drivers who need to carry heavy trailers. If you desire an easier ride and greater off-road capacity, the 56 Springs are the way to go. 

They’re also a smart buy for drivers who won’t need to tow much weight. Ultimately, what you want and need will determine the best option. Here’s a look at the differences between the 60 and 56 springs for the JK Wrangler:

Parameter60 Springs56 Springs
Spring Rate500 lbs/in450 lbs/in
Lift1.5”-2”1”-1.5”
Ride QualityFirmerSmoother
HandlingBetter at high speedBetter at low speed
Towing CapacityHigherLower
Off-Road PerformanceBetterWorse
PriceCostlyCheap

What Are the Advantages of JK Wrangler 60 Springs?

Off-roaders might benefit in several ways from switching to JK Wrangler 60 springs. For starters, they raise the car higher off the ground, making it easier to drive over uneven terrain. Second, greater suspension articulation is possible by these springs. 

This allows for more wheel travel and a better grip on rough terrain. The JK Wrangler 60 springs also help to provide a better ride by dampening shocks and reducing noises. In general, these springs improve the ride quality and off-road performance of the Wrangler JK.

What Are the Advantages of JK Wrangler 56 Springs?

The JK Wrangler 56 springs have many benefits for off-roading. First, they enable greater suspension articulation. This facilitates greater control on uneven ground. Second, these springs improve the vehicle’s stability. It makes it less likely to roll over when cornering or driving off-camber. 

Third, they raise the vehicle’s ride height. This allows it to drive over more obstacles without damaging the Jeep’s bottom. JK Wrangler 56 springs make for a more comfortable ride by reducing the effects of bumps and uneven ground.

What to Consider Before Deciding on JK Wrangler 60 Spring vs 56?

Here are some things to consider while picking between JK Wrangler 60 springs and 56 springs. Include how you want to use the vehicle, how much weight you plan to haul, how high you want the suspension to ride, and what changes you plan to install. Consider whether you’ll use your vehicle primarily on pavement or off. 

As the two require very different spring rates. Higher-rated springs may be needed if you frequently transport hefty items or have added extras. There are other suspension modifications to think about, such as lift height. You should decide according to what is best for you.

What Are Springs in JK Wrangler?

A JK Wrangler’s “springs” are the coil springs that hold up its suspension. These steel helical springs do a lot of important work. The coil springs make the JK Wrangler’s mechanical flex and articulation possible. 

This helps the vehicle to maintain traction and flexibility over rough terrain. The JK Wrangler has various spring types supporting various accessories and payloads. These springs are critical to the off-road and on-road ability of the JK Wrangler.

Leaf Spring:

Leaf spring suspension was standard on Jeeps during the JK’s production run. Because of their reliability and high load capacity, leaf springs have been utilized in car suspensions for decades.

The JK Wrangler’s rear suspension had a leaf spring arrangement. Multi-leaf springs were commonly used to support the Wrangler JK’s rear axle. The fundamental structural component of a leaf spring is the leaves themselves.

Wranglers and other off-road vehicles benefit greatly from leaf springs. They strike a nice compromise between load-bearing capability and articulation. In addition, they have a suspension system that is both straightforward and sturdy. This makes them suitable for off-road use.

Compared to suspension systems like coil springs or air suspensions, the ride of a vehicle with a leaf spring suspension is rougher. The reason is leaf springs can only take so much stress before giving out. 

But the Wrangler JK’s ability to go off-road and general robustness makes the leaf spring suspension a good fit. For better ride quality and on-road performance, it’s worth mentioning that the Jeep Wrangler JL model debuts in 2018. It has a new rear suspension design and a coil spring configuration.

Linear-Rate Coil Springs:

The JK Wrangler is a prevalent variant of the Jeep Wrangler. It is famous for its toughness and efficiency off-road. A standard part of the JK Wrangler’s suspension system is a set of coil springs.

The JK Wrangler’s suspension relies on coil springs for stability and comfort. They reduce the effects of bumps and slopes on the vehicle, making for a more comfortable ride and better control on and off-road.

About coil springs, the word “linear rate” describes a certain property of the springs when compressed. Linear-rate coil springs compress at a constant rate across their whole stroke. In other words, the pace of a spring’s motion regardless of how much compression it receives.

The JK Wrangler’s stock coil springs are normally linear-rate springs. These springs provide a happy medium between ride quality and off-road performance. Progressive-rate springs, which vary in compression depending on the load.

When choosing new coil springs, it’s best to get the advice of a professional or off-road expert.

Dual-Rate Coil Springs:

Dual-rate coil springs are a special type of spring that can provide two distinct tension rates. Dual-rate coil springs have two different spring rates. One is lower for better ride comfort under regular driving conditions. 

The other is higher for handling bigger loads and more challenging off-road situations. Two sets of coils are coiled together to achieve the dual-rate design. One has a lesser spring rate, and the other has a greater one. 

Higher-rate coils are often situated in the center of the spring, with lower-rate coils set at either end. The spring can compress quicker under normal driving conditions thanks to this setup. However, the higher-rate coils come into action, offering extra stiffness and support.

Better suspension articulation off-road, better load-carrying capacity and greater comfort during daily driving are all advantages of dual-rate coil springs. Dual-rate coil springs are usually chosen by Jeep fans looking for a flexible suspension setup. 

They provide between the two spring rates because of the compromise in comfort and performance. Although the JK Wrangler ships with standard coil springs. There are extra options. 

Before making any changes, consider your driving preferences and the conditions you want to use your vehicle. For the best results with your JK Wrangler’s dual-rate coil springs. It’s best to consult a trustworthy repair or suspension expert.

Coil Overs:

Consider a set of coil overs and how their sturdy build and stylish style would catch your eye. These amazing innovations fuse the roles of a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single mechanism. 

Your Wrangler can move around on its suspension thanks to a coiled spring. The coil-over-shock absorber works as a responsible master of motion. It takes advantage of the energy resulting from bumpy surfaces and makes for a more stable ride. 

Absorbing bumps and hits gently keeps your car in shape and improves its handling. However, coil overs appeal does not restrict to those abilities alone. They provide a wide range of customization options. 

Picture a simple adjustment that allows you to fine-tune your suspension for road conditions. Raise your vehicle’s height without difficulty. Adjust the Wrangler’s tension and rebound dampers to suit your driving style and the state of the road.

This malleability allows you to create a one-of-a-kind driving experience in Wrangler JK. Coilovers throw open a world of possibilities. It lets you modify your vehicle’s suspension to suit the requirements of every journey.

Get the most out of your Jeep Wrangler JKs. Coiled springs and shock absorbers work in tandem to smooth out bumps in the road. So, you can focus on enjoying the ride while you navigate nature’s challenges. 

FAQs.

How will you know about the kind of springs you have, stock or otherwise?

Identifying the type of springs is possible by looking for identification signs, seeing papers, or consulting an expert.

What’s next after you decide on JK Wrangler 60 springs vs 56?

Install a pair of spacers if you need to lift the back end by half an inch or more. Remember that when you level the vehicle, the distance between the front and front end will be larger than between the rear tire and the fender.

Where can you get those springs?

It requires effort to find low-cost springs. You can purchase them from the dealership. You might spend $200-$400 on one of these. Some can be had for around $80 to $100. Some automotive supply websites also stock springs.

Final Words

JK Wrangler 60 Springs vs 56 comparison depends on features and needs. The 60-inch springs are great for off-roading. 

The 56 springs, on the other hand, are a better compromise between on-road comfort and off-road capability. This provides a mild lift while providing a more refined ride. 

The decision is adjusted to the expected terrain, the number of passengers, and the best ride quality. Both alternatives are flexible enough to fit a variety of tastes and needs.

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