SUSPENSION vs SPEED - Which Would You Prefer?

[wayoflife]

So, Cindy and I are out and about with our big badass Jeep Gladiator running EVO trailing arms and double throw downs and our awesome 392 running really nice Ohlins shocks and this got us thinking - if you could only have one, which would you prefer? Badass suspension with a decent 3.6L engine OR... a badass 392 with a decent suspension system? What say you?

 

[JT@623]

I’d take the JT all day until I could save up for a V8 swap

 

[WJCO]

I think for people spending more time off road, suspension is the winner. But for people spending most of their time on pavement driving to all the cool duck shows, 392 it is.

 

[Disciple Off Road]

I’m torn lol I absolutely love the feel and sound of a badass V8 which makes any driving experience a good time. That said, being able to now experience a badass suspension even with a 3.6L has been an absolute blast in itself on any trail. Of course the 3.6L won’t be as much fun in the desert, it still gets the Jeep moving for a good time while still getting to enjoy the benefits of a good suspension in the rocks and going fast.

 

[Cousin Clyde]

For what it’s worth, I'm trying to answer this in a world where I could only have one forever, and not make this into a real-life scenario.

I voted suspension because I would be able to drive it as-is and be satisfied.

If I had the 392, I would wish I had suspension almost immediately.

 

[TrailHunter]

What Clyde said... If I had to choose... Suspension... And because Flexin over Big rocks at slow pace gives me a chubby. I ain't tryin to be all Ultra 4 and shit.

 

[NPC 6060⁸42]

Yeah I think I’d have to agree the speed would be nice but really suspension is where it’s at, Honestly debated whether to get a Jeep or a Mustang/ Camaro/ BMW M. Interestingly enough I can drive my Gladiator at 80 on the highway and that really seems plenty fast enough. Though if anything were to happen to the 3.6 it’ll be time to start looking at LS swap.

 

[Jsouder53]

I voted suspension as well. If we had the V8, my wife would have anxiety attacks every time we are driving somewhere.

 

[HighwayTrout]

No replacement for displacement.
Bad ass 392

 

[Strainger]

I vote suspension based on a real-life experience I had. I was able to keep up with a v8 on a desert trail. At the first chance we got to talk, the other driver asked if I was running a v8 as well. Nope. But the double throwdown suspension was a game changer for me. Truth be known though...that v8 sure sounded sweet.

 

[DirtHeadDavis]

With me being on decent suspension and with the 3.6, I’d be grateful to be in either of these scenarios lol - but voted suspension in this case because while I love driving fast, playing on the rocks and getting through tight, technical areas to explore just that much further is what’s most fun for me.

Suspension will come though, I am patient. More power too. I’m very patient. The 3.6 gets the job done and I have nothing against the Pentastar actually. But do I get aroused driving 392s around at work? Yes.

 

[Ddays]

I'll take the suspension. I've been wheeling with guys that have V8 conversions and I've gone the exact same places they've gone. Sounds are different but results are the same.

Like said above though, a street Jeep would be a different story.

 

[OverlanderJK]

Depends where I live.

But, as of right now in life, I would probably take the 392 with a good set of shocks. Less maintenance than the full built Jeep, more power, and just getting out and exploring is more fun to me than the extreme rock trails or going super fast. Also, a V8 in a fully built Jeep still isn’t perfect. You out drive the suspension then and then want more suspension. It’s never ending.

 

[benatc1]

tough call as I kinda have both, I’m not sure what makes he happier, but I think it’s the suspension when I’m off road. Certainly depends on what your doing and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve grown to enjoy more exploring and mild rocks rather than extreme rocks all day long, but having said all that the V8 is fricking amazing no matter where I am , so I’m here for a world where both can exist, but in the frame work of the question off road I’d chose suspension.

 

[TrailHunter]

This game sucks Eddie… There really is no wrong answer and you know we all want both. Lol

 

[Mike Pierson]

For now I’m fine with the 3.6 as it has enough power. What I really want is a bad ass suspension that will be great on the rocks, allow me to keep up in the desert without beating the shit out of my kidneys and have a decent ride on asphalt. I don’t plan on getting rid of my rig so one day it will also have a v8 swap.

 

[benatc1]

Idk now, been driving the 392 all over this morning and god it’s so fun

 

[Jeeptime]

Sharon Likes both. Speed and comfort make her happy.

 

[NPC 6060⁸42]

Could always do something like this if it’s really only about speed and HP 160 K and no sale.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2023-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-5/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_2648441

 

[wayoflife]

I have to say, I've really been enjoying reading the responses, thank you everyone!!

I know most of you answered correctly but just to clarify, the question was in regards to if you could only have ONE. Also, I personally don't consider a standard coilover kit to be anywhere close to being in the same league as trailing arms and a DTD.