Ride Quality LB vs SB

[Reddout]

Had been looking at short beds for quite a while, but have come across a 1990 long bed automatic that I may be interested in.  My choice for a short bed was due to the limited space in my garage.  The Short bed at around 15' would fit no problem, but the long bed at 16' may be a bit tight.

 

I would imagine a longer wheel base would be a smoother ride, but it is a truck.  I don't imagine it would be super smooth anyway.

 

Those that have long beds, could you jump in and let me know your thoughts?  I'd appreciate it.

 

-Bob

[Pete M]

the extra 6" of wheelbase is dead last on the list of items that affect ride quality. :thumbsup:   shocks, tires, and springs are at the top.

[fiatslug87]

I have a '90 SWB and an '89 LWB, both 2WD, stock suspension, same shocks and tires, with similar mileage. I think the LWB rides smoother and corners better at "high" speed.

[Marine1Texas]

weight of long bed adds to smoothness. There are advantages to short bed when off-roading, but all in all they are not far off from each other.

[Reddout]

Thanks, just re-measured the space I have available and it's just too tight...  The search goes on for a short bed

[johnj92131]

All other things being equal, as the saying goes.  A longer wheel base will give you a more comfortable ride.  Also, if you are towing, the long wheelbase is safer (Guess why no factory MetricTon/BigTon package on the short bed).

 

But as Pete said: Lots more things contribute to a smooth ride more than 6 more inches in the wheelbase.  Especially with 25/30 year old trucks.

[Eagle]

Keep in mind that even the short wheelbase MJs have a longer wheelbase that the XJs.

[Reddout]

Keep in mind that even the short wheelbase MJs have a longer wheelbase that the XJs.

Thanks, I didn't know that.

[Pete M]

yup, by about a foot. :thumbsup:

[Reddout]

I had a '95 ZJ with a 6.5" lift on it. My wife affectionately called it "the bucking bronc" LOL

[shelbyluvv]

Sounds like a "Rough" Country lift. I have both trucks also. I prefer the LWB just for the fact I have a bigger bed. Add a toolbox or roll bar to a SWB and you are left without much of a usable bed.

[Reddout]

LOL. It was actually a Rubicon Express 4.5" short arm lift with 2" pucks