Best Rear Suspension Enhancement For 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

Updated 03/16/2026 | Published 03/07/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(726)

$188.06

Air Lift LoadLifter Air Helper Spring Kit w/ Air Spring Cradles - Rear Axle

(2)

$1023.99

Question:

I have a 2022 Gladiator Mojave. Here is the situation, I have a constant 320 lbs added to the rear. When a put the kayaks on, it adds an additional 200 lbs. I also pull an RV with about 500 lbs tongue weight. Sometimes I have both the trailer and kayaks. When I pull the trailer, I utilize a weight distribution hitch when on pavement and remove the bars when on dirt or sand. I am thinking of the firestone 4148 helper air bag as an option. Also thought about combining that with the blue Sumo bump stops. What do you think of my thoughts?

asked by: Bob D

Expert Reply:

Hey Bob, you are definitely thinking in the right direction adding rear support with that much constant weight back there. Between the 320 lbs you’re carrying full time, another 200 lbs with the kayaks, and up to 500 lbs of tongue weight, you’re asking a lot from the rear coils.

Between the Firestone 4184 bags and the SumoSpring bump stops, I would lean toward a full air bag setup like the Air Lift LoadLifter kit with spring cradles, part # AL88FF. The big advantage is adjustability. You can air them up when you’ve got the trailer and kayaks on, run moderate pressure with just one load, and drop them down when unloaded. The cradles also let the bags separate at full droop, which keeps your suspension articulation intact when you’re off road and doesn't limit suspension travel.

You can run air bags and SumoSprings together, but in most cases it is overkill and can start to stiffen the ride more than you want, especially on a Mojave that already has a performance tuned suspension. A properly set up air bag system will give you the leveling and control you need without stacking multiple helper systems or making the ride too rough.

What kind of trailer do you haul? Do you go off road often?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Air Lift LoadLifter Air Helper Spring Kit w/ Air Spring Cradles - Rear Axle
(click to enlarge)

Bob D.

3/11/2026

Morning Jesse, thanks for the reply. I tow a Geo Pro 19fd. I don't do any rock crawling or hard core overlanding. I would more call it trail running. I live in central Florida so it is mostly handy trails and beaches. Have been known to take it to LBL and Outer Banks. I purchased the Torque air bags. Sent them back. They rub the springs and there was a bad offset between the upper mount and lower cup. Now I'm gun shy. I saw your install video of the Firestone in the coil airbags and started to look at that.

Jesse M.

3/11/2026

@BobD Ok gotcha thanks for sharing! The coil airbags do help but they won't be quite as effective as a full-on air bag kit. They are a solid option if you are trying to keep costs down, but you won't get the same level of stability and ride leveling as you would with the LoadLifter kit. Again, I would try to stay away from combining the coil bags and the sumos. If you want to go that route, I'd do the coil bags first, then add the sumos if you still feel like you need more support. The LoadLifter would be a one and done and would absolutely give you the results you want. Feel free to reach out with any other questions. You know where to find me!

Kenp

3/12/2026

@BobD I have the firestone air bags installed on a 2023 Gladiator Rubicon and regularly pull a Coleman 222 travel trailer. I use the anderson stabilizer and load equalizer. I also pack the Gladiator’s bed full of gold prospecting equipment. At about 42 lb pressure, the air bags level the ride quite nicely. Unloaded and no trailer, I will run about 5 lbs. I too thought about the sumo springs, but after much thought, I believe I will put them on the travel trailer instead. When installing, do yourself a favor and go the route of removing the spring to insert the bag. You will have to on the driver’s side any way. I had to install the passenger side twice as either the bag had a defect or the tight fit between the spring loops caused a weak spot in the bag. Etrailer was very helpful and replaced the defective bag, but it still a lot of work to do it twice.

Jesse M.

3/12/2026

@Kenp Hey Ken, thanks for the feedback! There's gold in them there hills! Haha! Seriously though, I appreciate the detailed breakdown and the tip about removing the spring. Its good to know the Firestone kit is working so well for you.

See All (8) Replies to Bob D. ∨

Richard

3/14/2026

I have a 2024 Gladiator with the tow package. We have a 16' trailer with a silar package, batteries in the nose, so tongue weight is heavier than normal. I bought Firestone bags fron etrailer (love those guys). I've had them for several months now. They work very well and don't compromise the ride when I drop them down in pressure. The down side is installation. It took several hours to get the stiff bags in through the springs, especially the first one. If I was to do it again (never) I would probably remove the spring. The product is good, and does what I need. Just very difficult to install. Good luck.

Jesse M.

3/16/2026

@Richard Hey Richard, thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you are liking the air bags. And yea they can be a bit of a pain to install. Removing the coils makes it way easier. I've also heard that leaving the bags out in the sun or warming them up a bit can make it easier to get them through the springs. Appreciate the feedback!