If you’re building a lifted truck or Jeep, Johnny Law Motors is a name you’ve likely come across. The company specializes in suspension components for off-road vehicles, particularly for American brands like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Jeep. Their product line includes leaf springs, coil springs, control arms, track bars, and other hardware needed for lift kits and suspension upgrades. This guide covers what they offer, how their parts compare to other brands, and what to consider before buying.
Overview of Johnny Law Motors Suspension Parts
Johnny Law Motors (JLM) has been in the off-road aftermarket for decades. Their suspension parts are designed for durability and performance, focusing on both daily driving and off-road capability. Unlike some mass-market brands, JLM manufactures many of their components in-house, which allows for tighter quality control and consistent specifications. Their catalog covers everything from small leveling kits to full 8-inch lift systems.
Key Suspension Components Offered
Leaf Springs
JLM’s leaf springs are a staple for rear suspensions in trucks and SUVs. They offer both standard and heavy-duty options, with varying spring rates to suit different loads and lift heights. Their leaf packs are built with multiple leaves and include military-wrap eyes to reduce stress on the main leaf. Many sets come with bushings pre-installed, saving time during installation. For vehicles like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Jeep Wrangler, they provide direct-fit replacements and lift springs in heights from 2 to 6 inches.
Coil Springs
For front suspensions or coil-spring rear setups, Johnny Law Motors supplies wound coil springs. These are cold-wound from high-strength steel to prevent sagging over time. They offer variable-rate and linear-rate options, depending on the intended use. Variable-rate coils are good for vehicles that see a mix of on-road and off-road driving, as they provide a softer initial ride but stiffen up under load. Linear-rate coils are simpler and maintain consistent spring rate throughout travel, preferred by dedicated off-roaders.
Control Arms
Control arms are critical for maintaining proper suspension geometry after a lift. JLM provides upper and lower control arms for both front and rear suspensions. Their arms are made from heavy-duty steel tubing with forged or welded ends. Many designs include Johnny Joints or similar high-angle ball joints that allow greater articulation without binding. Adjustable control arms are available, which let you fine-tune caster, pinion angle, and wheelbase. This is especially important for lifted Jeeps Wranglers and Cherokees, where driveline vibes can become an issue.
Track Bars (Panhard Bars)
A track bar centers the axle under the vehicle. JLM track bars are adjustable and use a heavy-duty bracket and hardware. They replace the factory bar, which is often too short for lifted trucks and causes the axle to shift off-center. Proper alignment of the track bar reduces bump steer and improves handling. JLM offers track bars for lift heights from 2 to 8 inches.
Shocks and Body Lift Kits
While JLM is best known for springs and bars, they also sell body lift kits and sometimes pair shocks with their suspensino systems. Body lifts are a cost-effective way to clear larger tires without altering suspension geometry. JLM’s body lifts are typically 3-inch polyurethane blocks with all necessary hardware.
Vehicle Compatibility and Fitment
Johnny Law Motors parts are vehicle-specific. They cover most popular pickup trucks and Jeeps, including Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, Chevy Silverado 1500-3500, Dodge Ram 1500-3500, Jeep Wrangler TJ, JK, JL, and Grand Cherokee. They also have some components for Toyota Tacoma and Tundra, but the core lineup centers on domestic brands. Before buying, check the exact year, model, and submodel (e.g., 2WD vs 4WD, cab configuration, engine type). Many JLM parts are designed to work with factory components, but some require minor modifications.
Quality and Materials
Johnny Law Motors uses domestic steel and follows rigorous testing during manufacturing. Their leaf springs are shot-peened and powder-coated to resist rust. Coil springs have a high tensile strength and are rated for load capacities well above stock. Control arms use 1/4-inch wall tubing or thicker, with fully welded or forged mounts. The joints are serviceable on many models, meaning you can replace the bushings or inserts when they wear out.
Compared to competitors like Rough Country or Skyjacker, JLM parts tend to be more heavy-duty and off-road focused. They are not the cheapest, but they offer good value for the quality. However, some users note that their ride comfort on-road may be stiffer than some street-oriented brands. This is typical for parts built for durability.
How to Choose the Right Suspension Parts
Determine Your Lift Height and Goals
First, decide how much lift you need. A 2-3 inch lift is sufficient for 33-inch tires and moderate off-roading. For 35s or larger, you may need 4-6 inches. JLM offers kits for various heights. Also consider your primary use: if you tow or haul heavy loads, opt for heavy-duty leaf springs and track bars. If you want maximum rock-crawling articulation, choose adjustable control arms and flexible coil springs.
Compatibility with Other Mods
Suspension parts often work in conjunction. A full lift kit from JLM includes matching springs, track bars, and sometimes shocks. This is simpler than mixing parts from different brands. If you already have some components (e.g., aftermarket shocks), you can buy just the missing pieces. Ensure that the JLM parts are designed to work with your existing setup—for example, their track bars require specific track bar brackets for certain lift heights.
Budget and Warranty
JLM parts are priced moderately. Leaf spring packs run $200-$400, control arms $150-$300 each, track bars $100-$250. Full lift kits can be $500-$1500. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on most parts against defects and workmanship. Always check the warranty terms before purchase.
Installation Considerations
Installing suspension parts can be challenging. Leaf springs and coil springs require compressing and heavy lifting. Control arms often need alignment after installation. If you’re not experienced, professional installation is recommended. JLM provides instruction sheets with torque specs and step-by-step directions. Also, new bushings and hardware are usually included, but you may need additional items like brake line brackets or sway bar links, depending on your vehicle.
Final Recommendation
Johnny Law Motors suspension parts are a solid choice for anyone building a lifted truck or Jeep for off-road use. Their products are built to last, with quality materials and good engineering. For a complete system, a JLM lift kit with leaf springs, coil springs, control arms, and track bar is a dependable option. If you need only a specific component, their individual parts are available and generally fit well. However, consider that on-road comfort may be firmer than some competitors. If you prioritize plush pavement ride, you might want to pair JLM springs with softer shocks. For most off-road enthusiasts and serious wheelers, Johnny Law Motors offers the durability you need.