Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

Qudra lift air suspension...?

Tags
suspension
17K views 83 replies 27 participants last post by  2string1 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi all,,
As I know and read past posts on this,, id like some new feed back and recent owners input

I'm ready to make the grab on a 15 overland... And was a lil worried about this feature... I like the idea of just leaving it in lowest setting.. Unless I get some serious snow this winter... Should I be concerned.? Those that have it.. Do u really like it or is it a feature that could be done without..

Also.. Can I just leave it in the lowest setting.? Or is it always adjusting on its own?

Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
Whether Quadra Lift is acceptable for you depends on your ownership goals and risk tolerance. QL is obviously something that would be expensive to fix outside of warranty or extended service contract.

As for your question about settings:
  • You can't leave it in the lowest mode (which would be "entry/exit" mode), because it will automatically raise after you exceed parking lot speeds.
  • You can't really control whether it is in the next lowest mode (which is "aero"), unless you are willing to keep the transmission in "Sport" mode constantly. Even if you do, I'm fairly certain QL will adjust back to "normal" (or "entry/exit") when you turn the vehicle off/restart it.
  • You can't keep QL in "normal" mode above a certain speed, because it will automatically transition to "aero" mode. If you are below that speed, you cannot force QL to enter "aero" mode with the QL controls (the only way to accomplish this is to switch to "Sport" mode on the transmission). If you're above that speed, you cannot force it to enter "normal" mode.
I haven't found anything to suggest that QL helps to keep the vehicle level on cornering, but it seems like something that could be possible. Perhaps others can comment.
 
#23 ·
You can keep the suspension in normal height mode, but to do so you also alter the shift patterns, e.g. by setting it to "snow" which is really for any slippery surface.

The suspension seems a bit firmer in the aero mode than normal height, where if you run it up high enough to go to aero and then stay above minimum you can sorta compare the two with the normal mode's shift pattern and power distribution balance, since sport also alters shifts and power distro.

The off road2 mode [or just keep hitting the up button in 4lo] is a bit nice if you want to take a gander at something under the vehicle, or are trying to spray wash the underside. It also cuts down on jack time when changing wheels/tires, but you wish they had copied the old Citroen feature of letting the vehicle jack itself.

I would definitely suggest trying Quadra Lift vehicle against non-QL with the same trim/power level to see if you think it is worth it. Definitely put the QL in sport, drive fast enough on crooked roads to get it into aero, then slow down enough to keep it there, and compare that to just driving the slower speed. Off road modes, you may or may not care about. It does go up in the air quite a ways.

You'll never mistake it for a Lotus in any mode, but it does reasonably well for an SUV. Switching from aero to normal mode doesn't seem to heat it up in a PROPERLY set up suspension, even in Vegas or similar grade heat.
 
#3 ·
Early on (particularly on '11 and '12 models) there seemed to be a lot of issues with seals in the system. It's been quite some time since I've seen a new post about a QL issue, though. I specifically ordered ORA II on my Limited so I could GET QL.
 
#4 ·
As has been stated, you really don't get to pick what mode you-re in during normal driving. Not knowing your plans for the Jeep, I'll give you something else to consider. If you ever plan to lift or lower the Jeep with an Eibach, RRO, OME, etc. kit, you can't do that with the QL. The Limited can be spec'd out to be close to the Overland and retain the coil suspension.
 
#5 ·
My QL has been flawless to-date and I really like the feature. Yes, there have been folks with issues, but given the number of JGCs built with QL, even with an elevated incidence of problems over other things, the number of problem vehicles isn't likely very large. That said, this is one component that cemented my decision to purchase the Mopar MaxCare Lifetime Service Contract...QL, computers, other tech...piece of mind.
 
#6 ·
I was actually going to get a limited... But there are zero in my area with a hemi... And I can't wait 8 weeks for one to be built...
This overland was on his lot and gave me an amazing deal on it... The only thing bugging me is the quadra lift..
 
#7 ·
The air suspension is always adjusting on its own. You can't just set it and forget it, hoping that it will never adjust. Once you hit highway speeds, it will go into Aero mode, and then return to normal ride height after you slow down (a simple mod can disable this feature), but even if you never go on the highway, the air suspension will adjust anyway based upon the ride height sensors.

I haven't had any problems with the air suspension on my 15 Overland yet (and I would hope not on a brand new vehicle), but if I had to do it over again, I would've avoided getting the air suspension. I simply didn't realize just how often it is active and I'd rather have a fixed coil spring suspension instead. In all honesty, there's simply no way I'm keeping my Overland beyond the 3-year warranty, so it's not really a big deal for me. But for someone who wants to keep the vehicle beyond the warranty period, I'd suggest avoiding the air suspension entirely, unless of course you have deep pockets and don't mind spending a lot of money to fix it when it fails.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pdotc
#9 ·
For normal driving you just get in and go. Aero mode drops the Jeep a half inch when cruising. You can lower the car when parked to make it easier to get in and out.

The two raised positions are for off road or snow.

Ninety percent of the time you will get in and go without even thinking about it.

It might be confusing to read various descriptions on the internet. In use it's no more difficult to use, or understand, than your windshield wipers.


---
 
#15 ·
yes very good highway cruiser and even better since dropping the forteras for Michelins. you really don't get in it and think this car has an air suspension the average person probably wouldn't know it unless you told them. also if you opt for the maxcare extended service contract it is cover under that for failure
 
#18 · (Edited)
Just to clarify for people who do not have QL, the Jeep cannot be in Offroad II on the highway; it will change modes automatically.
  • ORII is limited to speeds < 25 mph
  • ORI is limited to speeds < 40 mph
  • Normal is limited to speeds < 62 mph
...and Aero mode has hysteresis:
'The vehicle will automatically enter Aero Mode when the vehicle speed remains between 62 mph (99 km/h) and 66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph (106 km/h). The vehicle will return to Normal from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed remains between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 35 mph (56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle speed falls below 30 mph (48 km/h). The vehicle will enter Aero Mode, regardless of vehicle speed if the shift lever is in the “SPORT” position.'
 
#16 ·
If you look through this site, you will see VERY few people complaining about the QL system. As far as air suspensions go, this one seems to be very well engineered. I really like the ride quality. It definitely feels a bit different than steel springs. I LIKE the fact that it lowers at speed, which helps with mileage and handling. Park and exist mode is great if you have to get Grandma in the car, or just want easier loading in the back. The OR settings give you the advantages of a lifted suspension without the ride and stability issues a lifted vehicle has when you don't need it. It will also self level for trailer towing.

All in all, I can't see any down side to it other than _possible_ long term maintenance issues, which is one of the reasons we got the Liftetime MaxCare. From what I have heard from Jeep and Mercedes service people, the system has been very reliable. Much more so than earlier generation air suspension systems.

Personally, I would suggest driving both and see what you like.
 
#17 ·
Hi all,,
As I know and read past posts on this,, id like some new feed back and recent owners input

I'm ready to make the grab on a 15 overland... And was a lil worried about this feature... I like the idea of just leaving it in lowest setting.. Unless I get some serious snow this winter... Should I be concerned.? Those that have it.. Do u really like it or is it a feature that could be done without..

Also.. Can I just leave it in the lowest setting.? Or is it always adjusting on its own?

Thanks

I have owned 3 of these with the air suspension now. The 2011's did have some early issues with leaks and failures. Mine had the compressor go bad when it was about a week old. Then I got a 2012 and never had an issue with the air suspension and now the 2014 and have not had an issue with it. The only reason really that I have it is I wanted the Overland and it comes with it. If the Overland could be had without it, I don't know I might have just gone with the steel springs. As far as ride and drive I think that's something where you really need to drive both and see what you like better. I wouldn't say one is better than the other.. They are just different than each other. I could be perfectly happy with the standard suspension. I would also make sure you have a warranty on it because its very expensive to repair.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I've had my 2012 for about 3 years now and I've had both rear lift shocks replaced because they failed. That didn't make me happy, but I knew that the Quadra-lift would be one of the things that could and, in my case, would fail often. The first time it failed the dealer wanted to rip out my interior in order to check the hoses(!). That would have cost me $2k as that wasn't covered under the warranty. I said "no" and had to get Chrysler involved. I read here on Jeepgarage that it was probably the compressor that went out. So I told the guy to check that but he insisted that it was the hoses. Well, long story short they changed the compressor and that fixed the problem. After that the right rear shock started squeaking. They changed that and not long after the left one started the same thing. That was a year or two ago and I haven't had a problem since.

So, overall I love having Quadra-lift, but expect to do some maintenance eventually.
 
#32 ·
Sounds like a plan...congrats on your JGC order! The great thing about a factory order is that you can build it like you want it to be...within the available options and packages, that is. :)
 
#38 ·
My 2011 was a Limited optioned up like an Overland with ORAII on it so it came with QL. It was one of the first ones built in 10/10. Had no issues with the QL through 117K miles. Traded it last week for a new Summit, also with QL.

QL suspension rides a little better than coil. I had a coil suspension Overland as a loaner once and was curious to compare. It's not a big difference, but back to back you can tell that QL is just a little better.
 
#40 ·
Many things to go wrong with this system and they will all eventually fail with or without a warranty leaving you stranded. For me never again, it is a failure waiting to happen and the newer ones are also having problems go ask your service manager...
 
#41 ·
A quadra lift failure does not leave you stranded on the side of the road somewhere, a bouncy rough ride yes but not stranded not on the 2014-2015 anyway. There is guy on here that mistakenly cut the nitrogen lines on his 2014 depressurizing the system and he drove it around until he got it fixed, rough ride and you want to get it fixed as soon as you can but it gets you were you are going until you do get it fixed. definitely an expensive system that is good to have a service contract on.
 
#43 ·
I think you can disable aero mode and know you can disable entry exit.
I was thinking of setting it to minimal use to minimize failures.
But if it's not regularly used that may break it too.
So I even enabled extry/exit which makes it easier on the seat bolster that usally shows wear soonest.

I think it always auto levels too.
 
#50 ·
Do you generally enjoy your job but dislike one annoying aspect? Maybe you chose the wrong career and a job manually shoveling sewage might have been more suiting. Herp derp.

I think he means for the diesel. you cant get the maxcare lifetime on the diesel only on the GC v6 and v8s.
Correct. I don't believe it's available in Canada for any vehicle, either.
 
#53 ·
no mate just a realist and non complainer obviously enjoying the finer things in life including a car that rides like the clouds. btw i do run a mechanical workshop and work with air suspensions daily and have been for countless years, maintained correctly and not stressing that parts are going to wear out if they are used will give you a heart attack...
 
#54 · (Edited)
btw i do run a mechanical workshop and work with air suspensions daily and have been for countless years, maintained correctly and not stressing that parts are going to wear out if they are used will give you a heart attack...
So... based on your expert opinion you're asserting that QuadraLift isn't prone to ungraceful failure modes and won't be an expensive albatross on a 15 year old WK2 that's out of warranty/service contract? Because I kept my last vehicle until it was 15; if I do that again, this Jeep will have been out of warranty/service contract for at least 7 years.

The air suspension seems like a weak link and when this air suspension loses pressure/control then its failure mode is rather severe compared to a normal shock or strut going out. But hey, if it costs $200 to repair broken QL when it's out of warranty then I won't stress about it wearing out a decade from now. However, I just don't see that happening.
 
#55 ·
Mate nothing lasts forever my point is theres more important things in life to be worrying about. We now live in a throw away society everything is built at a price for the current market, technology is forever improving who knows what the fix maybe in years to come. In the 90s rangerover had air suspension it sure had its problems then but it is still around today, some changed it out some have kept it. Lighten up use the great features your car has and worry about it when the need arrises if ever that may be.
 
#56 ·
Some folks prefer to sit on the sideline worrying about all the what ifs. Some like to jump in with a devil may care attitude. Most are somewhere in between.

I'm going to trade my Commodore 64 in on a PC, once I know it will never lock up or need repairs.

But never lose sight of the fact that if the dog didn't stop to take a crap, he would have caught the rabbit. ;)


---
 
#60 ·
Our first 14 overland ( earlie build november 2013) eventually was a buy back from Chrysler due to issues from hour one of owning it. Yup within the first hour I had a error for the air suspension. Many more issues followed and not all the same or connected. Fast forward to July of 2014 when we got a new late build (built in June 2014). Now to present date there is 15,000 miles on it and no major problems. The air system has worked flawlessly. For us the air suspension works great. We at times get slot of snow here in WI and we live in the country and my wife who primarily drives the jeep travels into the twin cities for work. We do not get plowed out until late late day or more like the next day. Without the ability to lift the vehicle and the advanced 4x4 system of the jeep this would be dificult to leave home. Our neighbor has a limited without air and has gotten stuck in the deep snow pretty much built up under it. The air suspension is nice as you get a couple more inches of clearance. This vehicle is the best winter driving vehicle I have ever owed. I have yet to get stuck and can drive around large trucks and other suv's with ease.

Pulled out 5 vehicles near and in my neighborhood during a huge snow storm. Even a lifted 2500 with some good tires. Very happy with this vehicle.
 
#62 ·
I have an Overland on order.

I assume to raise to Off Road 2, your in low range on the t-case?

also what tires are you using, the Goodyear FOrteras or Michelins or did you buy dedicated snow tires?

Good to hear you wife likes it, always a good endorsement.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top