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What Shocks to Buy For Smooth Ride?

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Old 04-01-2014, 03:44 PM
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Default What Shocks to Buy For Smooth Ride?

I started out with some crappy sport shocks on my jeep jk, and then upgraded to some take off red rubicon shocks. They are better than the sport shocks but it still really feels like I am riding a bull down the freeway. I have a 3 year old too so I'm also going back to street tires from my rubicon MT's as the MTs are insanely loud.

I'm looking for something that will take on bumps smoothly, or the smoothest that a Jeep can do. Just talked with quadratech and he recommended the BILSTEIN Heavy Duty Gas Shock.

Bilstein 24-141734 - BILSTEIN Rear Heavy Duty Gas Shock for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 0" Lift - Quadratec

I was thinking that Rancho 9000's were the softest because they are adjustable but this guy said Ranchos will make my Jeep ride like a buggy.

What do you think?
Old 04-01-2014, 03:52 PM
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Bilstein are a very firm harsh riding shock. Especially with lighter jeeps. The rancho 9000's would be good to be able to adjust to your liking.


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Old 04-01-2014, 03:56 PM
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Not sure what guy you spoke to, but I would recommend adjustables, then dial in what you prefer. You sure your springs aren't contributing to the issues?

Last edited by ShakyJake; 04-01-2014 at 03:59 PM.
Old 04-01-2014, 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by aaronstephen
Bilstein are a very firm harsh riding shock. Especially with lighter jeeps. The rancho 9000's would be good to be able to adjust to your liking.


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yeah I thought that Bilstein made the Rubicon shocks
Old 04-01-2014, 03:58 PM
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I personally have never known a Wrangler to be a smooth riding vehicle. However take a look at the tire pressure to see if it's possibly too high?

I run mine around 30 pounds.

As for shops I would probably call Your jeep dealer and talk to them about it to see if they have any suggestions as well.
Old 04-01-2014, 03:59 PM
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How much air pressure are you running and what size tire? I thought the Rubi shocks were pretty nice.
Old 04-01-2014, 04:17 PM
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I had my tires at the recommended pressure I think it was 34 or 36 and I dropped them down to 30 about a month back. Helped slightly.

I'm running the BFG Mud Terrain LT 255/75 R17 Tires on Jeep Moab Rims.

I have driven new Jeeps and they ride nothing like mine at all. My neck is pretty much sore all of the time and Los Angeles roads are some of the worst in the nation.
Old 04-01-2014, 04:17 PM
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Not sure how accurate it is but I've heard Monroe makes a good shock.
Old 04-01-2014, 04:28 PM
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Having run both the Bilstein's and the Rancho's there is no comparison when it comes to a softer ride, the Rancho's are much softer especially if you set them in the 5-6 range. Rancho has a rebate going on right now so you can pick up a set of 9100's for a good price.

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Old 04-01-2014, 04:34 PM
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I removed my Bilstein 5100's specifically because of how stiff the ride was, and I replaced them with Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks. The Ranchos ride SO much smoother on-road, yet I can still firm them up when needed for rock crawling or towing or high-speed desert 2-tracks. I am much, much happier with the Ranchos.


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