2.5 shocks with 37s?
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
2.5 shocks with 37s?
I never see upgraded shocks listed as a recommended upgrade when adding 37s. Are most running 2.5 shocks with their 37s? Will this upgrade help control the extra weight and significantly improve handling capabilities, specially bump steer/shimmy?
My 37s seem to be on the boardline of too much for my suspension to handle, despite all the standard suggested upgrades for 37s. I'm running 5100 shocks now.
My shop says all my parts are good and that this is how JKs handle with 37s... slight shimmy or play in wheel and occasional bump steer when hitting a series of bumps.
Any advise is appreciated. Thank you!!
My 37s seem to be on the boardline of too much for my suspension to handle, despite all the standard suggested upgrades for 37s. I'm running 5100 shocks now.
My shop says all my parts are good and that this is how JKs handle with 37s... slight shimmy or play in wheel and occasional bump steer when hitting a series of bumps.
Any advise is appreciated. Thank you!!
Last edited by Captaintight; Feb 21, 2017 at 07:22 PM.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Before throwing more money at it, I think maybe you should try another. Or grab some tools and check it out yourself. There is a good diagnosis thread stuck right to the top of the writeups area that might be a good place to start.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,068
Likes: 116
From: Bunnlevel, NC
Yup... what these folks have said. Tires are un-sprung weight (like axles) so they aren't supported by the suspension. While 37s will affect your braking (more weight) and possibly make the jeep wallow a bit more (larger sidewall) it shouldn't be exhibiting what you're describing.
JK Jedi
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,222
Likes: 376
From: Southwest Reno, NV
Tire weight will actually affect how a shock rides because of the added weight going up and down. Slow speeds is not really an issues but on rough higher speed terrain the tires and axles may pull the body on down travel side instead of expanding the shock. On the up side you may want a increased rebound pressure so the mass of the axle and tire don't blow the shock to the bump stops.
That being said the larger shock diameter gives you more oil and keeps the shocks cooler. If you are having an issue of shock fade from overheating then a 2.5" body wold help. Most JK's don't need 2.5" shocks and people run them for the bling factor like me.
That being said the larger shock diameter gives you more oil and keeps the shocks cooler. If you are having an issue of shock fade from overheating then a 2.5" body wold help. Most JK's don't need 2.5" shocks and people run them for the bling factor like me.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Tire weight will actually affect how a shock rides because of the added weight going up and down. Slow speeds is not really an issues but on rough higher speed terrain the tires and axles may pull the body on down travel side instead of expanding the shock. On the up side you may want a increased rebound pressure so the mass of the axle and tire don't blow the shock to the bump stops.
That being said the larger shock diameter gives you more oil and keeps the shocks cooler. If you are having an issue of shock fade from overheating then a 2.5" body wold help. Most JK's don't need 2.5" shocks and people run them for the bling factor like me.
That being said the larger shock diameter gives you more oil and keeps the shocks cooler. If you are having an issue of shock fade from overheating then a 2.5" body wold help. Most JK's don't need 2.5" shocks and people run them for the bling factor like me.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 3
From: Texas
You can buy shocks tuned for your springs, vehicle weight, tire weight (with rims) and driving habits.
You need to be honest and realistic when you define your intended operating envelop. All things equal, high speed bombing the desert requires different tire control than rock crawling and both are different from mall crawling. Plus you need to let them know if you are hoping for a great street plush ride or something else.
Good luck, let us know what you end up going with.
You need to be honest and realistic when you define your intended operating envelop. All things equal, high speed bombing the desert requires different tire control than rock crawling and both are different from mall crawling. Plus you need to let them know if you are hoping for a great street plush ride or something else.
Good luck, let us know what you end up going with.