Well, I have a 2010 JKU with the 2.5 TF Coil Lift with Shock Extension on Sport shocks. I have 35" BFG KM2's and everything is pretty nice. I don't have a spare just yet, saving for the Or Fab Swing Away Tire Carrier (for Roto Pax) and should have that in about 2 months. So as the Jeep sits right now, the back end is pretty light.

The ride is a little rough for me in terms of city driving with pit holes, cracks, etc....Houston roads suck. And I drive like a bat out of hell, so I have come to terms with equating my road bumpiness with a Baja style impact. Maybe not full 1 foot bumps and washboards, but I hit enough 3-4 inch cracks at 40-50 mph that is does jar the inside pretty good.

And based on the factory Sport shocks on extensions, I know that will be a big time improvement to upgrade those. I also know that since I don't have much weight on the back yet without a spare tire or carrier, that also has an impact on how "reactive" the Jeep is to bumps and drops at speed.

SO, I have done the research and price shopping and decided the cost is worth it to get Reservoir Shocks when I upgrade. I have to get the Rear Tire Carrier (~$500) and Spare Tire (~$300) first, but then will come the shocks. I am also thinking that while I am still savings for the shocks, I will be able to see how much impact simply adding weight to the back end will have on the existing TeraFlex system.

The top shock on my list is the Elka shock from TF, followed by Fox. I can't come to terms with dropping upwards of $1,800 for Kings, but for $1,000, the Elkas seem like a very impressive shock with the 4-valve system. Fox has a great reputation, but with a single valve system and slightly firmer ride, they drop to second. I know I can get a Compression Adjustment version of the Fox, but that bumps the price back up to over $1,200 for a set.



NOW, based on all this information, the first question is at $1,000 for a set, would it be worth it to get a pair as soon as I save $500 and then get the second pair later, or just wait for all 4 at once. AND, if I did buy a pair early, what are your thoughts on putting in REARs first or the FRONTs first?!?

I would initially think the FRONTs first, b/c they are the first impact while driving and would soak up a lot of initial impacts, but after thinking more, the REARs have more drop-off and slamming effect after hitting a bump and I have started to notice that more.





So, after all this stuff written above, would it be better to replace the FRONT shocks first or the REAR shocks first if that were the options??

Thanks....and sorry for the long narrative, just trying to give everyone a little background and build up some credibility to the thought process

 

If you can't buy them all at once, I'd def do the fronts first, due to first impact reasons... As for shocks, I'd go with the elks and maybe get some TF speed bumps if your contemplating spending the money on fox shocks... That's just my .2

 

Just out of curiosity, what PSI are you running your tires at? Try dropping them a few lbs to soften things up?

 

Right now, the BFG's are at 35 PSI. I will drop them to 32 and see waht happens.
What is a good pressure to run at....I know I should do the "Chalk Test", but I don't have any chalk at the house. May be worth a trip, I guess.

 

Aired down to 32 psi.....any more thoughts on this....

Front or rear first?

 

If you absolutely can't do all 4, I'd agree with the above post about the fronts.

I'd also agree with putting a set of Speedbumps on your wish list, especially after hearing about your own description of your driving habits.

 

I would also agree with the fronts first.

 

I would wait and do them all at once. Have different damping and rebound will lead to some really strange handling.

 

GOOD Point....I guess I will wait and keep saving to get all the money and then buy all 4 as a package and put them in at once. Not really worth getting some first and having them wear out just a little quicker b/c they weren't matched properly with the existing shocks.

But I know the TeraFlex Elkas are "on sale" right now for under $950 for a set of 4 and I have had two different people the price is going to rise in a few weeks.