JulietKilo

UPDATE: Shocks are on!

Full Traction FS5100 (FS-5100, FS 5100) come with stickers, bushings, black boots, and hardware.


When the shocks are compressed they measure 17" to the bottom of the threads. This is almost the same compressed height as the rubicon stockers.


When the shocks are completely extended they measure 27" to the bottom of the threads. This is 3.5" taller then the rubicon stockers.


This will yeild me the same stuff as the rubicon shocks but will droop all the way down to 27 inches. This is 10 inches of overall travel.


The install is very easy with the hardware provided and the shocks compliment the other components already installed on my Jeep.


The bar pins were a bear to install and I ripped a few in the process. I went to my local autozone and found the same exact part number as the Full Traction bushings. They are both made by energy suspension. They are the 5/8" shock bushings.



RIDE CONTROL FEEL

The Jeep is less controlled on the street compared to the rubicon shocks which are high pressure monotubes. Potholes are felt more but the overall ride is smoother. When on newly paved roads these shocks had a softer feel; however, the many potholes that this town has can now be felt through the chassis. The ride is rougher with these shocks overall but for a hydro they are top notch.

HYDRO vs NITRO

Category..................Full Traction............Rubicon Stocker
Street.......................Softer............... ......Stiffer
Potholes...................Rough.................. ...Smooth
Flex/Stuff..................27"/17"...................23.5/17
Offroad.....................Rough................. ....Controlled
Body roll/Cornering...Flat.........................Slight Roll

Overall Grade...........C............................A-

I am gonna have to say that even though I like the Full Traction Hydros the better overall ride was the Rubicon Stockers. Nitros are by far a superior shock but due to flex, lift, and budget the hydros cant be beat!

Conclusion:
Buy the nitros if you can afford them with more travel but the budget minded hydros are not a bad choice.

**This is strictly my opinion, everyone will feel different between Jeeps, lifts, road quality, and drivability.

JulietKilo

My suspension to date:

4" SkyJacker Coils
4" Full Traction Hydro
JKS Front and Rear Adjustable Track Bars
Teraflex Rear Brake Drop Brackets Modified to clear the sway bar movement
Terraflex Front Sway Bar End Links (originally designed for the rear on a 2.5 inch lift, but work for a 4 inch lift up front)
Terraflex Rear Bump Stops
Rubicon Express Rear Sway Bar End Links RE1157
Crown Front 5 Layer Brake Lines 24 inch length
Energy Suspension Bushings 2201

Overall about 720 bucks!

Flex pics and tuning of the suspension coming soon.

The rear track bar is tight between frame rails, brake lines, and tires. I have adjusted them to work without rubbing but have yet to really stuff the tires to see if there are any issues.

Kachad

Looking Great, Man! Nice notes and pics as well.

JulietKilo

Thank you, I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to see what can be built out of random parts. I think I have achieved what I set out to do.

SASQUATCH

hmmm.....this week? oh yeah dealership is installing a free new clutch assembly/throw-out bearing, etc and fixing the soft-top strap....that's about it

JulietKilo

HUH?

N2MWL

I think he got this thread mixed up with the "What was done to your JK this week" thread.....

JulietKilo

I thought that also but figured I would ask.

JulietKilo

Received my Crown Brake lines, brackets and fittings. I also got a set of Rubicon Express 1157 JK rear sway bar links for better stuffing of the rear tires. The TeraFlex links will be moved to the front for the droop to reach its full potential.

Bodo

Wish I had ordered my brake lines from David. I'm still waiting Good looking Jeep you got there.