Need feedback for shock option
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 4
From: Israel
Go with bilstein or fox.
I'm running rancho 9000's and have problems.
You should also be aware that you may need to buy extra parts to run their shocks or they could be damaged on other stock parts.
Also be aware that as soon as something hits under your jeep you may be missing your adjuster knobs.
Rancho's customer service is horrible.
I'm running rancho 9000's and have problems.
You should also be aware that you may need to buy extra parts to run their shocks or they could be damaged on other stock parts.
Also be aware that as soon as something hits under your jeep you may be missing your adjuster knobs.
Rancho's customer service is horrible.
See it here, on page 5:
..... http://www.ridefox.com/dl/offroad/fo...-cat-lores.pdf
I didn't check where they are on other shocks.
To the OP --
Shocks that you can easily adjust by yourself cost a bit more, but they allow you to tweak the ride to exactly what you want, without having to send the shocks for re-valving a few times.
Just don't be tempted to make 'em too soft, or you'll hit the bump stops.
Last edited by GJeep; Apr 24, 2013 at 11:27 PM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I'm using Bilstein 5100's and have been happy with how they ride. I've heard the Rancho 9000's ride very similar to the 5100's and offer adjust-ability.
However, I switched out my rear springs recently and had to replace the rear shocks. I was hoping to be able to sell the old rear shocks (too short for my new springs), but BOTH were leaking, so I tossed them. They were about a year and a half old, so figured they wouldn't be under warranty still.
The problem with the 5100's and other shocks that are on the less expensive side is they are not repairable. So if it breaks, leaks, etc, you throw them out. Many of the more expensive shocks (remote res, etc) are rebuild-able. So if something goes wrong, you can fix them vs. tossing them and buying new shocks.
My next set will be something rebuild-able. King are nice, but not sure if I'll want to spend that kind of money. Fox and Rancho will also be brands I consider.
However, I switched out my rear springs recently and had to replace the rear shocks. I was hoping to be able to sell the old rear shocks (too short for my new springs), but BOTH were leaking, so I tossed them. They were about a year and a half old, so figured they wouldn't be under warranty still.
The problem with the 5100's and other shocks that are on the less expensive side is they are not repairable. So if it breaks, leaks, etc, you throw them out. Many of the more expensive shocks (remote res, etc) are rebuild-able. So if something goes wrong, you can fix them vs. tossing them and buying new shocks.
My next set will be something rebuild-able. King are nice, but not sure if I'll want to spend that kind of money. Fox and Rancho will also be brands I consider.
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: ABQ
Love my rancho 9ks. Adjustment takes less than a minute. I run 4 fr / 6 back. Because the part #'s 29/30 are for a 4" lift, be careful disconnecting with a 2.5" lift.
I have mine on my 2.5 with spring retainers and don't disconnect.
I have mine on my 2.5 with spring retainers and don't disconnect.
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
If you have the expertise to actually understand revalving, then an off the shelf shock isn't for you. If you're wasting your time revalving a shock for an averagely modified Jeep, then you seriously need to stop trying to overengineer everything.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 4
From: Israel
A 2-dr DD + some light offroading with 2 people, or a 4-dr fully loaded with recovery gear, camping stuff and 4 people, for instance, need different valving for the same shocks.
The same 4-dr, if used as a lightly loaded DD, would ride better with different valving.
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
"averagely modified Jeep"
A 2-dr DD + some light offroading with 2 people, or a 4-dr fully loaded with recovery gear, camping stuff and 4 people, for instance, need different valving for the same shocks.
The same 4-dr, if used as a lightly loaded DD, would ride better with different valving.
A 2-dr DD + some light offroading with 2 people, or a 4-dr fully loaded with recovery gear, camping stuff and 4 people, for instance, need different valving for the same shocks.
The same 4-dr, if used as a lightly loaded DD, would ride better with different valving.
Anyway, what does your argument have to do with what I posted about Bilsteins having a lifetime warranty and being a pretty much perfect all around shock for 95% of JK owners?