Curious what everyone is doing with their rear lower shock mounts. Mine are starting to take a beating. Not only are the mounts getting hit, I have the Rancho RS9000XL manually adjustable shocks and I'm breaking off the knobs. Here's a picture of the "good" side with some minor bangs and a busted knob:



I can find two options: protect like with the Kilby Trail Boss shock skid, or move up a bit like with the Treks brackets.

Relocating would bring the shock up some (but not completely) and offers a bit more ground clearance. However, relocation impacts the compressed length of the shock.


Protecting would help keep the shock out of harm's way, but the skids would need to be modified to allow adjusting of the shock. Also, the skids hang down even more, even if it's just 1/4".



I could turn the shocks upside down to protect the knobs, but would make adjusting a bear. I tend to putz around with the adjustment a fair amount. When I tow, I like to set them rather stiff.

I've read the posts where "a good driver" would miss the rocks. Can't completely agree. I'm not saying I'm a good driver, but I am experienced enough to know that it is fairly easy to slide off a rock - especially with a longer wheel base like with the Unlimited. I've also seen dozens of pictures of rear shock mounts that have taken a beating much worse than mine.

Opinions, please!

 

Bump - any opinions?

 

Well, I think you answered most of your own question...but, I think I can add that a remote adjustment accessory from rancho may allow you to adjust the shocks from the cab...that would allow you to use the skid and an inverted shock mount more conveniently.

Another option is to actually check the shock length on full stuff, and see if there is any room to compress the shock more, as in, if you were to raise the lower mount, would the shock still have room for full compression.

I also agree that if you are doing anything technical, its sure easy enough to slip, etc, and have a new line picked for you, etc.

I've seen pro rock crawlers flip over, let alone bang a shock mount, diff cover, etc...so, its not fair to assume you merely need to drive well.

Of course, if you're doing that on green/blue trails, OK, some line picking might be in order.

I'm a fan of armor, especially for a DD, as getting to work the next day is a top priority.

 

I have the Kilby Shock Skids, they are nice, and well built. Although If I had to do it again I would do the relocation brackets from one of the other companies offering them.

 

OK, here is a simple opinion, whoops, just read your specs. Was going to suggest that you raise your jeep a bit then raise your shocks to match.

Sooooooooooooooo, being as that is already done, have you matched your shock travel to the travel of your current suspension? Any wiggle room?

Myself I would go for the rock guard and lose the 1/4". Reason being is that it is right next to your wheel, so close that when rolling over a rock it should not be an issue.

Things like ruts might present a problem, but then ruts are usually found in dirt, not rock.

 

I am in the same boat, however I hate to admitt that my rear shocks are in much worse condition. I have 2 new shocks waiting to be put on, but I want to figure out what I'm going to do to protect them befor I put them on. Yes I need more wheel time to get better at picking my lines....Till then?

Have your rear lower control arm brackets been taken a beating as well? Anyone know if there is a skid out there for that?

 

I put the relocation ones on... cut off a good 1.5" but still hit the rocks occasionally, but I definately like the extra clearance.

I have the AiROCK system, which has spacers for the replacement shocks... just removed them and had a perfect match up to the middle hole of the relocation brackets.

I'd recommend the relocation brackets... plus it's always fun cutting off steel that gets in the way.

 

Here Is our new EVO Rock Star Rear control arm skid it raises your shock and gives you about 2 inches of ground clearance and provides a lower control arm skid all in one



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do you have any pics of these installed. Also how much are these?

 

yes, pics installed and price would be good! i especially like that it acts as a skid for the control arm bracket..