Talking to Scott Becker from RE right now...

 

You're welcome...

 

Thanks to "wayoflife" for passing on my personal info to RE. They had been trying to get my number from Central but their line was busy.

I just got off the phone with Scott Becker from Rubicon Express. He's a guy just like me...loves his cars and uses them for what they are meant for. They are in the process of putting together an official statement concerning this. What I found nice is Scott said he can appreciate my wanting all the shocks to match...that's what he would want too. Good validation. For the record, he says they tested the heck out of the Bilsteins and had no issues. Apparently, there are some of us having issues and they seemed to have nailed down the problem. Seems the upper control arm has to be adjusted PERFECTLY or there will be the slightest snag on either extreme compression or articulation. This is what causes the problem. RE has agreed to send me another "pretty" shock...just on backorder. To resolve the problem...do not quote me...both rear coil springs need to be removed from the buckets. Compress and articulate to each extreme. adjust the control arms to push away, ever so slightly to assure there is no clearance issue. Please wait for official word though before playing doctor.

He did say that an adjustable rear track bar will help with the clearance issue BUT it is not the solution! Reason being, the adjustable track bar can be set outside of the proper parameters making the handling of the Jeep less precise. Fixing on thing...making another worse.

I am very pleased with the response I got. Again, I never said the equipment was "crap", I just did not like how the customer relationship was handled. I'm still a bit surprised at administrator response... Scott felt I was within my "rights" as a customer to see a proper resolution. As long as the problem addressed can be applied to all involved who suffered broken shocks...kudos to RE! Honestly, without this discussion what would have to change before something was done? I was personally not willing to find out due to the safety issue.

I suppose kudos are also in order for the JK Forum. Without a place to vent and discuss, the red tape I would have had to muddle through would have been enormous. This thread certainly led to a faster resolution.

I propose this...

1) We all learn from the value of "spirited" discussion
2) Vendors and suppliers take heed that the information superhighway is a powerful tool...take care of the customer.
3) I advocate that with the official statement RE is to release, this thread be closed or removed.
4) We all drive our Jeeps the way they are meant to be driven!

Anyone here can feel free to PM me and I'll be happy to address any lingering thought you might have concerning this.

Thanks for your time.

 

Yeah like calling RE directly..

 

calm down. we finally had a resolution and you had to add fuel to it. This is ridiculous. i sure hope im misinterpreting how you said that.

 

Im glad to hear you got it resolved somewhat....

I dont think this thread should be removed.
I cant stand it when I try to follow up on a thread that I was reading just to find out its gone, banished from the forum...
All that does is make people wonder what really happen and if someone is covering something up.
IMO its better to leave it, that way all those people like me who came back to read it and see if there has been an outcome can see just that.

As for the problem, that does make sence that if the rear upper control arm is adjusted too short, it will pull the axle/shock into the track bar bracket under compression.
Which also maybe explains why only a select few have had the problem, if its just an adjustment problem.

 

I wouldn't remove the thread, but I think it is fair to re-title it as RE has gotten involved and has taken steps to fix this issue. It does seem the title is a little unfair at this point.

Wayoflife, you certainly do get things done around here and believe it or not, people do appreciate it. I know for a fact that you have helped people on many occasions.

 

I'd like to thank Wayoflife as well!

Regards,
Mark Gibson

 

Just got all 4 boxes for my 3.5" Superflex lift today. I was like a fat kid with 4 different boxes of cookies..... I tore into them sumbitches.... I can't wait to install it.
At the beginning of this thread I was a little worried about my decision to go with RE...and by this evening, my fears have disappeared. It is amazing how this forum can make things happen. WayofLife went above and beyond by contacting RE and relaying information which put everyone at ease... Not just Rugby, but everyone that owns, or is considering owning a RE lift.

 

Guess you must have missed the part where I did that...