shocks for overlanding AND crawling
JK Junkie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,213
Likes: 21
From: Grand falls, Newfoundland
Kind of a stretch I know but I need a recommendation on the best dual purpose shock out there. After 3 sets of shocks in 2 years it turns out my lift was adjusted incorrectly and is destroying shocks. They had the rear axle pushed back too far which means the springs have a funky bend in it and after a trip to the Maze district at canyonlands and multiple weekends of crawling at Disney it finally showed the weakness and broke. So with everything adjusted correctly I can finally put some shocks on that will LAST so I need some good ones. I'm done with crawling since we have a baby due in April and won't go anywhere I could risk a rollover so I need something that will work for higher speed fire roads, washboard roads and long hours on the highway getting there. But also want them to handle being stretched out for when I do come across something I'd like to play around on.
Are reservoir shocks really worth the extra money? How do I know which model to get and what length?
Jeep is a 10A with 35s with rough country 4" lift.
It's bouncing like a low rider right now!
Are reservoir shocks really worth the extra money? How do I know which model to get and what length?
Jeep is a 10A with 35s with rough country 4" lift.
It's bouncing like a low rider right now!
In my motorsports shop, I do shock rebuilds all the time on snowmobiles and atvs etc. Same holds true for Jeeps etc. Just change the valving inside, and you have a better performing shock.
JK Jedi
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 486
From: Knoxville
Kojack- the Bilstein 7100 is rebuildable. TheDirtman did a post on it with the cost not being much more than other mid-high priced shocks.
The TF prerunner kit they've started pushing lately is a standard kit but with hydraulic bumpstops to soften the blows of hard landings.
The TF prerunner kit they've started pushing lately is a standard kit but with hydraulic bumpstops to soften the blows of hard landings.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 13
From: Albany New York
The non-adjustable Fox were developed for a linear coil rate. We have heard complaints where people thought they were too loose with our triple and other MFG's progressive rates coils. The adjustable fox with the dial on a firm setting is getting great reaction in contrast.
We have always found a good monotube shock an affordable well performing shock. Both the Bilstein and Rancho have had great reviews from our customer base.
The rebuildable 2.0 and greater shocks are a great upgrade. If you go with a larger diameter (2.0) be sure when you're cycle testing the front that the shocks do not contact the frame at full droop. Even if a trackbar is slightly off it can cause enough contact to ruin a front shock, purge gas, or even bend a body/shaft on an expensive shock.
Rk
We have always found a good monotube shock an affordable well performing shock. Both the Bilstein and Rancho have had great reviews from our customer base.
The rebuildable 2.0 and greater shocks are a great upgrade. If you go with a larger diameter (2.0) be sure when you're cycle testing the front that the shocks do not contact the frame at full droop. Even if a trackbar is slightly off it can cause enough contact to ruin a front shock, purge gas, or even bend a body/shaft on an expensive shock.
Rk
JK Junkie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,213
Likes: 21
From: Grand falls, Newfoundland
Kojack- the Bilstein 7100 is rebuildable. TheDirtman did a post on it with the cost not being much more than other mid-high priced shocks.
The TF prerunner kit they've started pushing lately is a standard kit but with hydraulic bumpstops to soften the blows of hard landings.
The TF prerunner kit they've started pushing lately is a standard kit but with hydraulic bumpstops to soften the blows of hard landings.
I would rather fox, King or Elkas. I have seen many bilstiens of various numerage fail at the shaft.