Im happy with the lift and the ride, but im curious as to if the shock could be upgraded. Does anybody know or have any experience as to what could be better than the RC performance 2.2 shocks?

 

Most of the shocks that come with basic kits from Rough country, Trailmaster, Rancho, Teraflex, etc are just entry level shocks. They do the job but there is only so much technology you can have in a approximately $50-$70 shock.
Upgrading the shocks will definately improve your ride. There are many manufacturers to choose from including Elka, Fox, Bilstein, King, etc. I recently upgraded my shocks on my lift which were the Trailmaster SSV shocks to Bilsteins. The ride improvement was night and day. I'm not saying that the SSVs were bad they did their job, but you can't compare the two shocks, they are at completely different levels technology wise and it shows in the ride quality.

 

I have the same lift. After the added weight of bumpers and armor, my springs sagged horribly. I swapped them out for Old Man Emu 618/619 and Bilstein 5100's.

 

Thanks for the help guys! Well the lift is Less than a year old i believe. I hope the springs arent already sagging, but i know its possible. So, the 5100s are really that much of a difference? How do you know what to order? IM sure there are options as far as lift height and whatnot.

edit: and as far as the emu coils are they the same height as the stock rough country? Or added lift?

 

The OME 618/619 coils are the 4dr HD coils, so on my 2dr they ran about the same height. The added weight of everything on my jeep caused the RC coiled to fail prematurely. As for the Bilsteins, they make a world of difference. The part# for the shocks are front 24-186872 (3.5-5) and rear 33-186887 (4"). Call Dave at Northridge and he can get you what you need.

 

Sweet after i purchase my procal ill pull the trigger on some bilsteins, unless RC can actually offer me something comparable.

 

sweet!!! thanks for the reference and part numbers!

 

I bought mine from Northridge 4x4. Just call and tell them what you have and they will get you the shocks that fit. My kit is a 4.5" kit so they are probaly the same as the ones I got....Let me check my receipt.
Yes, the ride difference was that noticeable. Big bumps are still noticable but I find that now the little stuff, expension joints, small heaves in the pavement you don't even fell or notice them where as previously you would.

33-186887 - Bilstein 4" Rear JK shocks

24-186872 - Bilstein 3.5"-5" Front JK shocks

These are the ones I got, should be the same for yours. Northridge 4x4 has them for 85.95 a piece with free shipping definately a worthwhile upgrade. Another to consider would be the Northridge 4x4 Grade 8 hardware kit. It replaces your stock lower control arm and tracbar 14mm bolts with the correct size 9/16" bolts. Helps tighten things up a bit.

 

OKay ill order from northridge when i get the coin. Seems like you two have had great experiences with them. Ill make sure and ask about both and reference back to this topic, just in case these two things arent already done! Do it right the first time!

 

Oh, yeah I forgot about the Grade 8 upgrade. I did mine before NR4x4 had the kit. Definitely do that upgrade as well. Depending on what you do with your jeep, I would also look at the Teraflex Draglink Flip Kit and HD Frame Brace. It made a huge difference with the handling on mine.