Hey all,

Have been doing a lot of reading the past month. I think I have narrowed my lift choice to the RK 2.5 Max Travel. Seems like a good entry point with the ability to add on to it.

What I haven't been able to ascertain is shock choice. I have read MANY threads trying to determine a good balance of mostly onroad but monthly and a major trip a year off road use. I come from a 03' TJ with a Rubicon Express lift and shocks. So, I'm certain ANYTHING is going to be an improvement.

Here's some details that will hopefully help with advice:

2013 JKU Sport

Lift will be RK 2.5 Max Travel
Tires will be in the 315/70R17 flavor (Duratracs most likely as we get snow and ice here in Nebraska)
80/20 Onroad/Offroad With a trip or two each year to wheel for a week. Planning Easter in Moab next year.
Offroad will be rocks and trails. NO MUD!!! Too OCD for that level of cleaning.
Planning Flat Fenders for articulation
Not sure for bumpstops yet (assume shock selection may affect this???)
Planning GenRight bumpers (Probably Aluminum)

I like a good blend of sportiness and cushion. I don't want to take off ramps and have to hike out the side to keep her on keel. But, I don't want to feel every expansion joint on the interstate either.

I have read about a lot of kit builders having tuned shocks to their specs. But, is one size fits all really a good match? They know more than I but that's my thinking.

Currently I am think about Rancho RS9000XL's. I like the idea of the adjustability. Have also heard good things about King and Fox. But seems as though are a bit firmer on the scale.

So, I ask you good forum members....what say you for shock selection? Any other details needed?


Thanks in advance,

Troyinne

 

I have the RK 2.5 Max Travel with Fox shocks. Not bad, but if I had a do-over, I'd be tempted to get the Rancho's for their adjustability. Plus, they got a good review recently in the Overland Journal.

 

I have a '13 JKU with the same lift RK 2.5 Max Travel and will be running 315/70R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers when the funds allow. I chose the Rancho 9000s and I really like them. Rides very good.

I did the same as you and researched a bunch. Came down to price, reviews and my use and I think the Ranchos fit the bill just right.

 

What setting are you on?

 

9000's are on rebate now.

Rancho Suspension: SPRING PROMOTION

 

I have RK 2.5 inch coils and run bilstein 5100's. Rides really well.

 

I believe I am running them on setting 5 front and rear.

 

I had the same RK kit with bilstein 5100's. I never had the ranchos with those springs, but I would suggest the rancho's over the 5100's. I have had both with my current springs and the ranchos ride way better and you can adjust them for your off road trips. win/win IMO

 

I have the RK 2.5 with Fox shocks and it is awesome off road, but stiff on pavement. I love it that way though so works for me.

Have you thought about what size shocks you are going to run? with mine I choose the shocks for the 4-6 inch lifts because I heard the RK coils run high. I went with 3 inch bumpstops because I'm getting 35's. I will say with the long travel shocks the thing flexes out like a beast. I had to put retainers on all my springs. Front bottoms and rear top and bottoms. Also dont forget about rear correction wedges.

 

I would give the Rancho RS9000s a shot. They are adjustable to your liking and with the rebate going on them right now the price is incredible. I've been pairing the RK kits with the RS9000s more and more and everyone is very happy. Waiting for a set of my own to arrive right now.

For your Jeep I would go with the RS999331 and RS999332 shock. They are a little longer than RK's recommendation at full droop, but the 29 and 30 are too short at 25.00 and 25.75.

RANRS999331
Rancho RS9000XL Front Shock
Collapsed Length (in.)16.60
Extended Length (in.)27.32

RANRS999332
Rancho RS9000XL Rear Shock
Collapsed Length (in):16.770 in.
Extended Length (in):27.190 in.

Marcus