Looking at replacing my shocks soon and I think I’ve narrowed it down to these two choices. I started looking at OME because I’ve heard they have nice ride quality but I haven’t seen many wrangler owners with them so that makes me wonder if there’s a reason for that. With the Rubicon Express shocks I’ve read just about everywhere that they’re revalved and rebadged Bilstein 5100s which are beloved in the Jeep community, but I’m unsure of the ride quality as some people say it’s great and others say it sucks. I have Rubicon Express springs now with stock Rubicon shocks and shock extensions so I’m also thinking that staying with R.E shocks is probably the way to go. I can also get the R.E set I need from a guy brand new in box for 200 plus shipping which is about 100 less than normal and 200 less than the OME’s. Just want to see what people will chime in with as far as experience with both brands.

 

No clue what the RE re-valving difference might be, if any, but the off-the-shelf 5100's I had were very stiff.
Front 24-186872 , Rear 33-186887

Much happier with the OME Long-Travel shocks I replaced them with.
Front 60066L , Rear 60067L

Another option to consider might be the MetalCloak RockSport. Similar stats to the OME LT's, and might find them cheaper.

 

I also used these OME shocks for many years and liked them. I replaced them with Rancho 9000's which I also like for the ability to adjust the firmness.

 

You looking for the best or the cheapest product? They are not the same thing. With shocks I would go with the better ones that your budget can afford. I have Bilsteins/RE and they are OK at best.

 

See that's where the issue lies. I can afford the "good" ones like OME or Fox, but reviews I've read say the Bilsteins ride better than Fox. Then people tell me the Bilsteins ride like crap. Seen people say the OME's ride good at first then ride like crap. I'm looking at Metalcloak Rocksports too. It's hard to decide what I should get as far as ride quality when every other person has a completely different opinion on each shock lol.

 

You're running the 4-6 inch lift shocks with 3.5 inch springs and have no issues??

 

We hear ya. Shocks are like tires - they sell em to you and you are stuck with them. Trouble is ride is affected by many things and some of the basics will be tire softness, spring stiffness, and weight of the vehicle plus other stuff. Like I said - my Bilsteins are ok. Have not tried them offroad with my MC springs yet so have to wait for the snow to melt. Would I buy the Bilsteins again? Probably not. I would buy rebound and jounce adjustable shocks and the only ones I would want to afford are the Rancho 9000's.

 

Nah, no issues, the extended length on the MetalCloak coils is a good match for the shocks. (they actually recommended and sold these specific OME LT shocks before releasing their own Rocksports...) Check out their website, they list specs for the coils and the shocks.

 

I too am running the OME long travel shocks on a 3.5"(MC) lift.
I have no experience with the RE or Bilstein... and like the OME's enough that I'm not tempted to try anything else.
Side note, I ran OME's on my XJ for 15 years prior getting my JK... liked them enough on the XJ that is all I ever ran on it as well.

 

Thanks guys. I think I’ve actually narrowed it down to the OME long travels or the Metalcloak long travels. Probably gonna make a post about that next 🤣