How do I know when it's time to replace my shocks? I'm at 55k miles on original shocks.

 

If they're not leaking oil or have you bouncing more than once after a low speed bump you're OK.
Why do you askI've got over 100k miles on my originals and not worrying about them.
Only shock you should watch is the steering damper with it's exposed piston rod prone to stone chips. Can lead to some frightening experience.

No opinions about dampers will be replied to by me. It's there for a reason....just like the 4th tire on the road.

 

When the oil inside becomes aerated and is no longer properly dampening your suspension....or like mentioned above- when they leak.

Iirc- rancho said 50k is average, but it's been a while since I've seen the figure.

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If you're looking for an excuse to lift your Jeep, then "You should do it. It's dangerous driving on worn shocks."

 

OK, I expect a lot from my shocks. That said, a stock shock is barely adequate when new. At 55K just say goodbye and treat yourself to a new set of quality aftermarket shocks.

Money talks with shocks. You can spend almost $500 a corner. Expect to pay $60 to $120 each for decent aftermarket shocks. If you spend even more, you WILL get more

 

I replaced at 50k the shocks, coils, and st/damper. Will do again at 100k.

 

When they do this you jack up your wife's Jeep to swap tires and the Rough Country shock is in 2 pieces. When I went to put the stock shocks back on until I found all 4 were blown. Not 1 of them would extend when compressed.

If you want to check your shocks, disconnect the lower mount & see if it extends. Then compress the shock. They should be resistance.


EGH - PTB

 

Unless you need better one, leak is start point ...

 

Bounce test: Put all your weight on each corner of the bumper, or as close as practical -- Then let up quickly. Good shocks will come up with very little to no bounce. Bad shocks will start looking like a water bed.

Visually inspection: Look for oil leaks.

Shocks can last a very long time (way over 100K miles), but lots of washboard roads and pot holes tend to wear them faster. On a long dirt roads with washboard + pot holes the shocks get hot, too hot to touch on mine. All that energy is converted to heat...

 

First week I had it.
IF you push on the corners and it springs back too fast, if your ride feels bouncy, signs of leaking.
Stock Jeep shocks are crap and after 55k, they're gonna be shot.