Shock recommendations

[Halbarad]

Shocks don't provide lift. Your springs do that.

This is true. Except when your old shocks are shot. Mine weren’t absorbing bumps as well anymore. I’m also think that the RS5000x travel is a tad longer than stock. It didn't lift it like 2 inches or anything. But it raised it back up a little bit. I checked the height.

 

[Halbarad]

Thanks! I ordered the RS5000 and Rancho steering stabilizer. Used a link from an older post yesterday. 99.9% sure what I ordered is correct. Couldn't verify the part numbers on Amazon just now. So will find out when they get here.

Sweet! I think Rancho has a 30 day return policy or something like that. No questions asked. More senior forum members would know for sure. Or Rancho’s web site.

 

[Halbarad]

Our fancy shocks with 180psi gas pressure might add an 1/8" if anyone can find it. There is no way a rancho 5000x is adding anything measurable to the ride height.

What if my shocks were shot? Like 23 years old, never changed. Wouldn’t they have sunk a little? It’s not obvious, unless you compare. When I put the left front on (new Rancho), the right front (still stock) was lower. Same went for the back.

 

[jjvw]

What if my shocks were shot? Like 23 years old, never changed. Wouldn’t they have sunk a little? It’s not obvious, unless you compare. When I put the left front on (new Rancho), the right front (still stock) was lower. Same went for the back.

Shocks dampen movement. They do not create ride height. If you can compress a shock by hand, it is incapable of having any meaningful affect on the ride height on a vehicle with over 3000lbs of sprung weight.

 

[Halbarad]

Shocks dampen movement. They do not create ride height. If you can compress a shock by hand, it is incapable of having any meaningful affect on the ride height on a vehicle with over 3000lbs of sprung weight.

Then where would the rise come from?

 

[jjvw]

This is true. Except when your old shocks are shot. Mine weren’t absorbing bumps as well anymore. I’m also think that the RS5000x travel is a tad longer than stock. It didn't lift it like 2 inches or anything. But it raised it back up a little bit. I checked the height.

Shocks do not contribute to ride height. Stop it.

 

[jjvw]

Then where would the rise come from?

Poor measuring and the suspension not being settled when you took the measurement.

 

[Halbarad]

Shocks do not contribute to ride height. Stop it.

I know they shouldn’t. But it was a couple cm higher. I checked. Also, it’s not 3,000 lbs a corner. It’s distributed.

 

[Halbarad]

Poor measuring and the suspension not being settled when you took the measurement.

That would make sense yeah

 

[jjvw]

I know they shouldn’t. But it was a couple cm higher. I checked. Also, it’s not 3,000 lbs a corner. It’s distributed.

I never said 3000lb per corner.

 

[Halbarad]

Correct! I put Ranchos on mine. It sits about
2 cm (3/4 in) higher now. Mine used to be quite rough/bouncy in a stiff way over bumps, especially washboard (MB roads for the win! Or not). It still is a little loose and bouncy (that’s more of a Jeep thing though) but handles it waaaay better. They were reasonably priced as well. Compared to my other options anyways. Off the top of my head, I believe part numbers are RS55128 for the front, and RS55240 for the rear. I still have the boxes so I can verify tomorrow if you want. Do you have any pics of your TJ?

I guess I’m wrong. It must’ve been suspension not fully settled yet. That’s where that 2cm rise came from. Still rides way better tho.

 

[DakotaTJ]

I guess I’m wrong. It must’ve been suspension not fully settled yet. That’s where that 2cm rise came from. Still rides way better tho.

You had me at way better ride. Will do springs at some point if any sort of lift is needed.

 

[IrishWrangler]

OK Wranglers. Shock absorber questions are common here and i’ve looked through the recent threads BUT I have another question. my irish mechanic can’t get shock absorbers here for my TJ and i’m going to order them on Summit. which ones do i need?

 

[tworley]

... i’m going to order them on Summit. which ones do i need?

Whats the distance between the shock mounts when you pull the springs and cycle the axle to full bump, full droop, and at ride height?

 

[IrishWrangler]

Whats the distance between the shock mounts when you pull the springs and cycle the axle to full bump, full droop, and at ride height?

all good questions! i’ll have to google how to get those measurements i think. do i measure them on normal ride height and then put the jeep on jack and then measure?

 

[IrishWrangler]

all good questions! i’ll have to google how to get those measurements i think. do i measure them on normal ride height and then put the jeep on jack and then measure?

@tworley these look right Bilstein 4600’s https://www.truckspring.com/shock-absorbers/bilstein/4600.aspx?make=Jeep&year=1998&model=Wrangler

 

[Halbarad]

OK Wranglers. Shock absorber questions are common here and i’ve looked through the recent threads BUT I have another question. my irish mechanic can’t get shock absorbers here for my TJ and i’m going to order them on Summit. which ones do i need?

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If you’re looking for good budget shocks. I vouch for the RS500X. Held up to Manitoba gravel, dirt and paved roads very well. I daily my TJ, and I’m liking the ride.

And the parts numbers are RS55128 for the front shocks and RS55240 for the rear. Those are for stock ride height.

 

[IrishWrangler]

If you’re looking for good budget shocks. I vouch for the RS500X. Held up to Manitoba gravel, dirt and paved roads very well. I daily my TJ, and I’m liking the ride.

And the parts numbers are RS55128 for the front shocks and RS55240 for the rear. Those are for stock ride height.

 

[IrishWrangler]

If you’re looking for good budget shocks. I vouch for the RS500X. Held up to Manitoba gravel, dirt and paved roads very well. I daily my TJ, and I’m liking the ride.

And the parts numbers are RS55128 for the front shocks and RS55240 for the rear. Those are for stock ride height.

Delivered from Summit and getting fitted next week