WJ Bilstein 5100s on a TJ?

[YonderNorthwest]

I've got a buddy with a set of 5100s in his 2004 WJ that are too tall for his needs, and I've got a set of 4600s in my TJ that are too short for my needs (looking to install some H&Rs). We're thinking it could be a win-win to swap shocks, but I'm not sure it will be a simple plug and play between models. Saw an old thread that said something about having to swap some upper mounting hardware off of the TJs into the WJs for them to fit.

Please tell me this will work

 

[Shwiftypickle]

go to the website and check the pn applications.

 

[Jim King]

A lot of people here say those 5100 are harsh on a TJ, a Grand Cherokee weighs about 1000 pounds more than a TJ.

 

[suicideking]

A lot of people here say those 5100 are harsh on a TJ, a Grand Cherokee weighs about 1000 pounds more than a TJ.

I ran them for a year or so, thought they were too harsh. Plus they are known for leaking. Probably worth it if you're getting them for free though.

 

[Alex01]

I ran them for a year or so, thought they were too harsh. Plus they are known for leaking. Probably worth it if you're getting them for free though.

x2 I had 5100's and they were harsh on washboard roads.

 

[Chris]

After having other shocks, I agree that the 5100 is a harsh riding shock for a TJ.

 

[suicideking]

x2 I had 5100's and they were harsh on washboard roads.

I have a not so fond memory of arriving late at the meetup spot, not having time to air down, and had to piss. I tried to keep up, but felt like I was going to have a problem, so pulled over and had to catch up.

 

[Alex01]

I have a not so fond memory of arriving late at the meetup spot, not having time to air down, and had to piss. I tried to keep up, but felt like I was going to have a problem, so pulled over and had to catch up.

Sounds familiar. I had to slow down on bumpy roads because I thought my aftermarket radio was going to break loose.

 

[YonderNorthwest]

Yes, Ranchos are a more comfortable drive and are very affordable. But it's hard to beat a $0 price tag! Does anyone with more jeep/suspension experience than me know whether a WJ shock can be easily made to fit in a TJ?

 

[Alex01]

Looking at rancho part numbers it appears like the fronts should be a direct swap and the rears maybe a hair but should work. It looks like you'll need to buy a bar pin though in order to mount the rear shocks. (assuming they are the same lift)

Bilstein should be the same.

 

[YonderNorthwest]

It looks like you'll need to buy a bar pin though in order to mount the rear shocks. (assuming they are the same lift)

Like these?
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/bilstein-tj-lj-xj-rear-upper-bar-pin

And the compression and extended lengths listed for his WJ 5100s appear to be about a quarter inch longer than the TJ versions. With 1" of lift from the H&R springs I'm thinking that won't cause any issues. From looking at an old thread on the Bilstein 5100 / H&R combo, it looks like I'll need an extra half inch of bump stop anyway.

Thanks for your input, Alex.

 

[Alex01]

Like these?
https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/bilstein-tj-lj-xj-rear-upper-bar-pin

And the compression and extended lengths listed for his WJ 5100s appear to be about a quarter inch longer than the TJ versions. With 1" of lift from the H&R springs I'm thinking that won't cause any issues. From looking at an old thread on the Bilstein 5100 / H&R combo, it looks like I'll need an extra half inch of bump stop anyway.

Thanks for your input, Alex.

Those are the ones. I recall seeing a mod were people mount the rears in a different way on the top to get a bit more travel out of them. @Chris or @jjvw ring any bells? Worse case if the shocks are too long when you cycle add some more bump.

 

[Chris]

Those are the ones. I recall seeing a mod were people mount the rears in a different way on the top to get a bit more travel out of them. @Chris or @jjvw ring any bells? Worse case if the shocks are too long when you cycle add some more bump.

Oh yes, I remember that mod but I can't find the link to the thread.

 

[jjvw]

Those are the ones. I recall seeing a mod were people mount the rears in a different way on the top to get a bit more travel out of them. @Chris or @jjvw ring any bells? Worse case if the shocks are too long when you cycle add some more bump.

Teraflex has a upper shock mount relocation bracket that sits on top of the crossmember. It requires a body lift.