Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

1998 TJ Rear Shocks—Another Thread!

Rusty98TJ

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Ok, probably going to frustrate some folks on here, and my sincere apologies! I discovered my rear shock pulled off the bushing and after ordering a replacement bushing, I thought I would dig into just doing a rear shock replacement. I am a bit worried, as I am in the rust belt and the upper bolts are pretty rusty, but I am soaking them with PB Blaster to see if I can prevent snap off or other problems. Either way, I am doing everything I can to figure out what the right shock replacement should be, so I am going to ask all of my new friends here ;-)

I have done everything that many suggested forums have asked--measured the shocks from mount to mount (call it 19 inches) on a Jeep with a "cheaper" lift that I am not sure of the actual size (I think 3"?). Springs are about 10". I was able to get some part numbers off of the shock, but I cannot figure out the shock brand or overall spread of the shock--I also cannot be certain the shocks are correct for the lift, but I assume they are. Attached are a few pictures that might help the experts here offer me some advice. Also, although we like to think we trail with the Jeep, we really do not much. We love to take the top down and go for drives--if we find a country road to throw up some mud and dust, we jump on it! It is a 98' TJ with the 2.4 engine (the little engine that almost goes). We live up in the Pocono Mountains (beautiful drives up here!). So we are looking for more comfort than stiff, but I also know it is a Wrangler and that is nearly impossible (which again we are fine with).

We are not on a giant budget, since this is just our fun/weekend/top down ride. I actually store the Jeep during the winter to prevent any other rust damage and hit it with Woolwax in the fall for added protection.

Any help you all can provide would be gladly accepted. Although I am far from an expert in auto tech stuff (more of a remodel expert!), I have done a ton of work on the Jeep myself and it is really rewarding: push rods/rockers + obvious gasket, exhaust (cat back), rust repair, new floor plans, carpet, stereo, steering gear box, 4x4 lever replacement (forgot the name) and now suspension begins. Just a fun thing for me to work on during the weekend!
TJ REAR SHOCK LENGTH 1.jpeg

TJ REAR SHOCK LENGTH 2.jpeg
TJ REAR SPRING LENGTH.jpeg
TJ Rear Shock.jpeg
 
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KYB has a high quality shock that is a good ride. One of their 3 main lines is close to stock, that is the one you want ( I just can't remember the name of the line).
 
Rear coils look to be for a 2.5" or 3" lift. Just look around and find shocks in your price range. Just stay away from cheap shocks like pro comp and rough country.
 

KYB has a high quality shock that is a good ride. One of their 3 main lines is close to stock, that is the one you want ( I just can't remember the name of the line).

Thank you! I am on their site now and it looks like they have a MonoMax shock that is listed for 2.4-4 in lift. Not sure the basic shock would work on my lift. Does that sound like what you are referencing?
 
Thank you! I am on their site now and it looks like they have a MonoMax shock that is listed for 2.4-4 in lift. Not sure the basic shock would work on my lift. Does that sound like what you are referencing?

No. Just went and looked, it is Excel G.

I put them on a 71 Chevy truck I have around Christmas and they are nice.
 
No. Just went and looked, it is Excel G.

I put them on a 71 Chevy truck I have around Christmas and they are nice.

Thank you. I checked the specs and unfortunately with the lift on the Jeep these will not work, I have to get ones for the lift parameters. Thank you though for the brand recommendation!
 
Thank you. I checked the specs and unfortunately with the lift on the Jeep these will not work, I have to get ones for the lift parameters. Thank you though for the brand recommendation!

My next would be Bilstein 4300 (maybe 4100???? Just not the 5100). These are suppose to be near stock as well.
 
Thank you. I checked the specs and unfortunately with the lift on the Jeep these will not work, I have to get ones for the lift parameters. Thank you though for the brand recommendation!

You want a shock that at ride height 50% of the shock shaft is showing. This is the “right” size. If less is showing there is not enough uptravel and you’ll get a rough ride because you’ll be bottoming out on the bumpstop or the shock. That shock is too long. If more is showing then there is not enough downtravel. That shock is too short. Both will ride poor.

Forum faves for off the shelf shocks are:

Rancho 5000x
Skyjacker BlackMax
 
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Read the forum reviews on shocks.

Thanks, I did review that info too. Was more asking based upon my lift which shocks would fit properly. I “think” I need something that has an extended length of roughly 23 inches if everything I read is accurate. I hope so, because I ordered some skyjackers yesterday. Lol
 
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You want a shock that at ride height 50% of the shock shaft is showing. This is the “right” size. If less is showing there is not enough uptravel and you’ll get a rough ride because you’ll be bottoming out on the bumpstop or the shock. That shock is too long. If more is showing then there is not enough downtravel. That shock is too short. Both will ride poor.

Forum faves for off the shelf shocks are:

Rancho 5000x
Skyjacker BlackMax

Thanks man! I actually ordered the skyjackers, so let’s see how they feel! Thx again!
 
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Thanks, I did review that info too. Was more asking based upon my lift which shocks would fit properly. I “think” I need something that has an extended length of roughly 23 inches if everything I read is accurate. I hope so, because I ordered some skyjackers yesterday. Lol

I'm so glad you didn't order the Bilsteins. (y)
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts