97 TJ replacement shocks recommendations

[Alexr80]

Hello

Just bough a 97 Wranger TJ 2.5.
I've started fixing up the car and it needs new shocks.
So far i've driven it 2 times on asphalt and the ride is horrible because of worn out shocks.

I could also buy a new lift kit for "2, but it's about $1400 here in Norway, so not doing that.

The car came with the following setup:

31x10 bfg ko2 wheels on 15" rims.
2" lift on springs(original springs)
Skyjacker Hydro 7000 shocks in front(probably old)
Original shocks in back(worn out)

So far i'm considering the following because of availability:

Skyjacker Hydro 7000 1-3
Skyjacker black max 1-3
Bilstein B8 5100
Rancho RS500X

Seeing constant recommendations for RS500x on here, but can't figure out if i should go for 0" og 2.5"?

 

[Chris]

Skyjacker shocks are HORRIBLE. I repeat, HORRIBLE. Those are probably some of the worst riding shocks out there.

I've run both the Bilstein 5100s and the Rancho RS5000X, and I can tell you hands down, the Rancho RS5000X is the much better riding shock of the two.

With a 2" lift, you'll want the ones meant for a 2.5" lift.

 

[Alexr80]

Ok, Rancho RS5000x it is then. I've read some other threads here regarding these shocks, and some say go for the 0" with 2" lift, others say 2.5" shock. Something about the rancho shocks being slightly longer.

 

[bobthetj03]

Go for the 0" lift option. They run long. I have the 2.5" lift shocks, and if I didn't already have 2" bump stop extensions, I'd be bottoming them out all the time.

 

[Alexr80]

Ok. I think i have 2" bump stops(the bumpstops are longer than normal).

 

[bobthetj03]

Ok. I think i have 2" bump stops(the bumpstops are longer than normal).

Well, you have options then. You really don't need 2" bump stop extensions to run 31" tires. Having more up travel could aid in a better shock bias and a better ride.

 

[Alexr80]

Ok, that's good to know.
Just have to figure out where to buy them from.

 

[Alexr80]

I've been reading up on suspension and are now even more confused.
I've attached an image of whats on the front of the car as of now.

Skyjacker hydro 7000 shock with skyjacker budget lift(this comes with 2" puck and 2" bumpstop extension)
Skyjacker H7016 is the model.
In the rear it's just stock springs with 2" lift and stock shock for some reason.

Reading up on the specs on the skyjacker shocks i'm a little confused regarding witch RS5000x shock to choose.
The 0" shock is shorter than the one i have, the 2.5" is longer.

With the 2.5", what would stop the spring falling out if the shock is max extended?

 

[bobthetj03]

Your sway bar will limit articulation long before your spring will unseat. What's equally important is getting the bump stops correct so the shock doesn't bottom out on compression. This is why I think the 0" lift shocks option would be best in your setup. Less bump stop is better.

 

[SSTJ]

Hey, how did this work out for you? I too have a 97 2.5.

Check out these two threads in case they are of interest.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/quirks-of-the-97-model.49999/
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/the-stock-se-thread.44454/