Recommendations for shocks on Overland (no lift, sub 34" tires)

[misterturbo]

What do the masses think is the best suspension/shock choice for the below scenario?

Scenario:

• I have an Overland. Currently it is sitting on a teraflex 1.5" level with factory Overland springs. I have added Rubicon take-off FOX shocks and a falcon adjustable steering damper.
• I do not plan to go big tire, and will remain under 34". Currently on Toyo Open Country 32.2", but may go with a 33" in the future.
• I do not plan to chase lift height, I like the stock height/leveled look
• I tow frequently, but light loads (utility and sub 3500# boat)
• I like a cushy ride, but controlled. Prefer adjustables.
• I am not afraid to spend money, but won't throw it away

Overall, I am not happy with the Rubicon FOX shocks in comparison to the factory black steel bodies: They handle high speed bumps well, but the low speed on washboard roads is pretty jarring. I drive almost exclusively on washboard back roads (country).

So, looking at shocks, what would everyone recommend as a replacement for the Rubicon FOX in a 0-1.5" lift? I've been considering the FOX elite 2.5, Falcon 3.3, and Rancho 9000. Is there a preference of the masses? Am I not considering something?

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[InvertedLogic]

Check out my post here: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ear-shocks-pogo-suspension.61682/post-1066096

In summary, I would strike the Rancho 9000s from your list and consider the Fox 2.0 Performance. This is based on 2nd hand info however. I am also frustrated by the Rubicon shocks.

 

[QuintusMaximus]

I'd expect the elite2.5 to be an upgrade. Washboard roads are always going to be rough, though. Tire size, pressure, and speed will have more of an impact than the shocks. Airing down a bit and finding the "right" speed is your best bet.

 

[hjdca]

I would say that adjustables are the way to go for your requirements. The question will be "which adjustables" adjust soft enough for your cushy ride requirement. I have the Falcon SP2 3.3 adjustables on my Clayton 3.5" Overland plus kit. These shocks will definitely get stiff enough for your requirements, but, I am not sure on the lowest setting, if they will be soft enough. With my lift kit, I never use them on the softest setting, because it is too soft for me, but, your truck spring is different, and your perception is different. Note: I do not like much sway, and the roads where I live are very smooth.

 

[ajkaz]

You have the perfect use case for the stock Mohave Fox 2.5's. They are valved quite well for the softer OEM overland springs and your height after the spacer is perfect for the them. When paired with a softer spring like yours they ride extremely well, the low speed washboard ride is great, the remote reservoir will prevent fading on longer rips through the desert and best of all the internal bypass will soak up the hard hits without stiffening your overall ride. They offer the best highway ride I've experienced for an off the shelf shock. You can usually find low mileage take offs in the $1k range. If its in the budget pickup the matching bump stops, they arent necessary due to the internal bypass in the shocks however they add an extra element of smoothness and control over high speed washboards or when really loading on weight in the truck.

FWIW I'm running the SDI Elick shocks, which I'm very happy with, however you'd need more lift to fully take advantage of them and they are a little pricey at $5k. Check them out.

 

[darkhorse13]

Washboard roads are always going to be rough, though.

I agree with this. I have Synergy Mfg springs (softer than most aftermarket) with Falcon SP2 3.3's and 37's (Load D) running 30psi. Washboard is just rough on a solid axle vehicle. You either go under 5mph or over 35mph to stay on top of it. To your question though, the OEM Rubi takeoffs are crap and need more valving. I have a friend with the new Fox 2.5's mono tube/non-adjustable with Evo Plush ride springs and I need to see how his rides. I typically run my Falcon's at the softest setting on the shaft twist and dial. Tire pressure and spring rate are important to get rid of that initial "jarring".

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Overall, I am not happy with the Rubicon FOX shocks in comparison to the factory black steel bodies: They handle high speed bumps well, but the low speed on washboard roads is pretty jarring. I drive almost exclusively on washboard back roads (country).

I had Rubicon take-off fox shocks on my 2020 Overland. When I traded it in, I took them back off as the dealer wanted it back to 100% stock. What a waste of effort. They are sitting in a box in my garage because I won't put them on my 2022 JT Overland. They are mushy, bouncy, not impressed. Oh, they LOOK cool, a "golly-gee-whiz you got nice fox shocks on your truck" but they are nothing to brag about.

Washboard roads are always going to be rough, though.

Sort of - the fox shocks from Rubicon are crap, though, for certain roads. My STOCK Overland shocks do far far better on such roads and they take RR tracks a lot better than the Rubicon fox shocks.
I have the synergy springs under the front of my Overland now (because they said I'd get 1" lift - but that was dead wrong) and my stock shocks with the Synergy front springs, beautiful ride, even on rough roads and RR tracks.
Things may change when I save up and order the Synergy 2" springs and do a swap, but until I find a shock that is truly better than the stock Overland shock - they stay on it (and the Rubicon shocks stay in their box alone in the dark)

 

[misterturbo]

I had Rubicon take-off fox shocks on my 2020 Overland. When I traded it in, I took them back off as the dealer wanted it back to 100% stock. What a waste of effort. They are sitting in a box in my garage because I won't put them on my 2022 JT Overland. They are mushy, bouncy, not impressed. Oh, they LOOK cool, a "golly-gee-whiz you got nice fox shocks on your truck" but they are nothing to brag about.


Sort of - the fox shocks from Rubicon are crap, though, for certain roads. My STOCK Overland shocks do far far better on such roads and they take RR tracks a lot better than the Rubicon fox shocks.
I have the synergy springs under the front of my Overland now (because they said I'd get 1" lift - but that was dead wrong) and my stock shocks with the Synergy front springs, beautiful ride, even on rough roads and RR tracks.
Things may change when I save up and order the Synergy 2" springs and do a swap, but until I find a shock that is truly better than the stock Overland shock - they stay on it (and the Rubicon shocks stay in their box alone in the dark)

I'm thinking the same thing on the Rubicons after my latest 16 hour road trip. Although they look better, that wasn't my main reason for putting them on. I was hoping for improved ride quality, but secondarily I live right next to the Chesapeake bay, and the air/water is very salty. Secondary I was hoping for was to keep the shocks from rusting both open air and when dipping the boat in the water every week. (sometimes at low tide I have to go pretty deep into the ramp).

 

[rharr]

pick up some bilstein 5100 shocks and give them a try, they are fairly cheap but offer good performance for the price.

 

[rubicon4wheeler]

For your use case, I wholeheartedly recommend the Rancho RS9000X shocks.

 

[misterturbo]

You have the perfect use case for the stock Mohave Fox 2.5's. They are valved quite well for the softer OEM overland springs and your height after the spacer is perfect for the them. When paired with a softer spring like yours they ride extremely well, the low speed washboard ride is great, the remote reservoir will prevent fading on longer rips through the desert and best of all the internal bypass will soak up the hard hits without stiffening your overall ride. They offer the best highway ride I've experienced for an off the shelf shock. You can usually find low mileage take offs in the $1k range. If its in the budget pickup the matching bump stops, they arent necessary due to the internal bypass in the shocks however they add an extra element of smoothness and control over high speed washboards or when really loading on weight in the truck.

FWIW I'm running the SDI Elick shocks, which I'm very happy with, however you'd need more lift to fully take advantage of them and they are a little pricey at $5k. Check them out.

Good recommendation. I've been seeing them at around 2k, was wondering if they were worth it at that price, considering the additional cost of sleeving the shock bolts.

For your use case, I wholeheartedly recommend the Rancho RS9000X shocks.

Anecdotal experience? They are one of the few options actually available to order.

 

[rubicon4wheeler]

Anecdotal experience? They are one of the few options actually available to order.

I've used them on so many different vehicles on all types of terrain. They're not a one-size-fits-all compromise; you can adjust them to your liking, and to tune their performance to specific circumstances like empty daily driving to trailer towing. Or high-speed desert to rockcrawling. They also magically don't overheat and fade. And they're so cheap that you could easily afford to run a set to see if you like them, and if not you can then spend $2k or more on fancier ones. But if you start out with $2k shocks and don't like them, you'll definitely be crying.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

Bilstien 8100’s- if you are looking into the fox elites then I definitely think the remote bypass 8100’s are an improvement and are in the same league…

 

[InvertedLogic]

I've used them on so many different vehicles on all types of terrain. They're not a one-size-fits-all compromise; you can adjust them to your liking, and to tune their performance to specific circumstances like empty daily driving to trailer towing. Or high-speed desert to rockcrawling. They also magically don't overheat and fade. And they're so cheap that you could easily afford to run a set to see if you like them, and if not you can then spend $2k or more on fancier ones. But if you start out with $2k shocks and don't like them, you'll definitely be crying.

How do you feel about their rebound performance? Rebound is my biggest complaint with the Rubicon shocks. There is almost no rebound dampening. I reached out to a shock seller and he said if I wasn't happy with the Rubi shocks, I would certainly not be happy with the Ranchos and that they are the worst rebound performing shock he has ever felt.

 

[rharr]

if you want a good shock, look for a monotube style shock design and one that has a nitrogen charge (either piggy back or non). The twin tube hydraulic shocks (aka bulging looking body with tapers on the ends) are a lower performing design and should be avoided if you want a better shock.

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