Shocks designed for a JL on the JT.

[Afternoon Spray]

I recently picked up a set of lightly used Fox Performance Elite 2.5" Reservoir shocks. They are designed for the JLs for 0-1.5" lift. According to Fox, the fronts are identical to the ones they sell for the JT (same part number and everything). But the rears are not listed as compatible. They said I could buy new bushings and sleeves to convert them to work with the JT, but that the reservoir might need to be repositioned to avoid damage.

I'm very new to all this. This is my second jeep and I kept the first one stock for it's entire life (2014 JK Sahara). Are there other consdierations I should make? Are the shocks otherwise the same apart from the bushings or would they differ in performance? How difficult would repositioning the reservoir be, and how would I know if the current positioning would be putting them in harms way?

At the end of the day, should I just keep the fronts and try to re-sell the rears and buy the JT model?

Sponsored

 

[ALT2870]

To keep it kosher I would get the correct rear shocks. You have to remember the Gladiator has a bed where the Wangler does not. Sure shocks aren't really weight bearing but none the less the difference is real. See if you can sell the rears to help recover some of the cost of two rears. At least you saved some money.

 

[Afternoon Spray]

To keep it kosher I would get the correct rear shocks. You have to remember the Gladiator has a bed where the Wangler does not. Sure shocks aren't really weight bearing but none the less the difference is real. See if you can sell the rears to help recover some of the cost of two rears. At least you saved some money.

I went ahead and listed them for sale just in case. I'll give them some time on the market but if they don't sell I think I'll just to my best to convert them with the bushings and sleeves Fox indicated would work. It's the sunk cost fallacy and all. I got the set for less than a brand new set of just the fronts so that's how I justify it to myself.

 

[Rusty PW]

The valving could be different. Because of the weight difference, and the angle of the shock on the JT compared to the more up right position on the JL.

 

[Afternoon Spray]

The valving could be different. Because of the weight difference, and the angle of the shock on the JT compared to the more up right position on the JL.

Is there somewhere that I could find out the specifications to know the difference?

 

[Rusty PW]

Is there somewhere that I could find out the specifications to know the difference?

Fox......but I don't think they would be much help.

 

[Afternoon Spray]

Fox......but I don't think they would be much help.

They were pretty responsive about what part numbers for the bushings and sleeves i would need to convert the JL shocks to be compatible. Can't hurt to reach out and ask what other differences there might be.

 

[Hootbro]

I am in the camp of sell the rears and buy the application specific ones instead. There is another thread awhile back of someone getting some high end reservoir shocks used shocks for basically “free” and that “free” got to be expensive trying to make them adapt.

 

[bleda2002]

Contact accutune and see if they can revalve and convert if they can't I'd sell and buy the right ones.

 

[RudeJeepin]

I'm of the mind he should just give them away.
I can be there in a few hours, I'm sure my wife would enjoy an early Christmas present. Thanks.


Like said about, call Fox back. Then call Accutane. Best I can offer.

 

[Afternoon Spray]

Fox can help aswell

Contact accutune and see if they can revalve and convert if they can't I'd sell and buy the right ones.

I have them listed for sale in my area. I e-mailed Fox to ask if I paid for a revalve, if it could be done in the specs of the JT model. Sending a similar e-mail to Accutune. Then I'll just weigh the pros and cons of whether it's more cost effective to sell and buy the JT part # or pay for a JT revalve (assuming it can be done).

 

[CrazyCooter]

The valving "SHOULD" be different. Because of the weight difference, and the angle of the shock on the JT compared to the more up right position on the JL.

I fixed it for ya!

Then I will add the shock being mounted before the axle JT vs after the axle JL. The same shock on the JT will have less effective compression/ possibly more rebound because of the way the axle swings fore/aft. Then add in the JT and JL have different control arm geometry that induces axle roll with the offset mounting brackets throughout the range of vertical travel!

Now we're in the weeds getting somewhere? Or maybe just I complicated a simple question?

I have been 50% successful in Fox giving me the entire parts breakdown including valving stacks. One employee says it proprietary and another sends me what I asked for?

 

[CrazyCooter]

One could also argue that while the fronts "Bolt on" and are listed as fitting both the JT and JL, the vehicles are so much different in weight, wheelbase, and spring rates that they just don't work great out of the box anyway?

Sponsored