2022 JTR Factory Stock Fox Shocks Alternative

[blacksheepjones]

At just under 20K miles (FEB 2025), factory stock front passenger Fox Shock began to leak on my 2022 JTR. Still under warranty, the dealer offered to replace all four shocks with JEEP/Mopar factory shocks, to which I agreed. Several road trips deep and about 4K miles later, I can honestly say I miss the soft, cushy and yet stable, ride that the original Fox Shocks provided. The factory Jeep replacements offer a stiff, stable ride but definitely does not compare in performance to the original Fox Shocks when taken off pavement. I have read numerous posts/threads about how the Jeep factory Fox Shock is not of the same quality as aftermarket Fox Shocks, however, offroad they definitely outshine the replacements in performance, especially when off pavement.

That being said, I'm also rather disappointed that the original Fox Shocks, or at least one of them, failed after only 20K miles. I don't do any rock crawling really, pretty much just 'overlanding' (ugggh that word, lol) trails of various terrains, with random more challenging trails (boulders and what not) sprinkled here and there.

Have you replaced your factory stock Fox Shocks? What did you install? How does your experience compare to the factory stock Fox Shocks you had originally?

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[Hootbro]

IMHO, there is not a direct aftermarket replacement that is going to give you the same ride with the OEM FOX body shocks. You are going to have to compromise in some way. You probably could play with some RANCHO 9000XL series shocks that have the adjustable rebound setting but I have not heard a lot of good with those over time.

On my 2020 Rubicon, I replaced my OEM FOX body shocks with Falcon SP2.1 monotube shocks that firmed up the ride but I would not say they retained much if any of the "cushy" as you say and I was fine with that.

 

[Svenable]

Bilstein B8 8100 DSA. I put 4 on, (2023 JT Rubicon), when I put on a Clayton 2.5" lift. They are great shocks and ride great. They are adjustable for high and low speed compression.

I have 4 fox 2.0 reservoir shocks on my JK and I am not happy with them. One is leaking now. I'm planning on re-valving them to see if I to improve the on road handling.

 

[BearFootSam]

At 35k my stock fox shocks were worn to mush (chalk that up to lots of towing, hauling and Offroad work). Given the opportunity I installed the Clayton Ride Right 2.5 lift with the HD triple rate spring option because we are often loaded with several hundred pounds of payload in one way or another.

My first test was a 1,200 road trip through SE Oregon from our home on the Washington Coast. With a bed load of camping gear, 40 gallons of water, extra gas, dog and three person family on board the difference was stark. All loaded up the truck sits level and most importantly now remains composed over our beat up roads. Off the pavement the truck is much more stable.

I've been running the shocks on their soft setting, one to feel them out but also per Falcon's recommendation to use the soft setting in low temperatures (it's still freezing overnight here in late May). I might try the hard setting to see how they do. With the heavy springs, the truck feels it when unloaded. With a clean bed and just me in the driver seat the rear feels like it wants a little weight to settle it. Not a bad ride, but noticeable they way it would be in a heavy duty truck without any load. At least the bump stops are not getting worked so hard anymore. The truck should have come with an option for heavier springs from the factory. I think the stock rubicon springs are undersprung, particularly in the front with a winch.

For the cost the Clayton seems a good deal, with the added advantage of being upgradable to the overland + over time. I was able to install it in my barn solo over a weekend but I'd recommend a helper. You'll need some crows foot wrenches to torque the track bar nuts.

 

[dos0711]

I didn't care for the marshmellow ride of the factory Fox shocks. I swapped them out for some Bilsteins and like the feel of the truck much better. It probably doesn't ride as smooth but it feels more planted on the road.

 

[Jay Gatsby]

I didn't care for the marshmellow ride of the factory Fox shocks. I swapped them out for some Bilsteins and like the feel of the truck much better. It probably doesn't ride as smooth but it feels more planted on the road.

Me too. 5160’s all around. Much better ride.

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