Advice on shocks for Ecodiesel

[Idlethunder]

After a lot of work the last few weeks on the JTRD, it is almost perfect. With nothing big left needing attention, I am probably just looking for something to upgrade but I'm currently researching shocks. The Jeep has stock suspension and I am not planning to lift this one. I'm currently a few hundred miles short of 50k on new 35x11.5 AT4Ws and oem red shocks. This is my daily driver, running errands for work, and hauling anything from propane bottles to appliances. I do occasionally tow a couple of small flatbeds and a few light RVs but not often anymore. My offroad use is primarily mud, sand and lots of washboard dirt roads. I don't rock crawl unless something has gone horribly wrong.

I built up my first Gladiator with bumpers, Clayton lift, Falcon 3.1 shocks and 37s. It was a great Jeep, would go anywhere, and I had a blast with it but now that I'm slowing down, a similar build would be overkill. The current 35" tires give me the clearance I need and the only extra weight not on the Jeep is a winch I haven't gotten around to installing yet.

My only complaint now is that the red factory shocks are a little softer than I'd like. On rough roads you feel every bump and there is more body roll than I'd like. The Falcons I had on the first JT were good shocks but just a little too stiff even on the softest setting. I am currently looking at King 2.5 performance series and Fox elite series 2.5. Both adjustable to allow for load dependant changes. I don't mind spending money but I don't want to waste it either. For the last week or so I've read through the forum but haven't come up with an answer. Anyone have a suggestion?

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[Gizmo]

I can’t complain at all about my Bilstein 8100 DSC shocks. I gave up trying different shocks It seems I could not find a shock that that makes me happy on all terrains and roads so I went adjustable.

 

[Idlethunder]

I can’t complain at all about my Bilstein 8100 DSC shocks. I gave up trying different shocks It seems I could not find a shock that that makes me happy on all terrains and roads so I went adjustable.

I’m not tied to either Fox or King. Only reason I mention them is because I’ve had lower end Fox and liked them and I’ve always wanted Kings. The Bilsteins have great reviews but I’ve never known anyone with their high end shocks. I definitely check them out

 

[Idlethunder]

I can’t complain at all about my Bilstein 8100 DSC shocks. I gave up trying different shocks It seems I could not find a shock that that makes me happy on all terrains and roads so I went adjustable.

After some hunting, it doesn’t look they make the 8100 series for non lifted Jeeps. The reason I’m staying at stock height is that the 2.5” on my last Gladiator made it challenging to get heavier things in and out of the bed. So far I’m building this one with plan

 

[Vtur]

Bilstein 5160s has one for stock height.

 

[Rusty PW]

I'm on a 4" lift. Had Bilstein 5100's for a while. Changed to King 2.5 with remote reservoirs and adjusters. Big difference in ride. I can change the ride quality with a turn of the knob.

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