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.

 

[biodiesel]

Anyone have a suggestion?

I'm in a similar situation as you. I'm leaving our 2023 Gladiator Rubicon on the stock springs/stock ride height. Here's are the two options I'm considering:

Option 1:
Fox 2.0 Performance Series $229.95 (Front), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Fox 2.0 Performance Series $229.95 (Rear), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Total Cost: $919.80

Option 2:
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series $1,679.95 (Front), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series $1,679.95 (Rear), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Total Cost: $3,359

 

[Idlethunder]

I'm in a similar situation as you. I'm leaving our 2023 Gladiator Rubicon on the stock springs/stock ride height. Here's are the two options I'm considering:

Option 1:
Fox 2.0 Performance Series $229.95 (Front), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Fox 2.0 Performance Series $229.95 (Rear), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Total Cost: $919.80

Option 2:
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series $1,679.95 (Front), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series $1,679.95 (Rear), Lift Height: 0 - 1.5
Total Cost: $3,359

After talking with Accutune today, I’m leaning toward the Fox 2.5s. The price is staggering and more than I need but the dual adjustment sure sounds nice. Over the weekend I’ll research them further and hopefully find a reason not to spend that much.

 

[biodiesel]

After talking with Accutune today, I’m leaning toward the Fox 2.5s. The price is staggering and more than I need but the dual adjustment sure sounds nice. Over the weekend I’ll research them further and hopefully find a reason not to spend that much.

You get what you pay for. Just ask the folks who have the Mojave.

Let me know if you decide to go with the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series. I don't mind spending the money if they're going to improve ride quality and overall performance. I'm afraid the 2.0s might not be enough, but I've heard a few others say they are a nice improvement over the OE red shocks.

 

[Idlethunder]

You get what you pay for. Just ask the folks who have the Mojave.

Let me know if you decide to go with the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series. I don't mind spending the money if they're going to improve ride quality and overall performance. I'm afraid the 2.0s might not be enough, but I've heard a few others say they are a nice improvement over the OE red shocks.

I went ahead and ordered a set of Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series from Accutune. No idea how long it takes to add their custom tuning but they did show to have a set in stock. The guy I've been talking to is Nick and he's been very helpful and quick to reply to email. When they are back in the office on Monday I'm sure he'll give me an update.

 

[Free2roam]

Shoot a message to @CrazyCooter excellent shock tuner in Northern California. I've got Fox 2.5 Elites from him and couldn't be happier.

 

[biodiesel]

Shoot a message to @CrazyCooter excellent shock tuner in Northern California. I've got Fox 2.5 Elites from him and couldn't be happier.

Does @CrazyCooter sell and rebuild Fox shocks?

 

[Free2roam]

Does @CrazyCooter sell and rebuild Fox shocks?

Yes

Does @CrazyCooter sell and rebuild Fox shocks?

Sent DM short answer yes.

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