Can Mojave Shocks work on JT Rubicon Diesel?

[Andy29847]

Yep, 28.5"ish front shock length is where the Rzeppa joint at the t-case starts to bind up. That is the limiting factor.

MC really maximizes downtravel by specing their own shocks, the Rocksports are usually about 1" more travel than the competition.

All that said, I'd gladly forego the extra 1" travel in favor of a good IFP shock for much better damping and that is supported in the aftermarket.

Thanks for the info. I checked the suspension chart over on the Wrangler Forum. I'm surprised at the shock variations for shocks that are intended for the same target. The measurement bears out what you wrote about Metalcloak. BTW, Metalcloak Red is not listed on the chart.

Front Shock Length Rear Shock length

OEM Rubicon Red - 23.63 26.00
Bilstein 5100 (2" lift) 26.88 29.38
Meatalcloak black (2-3" lift) 28.50 30.50
OEM Mopar (2" lift) 26.25 28.50
Rancho 5000X (2" lift) 25.21 28.59

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[CrazyCooter]

Thanks for the info. I checked the suspension chart over on the Wrangler Forum. I'm surprised at the shock variations for shocks that are intended for the same target. The measurement bears out what you wrote about Metalcloak. BTW, Metalcloak Red is not listed on the chart.

Front Shock Length Rear Shock length

OEM Rubicon Red - 23.63 26.00
Bilstein 5100 (2" lift) 26.88 29.38
Meatalcloak black (2-3" lift) 28.50 30.50
OEM Mopar (2" lift) 26.25 28.50
Rancho 5000X (2" lift) 25.21 28.59

Yes, every manufacturer's offering or opinion of the "Correct" shock is subjective. I have to guess there are many reasons including laziness, maximizing bottom line, incompetence, part number consolidation, and how much they really care about the performance when the end user doesn't really even know what "good" can be since OEM is so bad?

Why would you want to install a 2.5" lift kit that includes 3-4" bump spacers only to lose up travel? Yes you could run a 40" time on a rubi/mojave, but you lost available travel with a shock too short and 4" bump spacing!

With every one of my builds......I take the time to match the shock travel, with the minimum bump spacing, and control arm lengths according to the clearance required maximize vertical travel. I also NEVER install a compete "Kit" because they are all a compromise.

I'm also not willing to leave a 75% performance gain that can be utilized 95% of the time at the expense of a ramp travel score.......When axle lockers are introduced into the equation, an inch or so lost in down travel is really a moot point IF the loaded tire is still being driven?

This is where the value comes in working with a competent builder if you can't do it yourself but want maximum benefits. Anyone can slap on a kit at low bid. I respectfully send a used car lot away yesterday without even bidding the job because they want low bid with maximum shine and that doesn't fit our business model. There will always be a shade tree down the street willing to slap on a spacer kit for $50hr less?

 

[TheGreenBackGorilla]

Update... realized any aftermarket shocks are better than stock. After speaking with Fox, Terraflex, and Bilstein customer service they all stated jeep takes there shocks and requires them to be put on an assembly line to be off road capable and everyday use regardless of trim level or suspension. pretty much any aftermarket shock is stronger and better. Now Deciding between falcon piggy backs, or fox 2.0. most likely going falcon.

Tested my ball joints today w/ crow bar trick and rocking... 65K miles and still good... but will be running American offroad ball joint deletes.

oh yeah.. and every manufacturer build there shocks pretty much assuming 500+ minimum lbs of added overall weight between people, equipment, and rig set up.... so the whole diesel specific shock thing is bullshit. only the spring rate on coils matter. everything else.. aftermarket better.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Update... realized any aftermarket shocks are better than stock. After speaking with Fox, Terraflex, and Bilstein customer service they all stated jeep takes there shocks and requires them to be put on an assembly line to be off road capable and everyday use regardless of trim level or suspension. pretty much any aftermarket shock is stronger and better. Now Deciding between falcon piggy backs, or fox 2.0. most likely going falcon.

Tested my ball joints today w/ crow bar trick and rocking... 65K miles and still good... but will be running American offroad ball joint deletes.

All I'm going to say is do your research...........There is so much info out there so don't take anyone's opinion for the gospel.

2 pages worth of posts and I still haven't seen you list goals, use, or driving style? Makes me think you haven't put much thought into it?

 

[TheGreenBackGorilla]

All I'm going to say is do your research...........There is so much info out there so don't take anyone's opinion for the gospel.

2 pages worth of posts and I still haven't seen you list goals, use, or driving style? Makes me think you haven't put much thought into it?

This is accurate my guy. I will be doing the most "off-roading this year." not rock crawling, but trail riding with steep inclines and obstacles.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Update... realized any aftermarket shocks are better than stock. After speaking with Fox, Terraflex, and Bilstein customer service they all stated jeep takes there shocks and requires them to be put on an assembly line to be off road capable and everyday use regardless of trim level or suspension. pretty much any aftermarket shock is stronger and better. Now Deciding between falcon piggy backs, or fox 2.0. most likely going falcon.

Tested my ball joints today w/ crow bar trick and rocking... 65K miles and still good... but will be running American offroad ball joint deletes.

oh yeah.. and every manufacturer build there shocks pretty much assuming 500+ minimum lbs of added overall weight between people, equipment, and rig set up.... so the whole diesel specific shock thing is bullshit. only the spring rate on coils matter. everything else.. aftermarket better.

Why Falcon? I couldn’t spend that much on Teraflex shocks.

 

[Harlan83]

I found a fairly new pair of Mojave Shocks on FB in my area.

Can I put the Mojave Shocks on Gladiator Rubicon Diesel? Just the shocks.

Current Build

'21 Gladiator Rubicon Diesel
Standard OEM Rubicon Suspension with Fox Shocks.
1.5" Terraflex Spacer in Front
3/4" Daystar Spacer in Rear
35" BF Goodrich KO2

I did it and didn't like it. Never had the stock shocks so it maybe better. I believe mojave is 14mm bolt while everything else is 12mm. I made aluminum spacer/sleave and it worked. Everyone will have their opinions and its based on their preferences and their experiences.

 

[Zachanadandy]

The valving on off the shelf aftermarket shocks isn't any different between the diesel, gas, or even a 2dr JL. Same shocks, same part numbers. Why do we even think for a second that the stock shocks are specially valved? I guarantee, especially once you get into the bottom compression zone that the mojave shocks have 10x the valving the stock rubicon shocks have. Obviously custom tuned shocks will kick the crap out of anything off the shelf, but the vast majority of Jeeps on the planet are not running custom valved shocks. If the deal was good I'd have 0 problem running mojave shocks on a JT runicon diesel. 100% they are valved firmer and would perform much better than the rubicon shocks.

 

[TheGreenBackGorilla]

Why Falcon? I couldn’t spend that much on Teraflex shocks.

 

[rharr]

Update... realized any aftermarket shocks are better than stock. After speaking with Fox, Terraflex, and Bilstein customer service they all stated jeep takes there shocks and requires them to be put on an assembly line to be off road capable and everyday use regardless of trim level or suspension. pretty much any aftermarket shock is stronger and better. Now Deciding between falcon piggy backs, or fox 2.0. most likely going falcon.

Tested my ball joints today w/ crow bar trick and rocking... 65K miles and still good... but will be running American offroad ball joint deletes.

oh yeah.. and every manufacturer build there shocks pretty much assuming 500+ minimum lbs of added overall weight between people, equipment, and rig set up.... so the whole diesel specific shock thing is bullshit. only the spring rate on coils matter. everything else.. aftermarket better.

Sounds like you have it all figured out, you do you, why ask us?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I’ve had enough experience with Teraflex junk to not want to try again.

 

[TheGreenBackGorilla]

I’ve had enough experience with Teraflex junk to not want to try again.

Bilstein or Fox?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Bilstein or Fox?

I just run cheap shocks. I currently have Bilstein 5100 on mine.

@CrazyCooter is much more qualified to give advice on this than I am.

 

[chr15m]

I’ve had enough experience with Teraflex junk to not want to try again.

I have no dog in this fight, but lots of JTM owners on here swap to these because they make the correct sized front shock bushing which makes the choice less technical. From what I've read most that made the switch got more mileage out of the Falcons than they did on the stock JTM Foxes.

The vast majority seem to be pleased with these shocks..

 

[TheGreenBackGorilla]

I have no dog in this fight, but lots of JTM owners on here swap to these because they make the correct sized front shock bushing which makes the choice less technical. From what I've read most that made the switch got more mileage out of the Falcons than they did on the stock JTM Foxes.

The vast majority seem to be pleased with these shocks..

Let’s go!

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