Let’s talk budget shocks

[XJFanatic]

Alright, let’s talk some bc affordable shock options. Looking for something to help tame some sway on the JT. The current 18 month old cheap twin tubes can’t control the added weight of the RSI, bumper and winch. Ideally would like to stay under 100 a pop but know I’m in 120-150 more than likely. Looking for something that is firm on road, but forgiving off.

Setup is as follows:
Front: 2” spacer, Diesel Rubi Springs about 3.5” over sport height.
Rear: 2” spacer, max tow springs.

Bilsteins and RS9000 are towards the top of my list. But the RS7 are intriguing at their price point. What other options are out there?

Any tried Rancho RS5000x? They get great reviews for budget shots on the TJ side of the house. (They are different than the older RS5000)

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[Hootbro]

Eibach shocks seem to have a small following here with good reported results.

 

[Chunky White]

I realize you already have diesel rubicon springs and spacers by why not get longer and stiffer springs which can handle the added weight of the bumper, winch and the other mods you have added? Longer and stiffer shocks are a great idea also. I am not sure about the Rancho RS9000 shocks for the JT but have had them on two vehicles and liked them. Bilstein and Eibach seem to be popular also and aren't too expensive

I am surprised that Ole Man Emu shocks and springs aren't available. They were a popular option for jeeps and toyotas years ago and offered different rate and length shocks and springs

 

[mgw750]

These are rs5000x with less than 7000 miles. Pretty sure anyone can tell all is not ok. Rancho I'm sure would replace it. But I replaced them with Bilstien 5100 instead. I went with the ranchos originally cause the level it kit came with them. The rancho springs drop brackets and track bar I used is nice stuff, and have no complaints.

 

[mgw750]

The Bilstein 5100 really firmed things up. Small bumps are definitely more noticeable but it seems to soak up the bigger hits really well with good control.

 

[rharr]

look for the cheapest monotube gas charged shock you can find if you want budget. Twin tube hydraulic aren't that great. If i was you i would just pony up and get some bilstein 5100's , suspension isn't a thing you want to cheap out on. If you can't swing em, cut out some luxuries for a few months and then get them.

 

[bd100]

Not currently available, but if KYB ever makes their Monomax shocks for the JT then it'll be a nice option. 15yr old ones on the old truck still work, although I think a bushing finally went.

I use Bilstein 5100s on the JT and they're fine.

 

[XJFanatic]

I realize you already have diesel rubicon springs and spacers by why not get longer and stiffer springs which can handle the added weight of the bumper, winch and the other mods you have added? Longer and stiffer shocks are a great idea also. I am not sure about the Rancho RS9000 shocks for the JT but have had them on two vehicles and liked them. Bilstein and Eibach seem to be popular also and aren't too expensive

I am surprised that Ole Man Emu shocks and springs aren't available. They were a popular option for jeeps and toyotas years ago and offered different rate and length shocks and springs

Springs handle the weight fine, shocks just can’t handle the rebound pressures. I have heard great things about the RS9000 on the JL side of the house.

These are rs5000x with less than 7000 miles. Pretty sure anyone can tell all is not ok. Rancho I'm sure would replace it. But I replaced them with Bilstien 5100 instead. I went with the ranchos originally cause the level it kit came with them. The rancho springs drop brackets and track bar I used is nice stuff, and have no complaints.

But how did they ride? Honestly look like every steel body shock after a few months. My TJ has some unknown aged Zone shocks and the paint is all but gone. But still dampen fine.

 

[jeepstertim]

I was very disillusioned with my Rubicon 'pogo-edition' shocks and looked long and hard for a cost-effective alternative out here in the Middle East. In the end I went with the Ironman Foam Cell Pro for $730 for all 4 and fitted them myself.

The shocks are not well known but they are stocked in the US. They are hugely robust and have real weight to them. They are unpressurized and re-buildable (at home).

I love them, every aspect of suspension performance has improved from slow speed ramps (no more head waggle) to road comfort and improved cornering to rock crawling and bashing the sand dunes here. Mine are 'comfort' valving and genuinely could not be happier.

Foam Cell Pro Shocks (ironman4x4america.com)

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I think you'd be happy with Bilstein 5100 shocks.

You can probably still find them for $100/each or less. I bought a set of 4 about 2 years ago and they were $339.

 

[Outback_Joe]

I just changed out my Rubicon's shocks with the Rancho 9000's. Much better than the stock shocks that only had 4000 miles on them. I am running them at the number 4 setting for daily driving and number 1 when off road. I have a new front bumper and a Smitty Built 12K winch up front.

So far I really love the way the truck handles on the road and off road. Anything is better than the Fox shocks that came with the truck.

I have been using Rancho's for over 20 years and for the price they are one of the best IMHO.

 

[XJFanatic]

Thanks guys. Definitely give me some options to look into. It’s funny how bad the rubi fox shocks are on a JT. Running a diesel set on my JLU and the ride fantastic.

 

[mgw750]

Pollo

But how did they ride? Honestly look like every steel body shock after a few months. My TJ has some unknown aged Zone shocks and the paint is all but gone. But still dampen fine.

They felt fine at first but soft. Then something felt off, can't really explain it but felt like I had an unusual amount of bump steer and a vibration in the front right. Had the tires rebalanced and no change. Pulled the shock off and it seems to have no gas charge left in it. The shafts on the others still sprang back the one did not, and honestly they looked like crap. Changed to Bilstein 5100 and couldn't be happier.

 

[XJFanatic]

Well ended up getting some Bilsteins. Could beat the 383 shipped for all four.

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