Mopar 2" lift with Fox or Bilstein Shocks

[wcberry]

There appears to be two versions of the kit, one with Fox shocks (77072468AE)and the other with Bilstein Reservoir Shocks(77072468AF). Has anyone used the one with the reservoir shocks and are their mounting locations already there so no drilling or modifications have to be done to add them. I have a Rubicon and getting ready to purchase one of the two, but haven't seen anyone using the Bilstein Reservoir Shocks.

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[Pliny]

There appears to be two versions of the kit, one with Fox shocks (77072468AE)and the other with Bilstein Reservoir Shocks(77072468AF). Has anyone used the one with the reservoir shocks and are their mounting locations already there so no drilling or modifications have to be done to add them. I have a Rubicon and getting ready to purchase one of the two, but haven't seen anyone using the Bilstein Reservoir Shocks.

I installed the kit with the Bilstein Reservoir Shocks on my 2022 JTR. The reservoirs mount using existing holes that you have to install Rivnuts into. I had never worked with Rivnuts before, and I found the Mopar instructions to be a little sparse in that regard. I've attached the Mopar install instructions that I downloaded from the retailer for the AF kit. Also the Bilstein instructions to install the shocks that come with the AF kit.

A heads up on the torque specs for the front and rear bump stop extensions given in those instructions. I snapped one of the front bump stop bolts trying to get to the 40 Nm specified, and the rear spec of 108.4 Nm is way too high for those little M8 bolts.

 

[wcberry]

I installed the kit with the Bilstein Reservoir Shocks on my 2022 JTR. The reservoirs mount using existing holes that you have to install Rivnuts into. I had never worked with Rivnuts before, and I found the Mopar instructions to be a little sparse in that regard. I've attached the Mopar install instructions that I downloaded from the retailer for the AF kit. Also the Bilstein instructions to install the shocks that come with the AF kit.

A heads up on the torque specs for the front and rear bump stop extensions given in those instructions. I snapped one of the front bump stop bolts trying to get to the 40 Nm specified, and the rear spec of 108.4 Nm is way too high for those little M8 bolts.

Thank you for the files. They do help clarify the install. Do you think the only difference between the kits is just the shocks or do the springs and shocks match? Just curious on that. What did you think of the ride compared to your stock setup?

After writing the above I kept searching and found this thread which answers some of my questions too. https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/mopar-2-lift-fox-vs-bilstein-shocks.73540/

 

[GI Grandpa]

My Mojave as the remote reservoir Fox shocks and when the time comes, I will be replacing them with the Bilstein 8100 remote reservoir shocks as I believe they are superior to the Fox brand and offer an easy adjustment knob to change your firmness settings based on planned use.

 

[Pliny]

Thank you for the files. They do help clarify the install. Do you think the only difference between the kits is just the shocks or do the springs and shocks match? Just curious on that. What did you think of the ride compared to your stock setup?

After writing the above I kept searching and found this thread which answers some of my questions too. https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/mopar-2-lift-fox-vs-bilstein-shocks.73540/

I suspect that all of the other parts are the same. You could find the install instructions for the AE kit and compare the part numbers listed in there match what is shown for the AF kit if it matters that much to you. I included the AF instructions because last summer when I was doing the install, at least one of the links for the AF instructions actually were still pointing to the AE which of course have nothing about the remote reservoirs.

It was a couple of weeks between when I got the lift installed to when I could get it in to the shop to get the re-gear to 5.13 and 37" tires and wider wheels installed. So I got to drive with the lift while still on the JTR OE tires, to feel the difference just from the lift, and then the additional difference from the tires.

My opinion of the OE Rubicon springs and the OE Fox shocks is that the springs were too soft and the Fox shocks were under damped.

I'm running Mickey Thomsen Baja Boss A/T 37x12.5R17 tires at 29 psi. New wheels are Method 703 17x8.5 +25 offset. Difference that I hadn't anticipated was the change to the feel of steering input. There is a reason that high performance sports cars tend to have low profile tires, not sidewalls anywhere near the size they are on mine. Different tools for different jobs.

I definitely like the ride better than stock. The JTR exists to tow our camping trailer and then go adventuring at the destination. Only got one trip in last fall after the lift, re-gear and tires were on. Was a ~350 mile, 5 1/2 hour drive time trip home, and I certainly felt better, less trashed as compared to the three previous times that we've done it with the JTR and trailer.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

No mater what level of $$$ you want to spend. You get more for your $$$ with Bilstein.

 

[Pliny]

Here are two other things that I remember being wrong / confusing about those AF instructions.

The install image for the rear sway bar links shows you installing two bolts, but the actual part matches what is shown in the parts diagram, one end with a hole for a bolt and the other end has a stud. End with the bolt hole mounts to the frame, stud end mounts to the sway bar.

Then step 48 has you remove one of the clips holding the rear diff breather hose in place to allow it to have more travel. Also has you disconnect the electrical connector to the e-locker in the rear diff. Only after disconnecting that connector did I realize that the wiring was attached to the differential housing itself in at least one, maybe two, more places. You need to follow that wiring to where it gets attached to the frame (body?) undo that attachment to give the wiring more range similar to what was done for the breather hose.

 

[HorsesRear]

No mater what level of $$$ you want to spend. You get more for your $$$ with Bilstein.

.....and you have tried them both?

 

[HorsesRear]

My Mojave as the remote reservoir Fox shocks and when the time comes, I will be replacing them with the Bilstein 8100 remote reservoir shocks as I believe they are superior to the Fox brand and offer an easy adjustment knob to change your firmness settings based on planned use.

You may like the Bilstein better for what ever reason but I would not say they are superior to Fox. Actually they are both excellent shocks. It is just a matter of personal preference.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

.....and you have tried them both?

Yes, but both were the same price level. One set of Fox on an ext cab 2016 Colorado 4x4, V6, then 5100’s on the same truck after one of the rear Fox shocks leaked, after I started towing a 4,000 lbs trailer all up and down the East Coast over the course of 14,000 miles. So after Fox ignored my concerns I switched to the 5100’s at the same price, towing the same trailer, till I upgraded to a 5,800lbs trailer, over more or less the same area, plus Texas Coastal areas and Northern Texas. That lasted till I traded up for a 2019 Colorado Crew Cab 4x4, V6 Z71. That I also added 5100’s, that also allowed me to add 2” hight and longer travel. Now that we have a 2024 Gladiator with only under 6,000 miles I plan on using 5100’s in a while.

 

[Jhall1981]

This kit with the bilsteins res. Ride way too harsh imo. I’ve been looking into switching to MC springs myself

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