Rubicon Express Shock Extension Opinions

[Snook55]

I went into my local 4WP to get a quote to install the 2" Mopar lift because that is what I had on my last rubicon gladiator. The salesman explained that because I had the fox shocks that come standard with the rubicon I only needed to buy a kit that did not include new shocks but just shock extenders - among other components. Here are the items he recommended in the quote.
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/rubicon-express-standard-coil-system-lift-kits/10339
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/rubicon-express-shock-extensions/10309
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/artec-1-25-inch-rod-end-kit-re2011/_/R-GNKQ-RE2011 - this one says discontinued but I'm assuming its a pretty standard part.

I have a lot of questions but mainly -
Is this a bad set up? I'm new to this world but I've never heard of shock extenders before.
What is the consensus on Rubicon Express?

The Gladiator will be used for easy and moderate offroad / Overlanding trips.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

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[Jeeperjamie]

All shocks extenders are pretty much the same, there are no better ones over the other. The cheapest will be your best route. Just make sure you get the right size for your lift, there are no harm in adding them. I ran them on my JK and they are on my JT as well. My lift came with them.

 

[Mac]

I this the only downside would be if the stroke on replacement shocks was longer than OEM Fox shocks it would allow more articulation, but where most lifts also include bump stop extensions the actual amount of articulation may almost be the same.
The Rubicon Express extensions are pretty nicely made, I recently bought a set and also have a set of Daystar extensions, the RE are powder coated black and all the hardware is cadmium plated vs the Daystar is bare steel regular hardware.

 

[Renegade]

I question your salesman’s JT knowledge if that’s exactly what he is suggesting.
1. The lift referenced there uses cam locks in place of longer control arms to correct caster, which is not the best choice.
2. Those shock extensions might fit the front (unconfirmed), but what about the rear? Shock extensions are acceptable in some cases, but are not a replacement for a correct length shocks, which allow for more suspension travel.
3. What the hell does he think you’re going to do with a rod end kit? That’s a replacement part for, I think, a Rubicon Express control arm end.

I would seek advice elsewhere. A proper system sounds like what you want, and that’s what you should get.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I question your salesman’s JT knowledge if that’s exactly what he is suggesting.
1. The lift referenced there uses cam locks in place of longer control arms to correct caster, which is not the best choice.
2. Those shock extensions might fit the front (unconfirmed), but what about the rear? Shock extensions are acceptable in some cases, but are not a replacement for a correct length shocks, which allow for more suspension travel.
3. What the hell does he think you’re going to do with a rod end kit? That’s a replacement part for, I think, a Rubicon Express control arm end.

I would seek advice elsewhere. A proper system sounds like what you want, and that’s what you should get.

I agree with this, 4wheel parts in Charlotte NC has a bunch retards working down there. They hire anybody to install and most of the salesmen don't know crap. I bought from there once and when I went back to get a quote on a lift for my JKU they quoted me about $1100 more than another shop did for the exact same kit. Suggested a bunch of stuff I didn't even need to add to the kit. They love to push that Rubicon Express stuff because transamerica which is the company that owns them manufacturer the kit, or should I say have a company in china manufacturer the kit. Nothing wrong with china made stuff, but they constantly push that lift kit everytime you go in to their shop.

 

[Snook55]

@Jeeperjamie @Renegade @Mac Thanks for all the advice. This is exactly what I was looking for.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds like shock extensions are fine... but not the best option mainly due to the suspension travel limitations? I certainly will not be doing anything extreme or expert rated and I told the salesman as much. I think that's why he recommended this kit.

Other than the fox 2.5 shocks with longer travel what are the other benefits of the Mopar kit over what I was recommended?

I will have 2" less articulation with this setup because the travel of the OEM fox shocks is 2" less than the shocks on the Mopar kit right?

Thanks again guys!

 

[Renegade]

@Jeeperjamie @Renegade @Mac Thanks for all the advice. This is exactly what I was looking for.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds like shock extensions are fine... but not the best option mainly due to the suspension travel limitations? I certainly will not be doing anything extreme or expert rated and I told the salesman as much. I think that's why he recommended this kit.

Other than the fox 2.5 shocks with longer travel what are the other benefits of the Mopar kit over what I was recommended?

I will have 2" less articulation with this setup because the travel of the OEM fox shocks is 2" less than the shocks on the Mopar kit right?

Thanks again guys!

The Mopar kit has Fox 2.0 shocks, and longer lower control arms. That Rubicon Express kit comes with an adjustable track bar. It’s ultimately your decision, but that RE kit wouldn’t be my choice. I think you can do better for the same money with some other brands. If you do go with the Mopar kit, you can add an adjustable front track bar for around $200. There are lots of options, so do the research and find the best one in your budget, or plan for upgrades over time if necessary.

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