Shock extensions or No shock extensions

[Noslofivoh]

So my wife's Gladiator has a 2" level kit on it. For her birthday, I am going to surprise her with a better and higher lift. She has been jealous of my JL with a 3.5" lift. Her Gladdiator currently has Fox Performance shocks (PN 985-24-177) on it. I installed those when we did the level kit. I purchased a Terraflex 3.5" base kit to install thinking the shocks were ok for this kit however, I am getting conflicting information. According to Fox, these shocks are good for 2-3" lifts but other sites have said these are good for 2.5"-3.5". Should I just order a set of Terraflex 2" shock extensions to install when I do the Terraflex kit?

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[Zachanadandy]

The shocks will limit droop, but are still better than the stock ones in that regard. If you aren't adding bump stops you'll probably not want shock extensions. You'll need to measure your setup and make sure the bump stops well keep the shocks from bottoming out with the extensions. I'd lean towards metalcloak outboard shock mounts up front. Raises the mount 1-1.5" helping droop and also gives the shock a little more clearance from the frame.

 

[JTGuy]

You don't want the shock to become the bump stop.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

You don't want the shock to become the bump stop.

100 percent ^^^^

If you are doing lifts without the manufacturer recommended shocks. Frankenstein style. You need to know what you are doing, or take lots of measurements. These things take time, to be done right. But there are options.... Or you can get the specs on the lift kits recommended shocks and compare it to what you already have. Shock companies should have the travel length, compress and extended specs for you.

Or do full droop on one side and full compress on the other side... take measurements. It is a long process. If you have the equipment.

The engineers at the lift kit companies usually have all this down. (Hopefully). Shock travel length VS bump stop length. Spring at full compression length vs spring droop length and retention.

Admittedly, most of my lifts were done Frankenstein, but I like to pretend that I know what I am doing....as an engineering major. LOL. I haven't messed up yet. Yet. At my age now, I would just buy off the shelf a complete lift kit. All inclusive. Lol. From AEV and the better companies.

Don't forget brake line length, sway and track bar mods. Oh yeah, steering issues too.

And driveshaft issues if going big.

Bigger tires and wheels, ring and pinion changes.... etc. Too much fun.

Be well. Jeep on.

Eric

 

[JTGuy]

In the rear, if the shock becomes the bump stop, the frame will probably bend.

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