Soft smooth riding simple shocks

[JTGuy]

Don't want any adjustable or exotic complicated shocks that overpromise and under deliver on ride. Don't want to spend $1K each. Don't want digressive stiff performance. Like I said, I just want some simple quality great street ride. Maybe remote reservoir for better extended travel. I.ve had it with Falcon, Fox and the like.

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[gtsonoma]

The OEM Fox 2.0 shocks on my 21 Gladiator do have that luxury soft ride.
I have found that Bilstein shocks also are very nice off road.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

For the price range I'd say you'll probably end up with Bilstein 51xx series or Fox 2.0s. I can't speak from experience, but from my research I found this;

Bilstein 5100s are similar to, maybe a little stiffer feeling that the factory Rubicon shocks, and offer a good balance between on and off road. Less body roll, good performance off road.

Bilstein 5160s, same as the 5100s but with remote reservoir so they'll last longer when being worked before seeing any performance loss.

Fox 2.0s are comparable to the 5100s but a little softer ride, so you'll get a little more body roll and guys have said they bottom out easier on the trails, but still perform really good overall.



Might be worthwhile talking to a suspension shop that can tune to your wants and needs. Off-the-shelf shocks come with a base "good enough for all" setup, but getting something tuned for you can make a world of difference.

 

[1stXMan]

Eibach might be what you want. I prefer Bilstein 5100's myself, but I had to Eibach on my most recent replacement since Bilstein in factory ride height is impossible to get these days.

Eibach is firmer than Fox, but softer than Bilstein. I'm pretty happy with the ride. It's smooth as Cadillac butter going down the highway.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Don't want any adjustable or exotic complicated shocks that overpromise and under deliver on ride. Don't want to spend $1K each. Don't want digressive stiff performance. Like I said, I just want some simple quality great street ride. Maybe remote reservoir for better extended travel. I.ve had it with Falcon, Fox and the like.

For the price you can’t beat Bilstein 5100 shocks. That are designed for 0-1.5” lift/leveling kits.

 

[JTGuy]

I had some 5100's on a lifted JK and they rode stiff. They have digressive valving where Fox is more progressive. I finally went with MC Rockshocks and they were the best ride. I am leaning toward the Fox 2.0s for an off the shelf fix.

 

[Gizmo]

never heard of a 5100 being a soft shock before .

 

[Camaroboi13]

never heard of a 5100 being a soft shock before .

Same. Bilstein has always been on the stiffer side. Stock Rubicon shocks are likely the softest out there.

Curious as to what gripe you have with the falcons shocks OP? Mine are a dream to drive once broken in. I’m almost to 50k miles with zero complaints.

 

[ChrisNLA]

never heard of a 5100 being a soft shock before .

My 5100's are what I would call firm.

They ride really nice when I have four passengers and the bed looks like this though

 

[rharr]

You could look at these, they are under $500 per shock.
https://www.adsshocks.com/products/direct_fit/mesa/parts/100ADS-10109

 

[JTGuy]

The design of the rear suspension could be the problem. Perhaps a real conversation of what is going on in the suspension on the freeway. Perhaps the shocks are not the problem. Maybe I am the problem. If I keep the speed down to under 70 all is good.

 

[ChrisNLA]

The design of the rear suspension could be the problem. Perhaps a real conversation of what is going on in the suspension on the freeway. Perhaps the shocks are not the problem. Maybe I am the problem. If I keep the speed down to under 70 all is good.

What does it do?

Shocks that are too soft / can't control the suspension can cause the rear end to oscillate up and down, typically on a concrete highway or bridge with expansion joints. Slower speeds often help it slow / stop.

 

[Ericshere03]

icon 2.0 shock, their most basic shock rides amazing, and offers freakishly long travel too…

 

[Splenda]

The stock Mojave shocks are pretty cushy. Too cushy for me. I prefer the stiffness of the Bilsteins when cornering. The stock Mojave Fox shocks allow a lot of sway.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Many people like the new Rancho RS5000X.

I haven't used them though, so no personal experience.

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