Best shocks for the beach?

[RoadSahara]

Hello everyone. I’m looking into getting new shocks for my JLU Sahara. I drive on the beach a lot, which is why I want to replace the Zone lift kit (the previous owner installed it). The issue is, the current lift has no travel and it makes me crawl on the beach and it makes it unbearable on the road. While there is washboarding, I have to go like 5~mph and I get passed by everyone. I’m also suspecting that one of the shocks is about to go. What do you all recommend for shocks that would be good for the beach? My budget is around $600-$800 and I’m not looking for Baja truck travel, but something with a little more travel on a budget and that gives me a 2-3” lift from the factory height. Thanks!

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[Flip]

I suggest doing a whole lot of research before installing 3 inches of lift. If you're going to lift, I would also suggest changing your shocks when you install or have your lift installed. This will prevent changing your shocks twice . Lift kit recommendations; IMO, I think something similar to an AEV lift kit would work well for your needs. Rubi take offs are also an option to save $$ especially if you plan to do the install yourself.
Best of luck my friend.

 

[CloakedWillys]

That is a little open ended. If you are just driving on the sand at 5-10 mph the shocks don't matter much and you will want to focus more on the road ride. If you are playing in the dunes and running at speed shocks get spendy to get somethign that will stay cool.

I am thinking the kit you have may need some dial in along with fresh shocks depending what you have. Also lowering tire pressure in the sand will help.

 

[RoadSahara]

I suggest doing a whole lot of research before installing 3 inches of lift. If you're going to lift, I would also suggest changing your shocks when you install or have your lift installed. This will prevent changing your shocks twice . Lift kit recommendations; IMO, I think something similar to an AEV lift kit would work well for your needs. Rubi take offs are also an option to save $$ especially if you plan to do the install yourself.
Best of luck my friend.

Hey thanks for the reply! It’s already on a 3” lift, I meant that I wanted to keep the lift height, as the current Zone kit is a 3” lift. But I’ll look into the AEV kits and the Rubi.

 

[Flip]

Hey thanks for the reply! It’s already on a 3” lift, I meant that I wanted to keep the lift height, as the current Zone kit is a 3” lift. But I’ll look into the AEV kits and the Rubi.

Oh ok, I understand. If just replacing shocks, Metalcloak offers some nice shocks, Fox, Falcon, King, AEV/Bilstein to name a few. A lot of good shocks out there. Btw, they are very easy to install.

 

[RoadSahara]

That is a little open ended. If you are just driving on the sand at 5-10 mph the shocks don't matter much and you will want to focus more on the road ride. If you are playing in the dunes and running at speed shocks get spendy to get somethign that will stay cool.

I am thinking the kit you have may need some dial in along with fresh shocks depending what you have. Also lowering tire pressure in the sand will help.

Yeah sorry I meant I would like to drive a little faster on the sand. I know the ride won’t be smooth, but shocks that will allow me to go faster than crawling on the beach.

 

[RoadSahara]

Oh ok, I understand. If just replacing shocks Metalcloak offers some nice shocks, Fox, Falcon, King, AEV/Bilstein to name a few. A lot of good shocks out there. Btw, they are very easy to install.

I see, I’ll do some more research. I’ve been looking around Bilstein and Fox, but I’m open to other brands.

 

[CloakedWillys]

Yeah sorry I meant I would like to drive a little faster on the sand. I know the ride won’t be smooth, but shocks that will allow me to go faster than crawling on the beach.

Totally get it. Also why I mentioned tire pressure. Its amazing what going from street pressure to 15psi will do in the sand.

As far as the amount of travel the kit you have as, is it limited by the shock or somethign else? I can help you with that if you want to reach out.

 

[RoadSahara]

Totally get it. Also why I mentioned tire pressure. Its amazing what going from street pressure to 15psi will do in the sand.

As far as the amount of travel the kit you have as, is it limited by the shock or somethign else? I can help you with that if you want to reach out.

Yeah I usually air down to 15-20psi and I actually went back to all seasons for the winter, the 35s had dry rot. The travel kit is limited by shock. I have the stock springs, but I believe the kit came with sway bar links, shocks, and a couple of other small things. I don’t think they’re adjustable, but I’ll check Zone’s website again.

 

[RoadSahara]

Totally get it. Also why I mentioned tire pressure. Its amazing what going from street pressure to 15psi will do in the sand.

As far as the amount of travel the kit you have as, is it limited by the shock or somethign else? I can help you with that if you want to reach out.

As for shocks, I think I’m looking for piggybacks.
I am on these: https://zoneoffroad.com/products/3-...rgsvg6O8gB8flgWbAkQaSkGPEUgXik1xoCzhUQAvD_BwE

 

[Flip]

@RoadSahara

Other jeeps were passing me on the trail. I started asking, what am I doing wrong? I wasn't disconnecting. Once I did, OH geez, what a huge difference! This really helped soften the ride. Something to consider anyways.

 

[RoadSahara]

@RoadSahara

Other jeeps were passing me on the trail. I started asking, what am I doing wrong? I wasn't disconnecting. Once I did, OH geez, what a huge difference! This really helped soften the ride. Something to consider anyways.

How difficult/expensive are sway bar disconnects? I’m in a Sahara.

 

[Flip]

How difficult/expensive are sway bar disconnects? I’m in a Sahara.

I run Apex quick disconnects, they're pricy ($400) but I'm old and have arthritis in my spine. There are plenty of other quick disconnects that might require laying down but you'll be on a sandy soft beach (lucky).

 

[RoadSahara]

I run Apex quick disconnects, they're pricy ($400) but I'm old and have arthritis in my spine. There are plenty of other quick disconnects that might require laying down but you'll be on a sandy soft beach (lucky).

I see, I’m assuming those you just disconnect from the top or side? Sorry I’m fairly new to suspension mods, especially on Jeep.

 

[Flip]

I see, I’m assuming those you just disconnect from the top or side? Sorry I’m fairly new to suspension mods, especially on Jeep.

Yes, just turn the blue knob 180.

I sent you a link for a few different quick disconnects.

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