Natrodomus
Active Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Disclaimer: This will be a long read. I apologize in advance if you have qualms about formatting or content.
The purpose of this post is to provide information that I had a hard time finding on the forums or the web and aid owners in future endeavors.
Background: I purchased a lightly used JLU Rubicon with 22k miles. At some point, I had Fox suspension installed, but I'm not sure when exactly since it was a dealer purchase. During the second month of ownership, I realized the passenger front shock was leaking from the bottom. I ended up seeking out the best shop to service locally in Texas but was not able to secure any good options. I settled on AccuTune since I was able to get them rebuilt and "custom tuned" for the vehicle.
Removal: I released all the nitrogen in the shocks, and they came off relatively easily. packaged them up aggressively and sent them off.
Timeline:
03/31/23 Shocks received at AccuTune (when they arrived)
04/03/23 AccuTune received them on (when they were processed at arrival).
04/06/23 Inspection Process: AccuTune reviews and assesses 3ā4 business days.
Pitting on all 4 shafts confirmed. "Whenever we see any kind of damage on shafts, we recommend replacing them. As the shock compresses, those spots will start to damage the wiper seal, which will cause the shocks to leak. The cost of the new shafts and the labor to replace them is $306. I have the rear shafts in stock, but we would need to order the front shafts, which could take about 2-4 weeks."
"For the rebuild kits, I originally quoted you for the Factory Race Series based on the photos you sent, but the shocks you have are actually the Performance Elite Series shocks. For some reason, they have the Factory Race Series decals on them. Unfortunately, I'm backordering the Performance Elite Series rebuild kits, and I won't have them in stock for about 4 weeks as well. The PES rebuild kits cost $20 per kit more than the FRS rebuild kits. Unfortunately, they use different seals, so they are not interchangeable."
"In order to calculate your custom tune, please provide me with the following information:
1) 2 door or 4 door?
2) Engine size?
3) Have you added any additional weight to the Jeep? Things like bumpers, rock sliders, aftermarket skid plates, or anything that may stay in the Jeep full time as well, like recovery gear, dual batteries, or a fridge.
4) How do you use the Jeep? Do you do a lot of on-road driving with it, or is it primarily an off-road vehicle?"
"For these shocks, we can do either the Adventure Tune or the Dual Sport tune. The Adventure Tune will be a lot more comfortable on and off road, and it does still increase the off road performance of the shocks. The Dual Sport tune will ride stiffer on and off road, but it further improves the off road performance of the shocks by giving you even better bottom out resistance and more stability. We recommend the Dual Sport tune only if you're running a 37"+ tire and if on road comfort is not a primary concern of yours, or if you tend to do more high speed off road driving (desert whoops, sand dunes, jumping, etc.)"
04/21/23: Parts arrive for Service
05/03/23 Shocks arrived to wrong address, and signed for by "Amber." I assume this was the Fedex driver.
Reinstall:
Areas of concern:
Shipped to wrong address and confirmed multiple times. Charged more for the shipping to address, was not credited but small amount. Paid for insurance as well just case.
Limited communication on parts arriving and service starting.
Packaging on Rear shocks, consisted of brown paper and box. Nothing fancy vs Front which has substantially more.
Fedex driver signed for package delivery themselves and let them on doorstep.
Things I wish I knew:
Take pictures of them installed, so you know which way to put them in. Mark them to know which is left vs right. Seems simple but you will second guess.
Expect problems, have anti seize ready, and take your time with the reinstall.
Front shocks are side specific and cannot be installed on the wrong side. The reservoir fittings should point towards the front of the Jeep to locate the reservoir up by the front bumper. The rears are also side specific and the correct orientation will have the reservoirs angled out slightly towards the outside of the Jeep.
The shocks ship out fully open aka the softest setting. This gives you full use of the adjusters to stiffen the shock as needed. Start by adding more low speed compression in by turning the low speed adjuster clockwise. This will help reduce any body sway. 3+ clicks on the low speed adjuster should start to dial it out a fair amount. They are fairly stiff to adjust and over time they may break in a bit. Range Industries actually makes a helper knob for the high speed compression adjuster because it is notoriously stiff.
Test the DSC adjusters before install, mine are still hard to move or not moving at all. I have one LSC and one HSC that will not move so working thru that.
Overall, I am happy they are serviced and not leaking. Still working on adjusting and tuning to decide if the value was worth the pesos. As you notice I did not cover cost since it might vary but mine specifically with the shafts, tune, rebuild, shipping, insurance was $1,355.87
PS: Range Industries has an helper knob for adjuster. Ordered and will report back.
https://range-industries.com/products/fox-dsc-adjustment-helper-knob
Sponsored
Last edited: