JLURD Replacement Shock Options

[StartedWith97TJ]

I am looking to replace my stock Rubicon shocks, and I would love to hear your recommendations. I have the 3.0 diesel and I am running 33-inch mud terrains with no lift. I am considering going to 35-inch tires in the future, but I am not certain, because my wife already has a hard time climbing in. I have metal bumpers and a winch. My front is probably sagging a bit, but it’s real not that noticeable, and I am probably not going to add any spacers or a lift.

Which shocks are you guys running and what do you like and dislike about them? I think the stock Rubicon shocks are a bit mushy and bottom out on the smallest bumps. I know the diesel is heavy, but damn, they didn’t even try to tame it. I would like a little better handling and less nose dive, but I also don’t want it to be too rough of a ride. Cost is flexible, but I am not looking for anything extravagant or super pricey. Off-roading has been limited lately with more long highway trips to take care of aging parents and kids away at school.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

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[BDinTX]

Hey welcome to the diesel fun. I don’t have a ton of experience with shocks, I added a lift that included springs and Bilstein 5100s. I like how it handles.

There are two reasons you’re bottoming out frequently. The first is weight related. The second is that diesels like a few other trims, have front jounce tubes that are 1-3/8” longer than normal. So you have that much less up travel.

Take a look at how little space you have between the front bump stop and bottom strike pad.

I know you don’t want a lift but… you need a lift. And maybe some power steps.

 

[roaniecowpony]

No personal experience with them, but there's a lot of praise on this forum for the Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks. You might do a search on them.

 

[StartedWith97TJ]

No personal experience with them, but there's a lot of praise on this forum for the Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks. You might do a search on them.

Thanks. I will take a look. My problem so far has been that most info has been for non diesel applications, and some of referenced shocks aren’t applicable when I search for a diesel version. That’s why I started this specifically in our diesel threads - hoping to hear primarily from diesel owners. Thanks again.

Keep Jeep’n

 

[StartedWith97TJ]

Hey welcome to the diesel fun. I don’t have a ton of experience with shocks, I added a lift that included springs and Bilstein 5100s. I like how it handles.

There are two reasons you’re bottoming out frequently. The first is weight related. The second is that diesels like a few other trims, have front jounce tubes that are 1-3/8” longer than normal. So you have that much less up travel.

Take a look at how little space you have between the front bump stop and bottom strike pad.

I know you don’t want a lift but… you need a lift. And maybe some power steps.

I personally love the idea of a 1.5 inch lift and a set of 35s. I have been lucky and my OEM setup has been quiet and stable, so I have left it alone, since I do so many long road trips and fewer off road days. Which lift did you go with, and what helped you decide on that one? Any issues or regrets?

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[BDinTX]

I went with AEV specifically because of the trail recon video where he compared different lifts. It's a 2.5" but you'll get closer to 3" of lift. I did have to add adjustable trackbars (Teraflex) front and rear to keep the axles centered. I don't regret going with AEV, it's a simple lift, reuses factory parts where it can, and everything works well together. It also includes little stuff like a programmer for changing tire and gear size and a jack base so you can still use the factory jack.

One of the things that helps AEV maintain very good handling is they include drop brackets that move the factory control arms down and slightly forwards. That keeps things very close to factory geometry with the taller springs.

That said, neither Metalcloak or Clayton were tested and I think they would have done very well. If I were going to do it all over again I'd look at them with a slight lean towards Clayton because their stuff looks pretty stock (it's black and square). They also have options that don't require regular maintenance where I'm not sure if Metalcloak does..

Drop brackets will take a beating if you play in the rocks, but they're relatively inexpensive to replace if they get too bad. I believe Metalcloak and Teraflex also have drop brackets, and there are probably a few others. If you want to maintain good road manners I think drop brackets are worth the money.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Thanks. I will take a look. My problem so far has been that most info has been for non diesel applications, and some of referenced shocks aren’t applicable when I search for a diesel version. That’s why I started this specifically in our diesel threads - hoping to hear primarily from diesel owners. Thanks again.

Keep Jeep’n

Their website says its for all. But probably worth calling them. They are adjustable.

 

[phageghost]

I think the stock Rubicon shocks are a bit mushy and bottom out on the smallest bumps. I know the diesel is heavy, but damn, they didn’t even try to tame it

The stock shocks are indeed mushy but if your diesel rubi is anything like mine, the constant bottoming out has more to do with the extended jounce tubes they put on the front of the diesels and 392s. Especially if you've added a steel bumper and a winch, you probably have very little uptravel available before you're into the bump stops. I was bottoming out constantly on speedbumps that my lowered Mazda was clearing with no issues. A lift ultimately fixed this, but it seems like a major unsung weakness of the diesel wranglers that I didn't know about until I bought one.

 

[Grayhound]

I tried to keep the bumper lite by going aluminum. When I added the winch I only lost 1/4" but itvwas enough to bottom out on occasion.

I did the teraflex 1/2" puck on the front springs. That was enough to level me out and stop bottoming out.

I have not replaced my stock socks at 59k miles.

Could things I noticed. The puck put my shocks back in there normal height and that helped then articulate better.

When I am in the road and I watch cars go over rough shots they seem to bounce a lot. The Jeep does not. Since it an absorb rough road without bottoming out I feel like I'm good to go.

Don't get me wrong, I'm looking for a good excuse to drop some cash on a lift, but today it only get a few more lines opened up off road and I'd look a little cooler...so not with it yet.

 

[Terpsmandan]

No personal experience with them, but there's a lot of praise on this forum for the Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks. You might do a search on them.

I went with a set f those when one of the Fox shocks failed from my Mopar lift kit. Very happy with the ride. Just make sure you get one of the 3d printed adjustment handles. Makes turning the knob much easier.

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