Leaking shocks - replace and/or mod? Suggestions

[Valpo Jeep]

Even with the easiest of driving it happens that a shock will have a leak, sometimes you get a bad 1 since its not 100% QC. Many years ago I had a 95 Mustang GT that was just months old and developed a leaking shock. Covered on the 3/36 but they only changed the 1 leaking shock.

Even insurance will screw you over with just trying to pay for 1 shock. Last year when we had our accident, insurance only wanted to pay for 1 shock and not the pair. I got the repair shop to "hide" the second shock in the cost though.

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[Old Jeeper]

Hey all,

I’m in the middle of a near 1500 mile interstate move. While at a gas station, I inspect my tires, coolant etc. and noticed the oil weep on my rear shocks.

I looked up a post or 3….this is the infamous early failure on shocks, is that correct?

I have 5000 miles on the Jeep ?

Questions to you all:

The Jeep is fully loaded with my cargo. I have another 250 miles or so to go till I reach my destination. Is it safe to do so with leaky shocks?

2nd, I’ll have to get these shocks replaced under warranty. While I’m at the dealer, what are my opportunities to replace or upgrade my springs, lower& upper control arms to gain some lift
I assume the wheels may need to come off for this repair job?

I’m thinking OE JLUR orJLURD take offs

wish me a safe trip please!

You need to get your shocks replaced as soon as possible leaking shocks are unbalanced shocks, and they cause wheel tire cupping and you can run a set a tires in a heartbeat.

 

[garyji]

Just put 4 new Foxes on mine but that was at 40K. 2 out of the 4 were leaking like your picture.

I'd bite the bullet and replace them with something other than OEM.

G.

 

[MidwestJeeper]

Just put 4 new Foxes on mine but that was at 40K. 2 out of the 4 were leaking like your picture.

I'd bite the bullet and replace them with something other than OEM.

G.

I am leaning towards replacing the OEMs with Foxes. Will Jeep scream "WARRANTY VOIDED CAUSE YOU USED NON OE PARTS" from the rooftop if I went the route of Foxes while within 3/36?

 

[MidwestJeeper]

Update:

I reached my destination safe. I wiped the left rear shock off to see if it leaked some more. Sure enough, last 250 miles there was further shock fluid weep.

I'm not driving the Jeep till I get the shocks replaced sometime next week. The service manager at the nearest dealership seemed friendly enough to setup an appointment to get the shocks replaced and so far, no comments about them being a wear item and slamming the door on my face.

I'm debating going another round of OE shocks since I'm within 3/36, or going the Fox shocks route on all 4 corners.

 

[JeepinJason33]

I would still try the dealer for new shocks. Even if you don't end up keeping them. I imagine they will replace them as that is not many miles.

I have the metalcloak rockshocks and have been happy with them. They are cheap and work well. At some point metalcloak is coming out with a resevoir shock and I will upgrade to those.

 

[MidwestJeeper]

I would still try the dealer for new shocks. Even if you don't end up keeping them. I imagine they will replace them as that is not many miles.

I have the metalcloak rockshocks and have been happy with them. They are cheap and work well. At some point metalcloak is coming out with a resevoir shock and I will upgrade to those.

Did you replace the OEs with Metalcloaks within the 3/36 or after?

 

[keithcroshaw]

I told the dealer at my first oil change that there's always been a clunk when it gets warm out when I come to a stop and when I accelerate from that stop and they said my shocks are leaking. The replacements should be coming in soon under warranty.

 

[roaniecowpony]

The Metalcloak shocks are long travel, intended for allowing additional extension in their lifts. Stock springs may get loose at their full extended length. Aftermarket jeep shocks are available in various extended lengths to work with aftermarket suspension. Make sure the shocks you buy are compatible with your suspension.

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