Real world shock comparisons.

[Martial Fartist]

I’m sure it’s been covered but search realized little results beyond hijacked threads.

I’m currently running my 21 JLuR on a 3.5” RC short arm kit w/ 37’s. They have the n3 shock. This is primarily a DD and around here trails aren’t really more than dirt roads.

I thought the N3’s weren’t terrible, slightly better than stock but I’m looking for a better ride without going to a long arm kit.

In my situation, If you were swapping shocks, which would you go with and why? I’ve seen the YouTube videos but I’d like to hear from those who’ve actually used them.

Looking at fox 2.0 and bilstien 5100.
Heard good and bad about rancho and not looking to spend ton$ on shocks.

Appreciate the insight!

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[entropy]

The bilstein are great on the stock suspension. Heard same about fox 2.0. I don't think either is going to offer you much benefits in terms of ride quality though. They're very similar to stock rubi shocks in terms of ride quality. Theyre basic shocks designed for basic suspension systems. If you want a real upgrade it is gonna cost you money.

 

[3TV]

From personal experience having used each of these shocks on a JL:

King > Metalcloak Black > Fox DSC > Falcon

 

[JeepinPete]

If you want cheap, check out the Rancho RS7 series. Rockauto has been clearing them out dirt cheap. Got them on my Rubicon. I think they are superior to the fox shocks that came with the Dynatrac lift FWIW.

Pete

 

[GATORB8]

I wouldn't skip reservoirs again. The remote reservoir Bilstein 5160s shouldn't be much more than the mono Fox 2.0s.

Back to back, there was a significant noticeable difference moving from the 5100s to the 5160s.

 

[chadk77]

Love my Fox 2.5 DSCs. Best money I've spent on my Jeep.

 

[Martial Fartist]

Love my Fox 2.5 DSCs. Best money I've spent on my Jeep.

$4k good? $1k each? That can’t be worth it, is it?

 

[TikiRick]

I swapped out the stock shocks on my '21 JLU yesterday with Bilstein 5100's. The stockers actually rode pretty well, but they weren't long enough to go with the 1.5 inch lift (they were fully extended just sitting in the driveway). I had Bilstein 4600's on my JKU and liked them a lot...was hoping to get those again, but it looks like they don't offer them anymore. The 5100's are definitely more firm than the 4600's, which were softer but way better damped than the stock shocks.

 

[MPets]

I have Rocksport Blacks and they are night and day over factory Rubicons on my 2024 392. Very impressive on the street AND on the trail.

 

[av8or]

+1 on the Rocksport Black, I have the adjustables and they are magnificent! OK shocks are cheap, good shocks are expensive, really good shocks are ridiculous.

 

[JINO]

I have Rocksport Blacks and they are night and day over factory Rubicons on my 2024 392. Very impressive on the street AND on the trail.

They are hands down the best shocks I've driven/rode in a jeep. Been in falcon/fox and they are not as good IMO.
I've driven idioticly fast in a dry Riverbed and it drove so smooth (on softest setting), i was shocked (pun not intended). My buddy with a bronco raptor was impressed.
The red rocksports are good, but the blacks, being adjustable is levels better.

 

[3TV]

I have the adjustable Metalcloak Blacks on my 2-door JLR and adjustable Kings on my 4-door JLUR 392. The Blacks are off the shelf from Metalcloak and the Kings are custom tuned for my Jeeps weight and 40" tires from Accutune. Both Jeeps ride great and are super fun to drive.

The King shocks have progressive valving, and the Black shocks have digressive valving. They are both great, but they feel very different. The Kings are super plush, and many small bumps are not even felt. But with progressive valving they also take the big hits very well. The Black shocks have a much firmer and more taught feeling to them, and you feel every bump more than with the Kings. But the Black shocks give a feeling of better handling because of the taught and firm feel.

This is not a perfect comparison because I am comparing a 2-door with a 2.0T and 37s to a 4-door 392 beast with 40s, but as I said earlier in this thread; personal preference would be King > Black >> Fox DSC >> Falcon.

 

[chadk77]

$4k good? $1k each? That can’t be worth it, is it?

They're $3300 now ($825 per). I paid $2800 for mine. I'd buy them again any day. They ride great. Adjustability is awesome especially if they're tuned properly. No brake dive like a lot of shocks have. Bridge transitions at 80+ mph feel like nothing. Worth every penny IMO.

 

[GATORB8]

They're $3300 now ($825 per). I paid $2800 for mine. I'd buy them again any day. They ride great. Adjustability is awesome especially if they're tuned properly. No brake dive like a lot of shocks have. Bridge transitions at 80+ mph feel like nothing. Worth every penny IMO.

Northridge has a solid deal right now, $2600 for the 3.5-4s:

The 5160s I mentioned come in at a grand on NR with Forum discount:

In the middle, Fox 2.0 Resi's come in around $1400.

 

[Northridge4x4]

The Bilstein 5100s are good shocks for the price.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/brand/bilstein

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