SHOULD I RUN SHOCK EXTENSIONS?

[Derrick20JL]

I just purchased Rubicon take off springs for my 2 door from a another member and it came with two parts that I haven't seen any one else use when doing the Rubicon spring swap. The deal came with shock extensions for the front and some extended bump stops. I haven't seen anyone lese using these parts while doing a Rubicon swap, usually its people doing spacer lifts from what i can tell. Would there be any benefit in installing the shock extensions since my Willys already has Rubicon shocks? Im new to jeeps and am trying to learn about the suspension and how to make it work best. From what I can gather the shock extensions would be to increase the droop that I would be able to get from the front axles. I understand the bump stops are for not completely compressing the shocks and stuffing the tires on up travel, I haven't heard of anyone saying this was a problem with the swap. Im still on stock sixed tires so I don't think stuffing the tire with the factory bump stops would be a problem at this point. I do try to wheel a decent amount here in North Ga and I'm just trying to get as capable as I can for my budget until I get real lift money.

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[Mx5red]

What you absolutely don’t want to have happen is have your shocks be what bottoms out first, it’ll destroy them.
So unless you’re sure that won’t happen, which would likely mean adding bump stops, then it’s probably not the right move to add the shock extensions. I’m pretty sure they’d bottom out with just the extensions on, that’s why those spacer kits add bump stops, too (not just to keep bigger tires from rubbing).

 

[azwjowner]

Do not use the shock extensions. If you are only using Rubicon springs with Rubicon shocks, don't use them.

As you note, shock extensions are when people add 2.5" spacer lifts, for example, and want to avoid purchasing longer shocks -- then they need the extensions to prevent over-extending the shock. That doesn't happen with factory springs and shocks.

 

[Derrick20JL]

Do not use the shock extensions. If you are only using Rubicon springs with Rubicon shocks, don't use them.

As you note, shock extensions are when people add 2.5" spacer lifts, for example, and want to avoid purchasing longer shocks -- then they need the extensions to prevent over-extending the shock. That doesn't happen with factory springs and shocks.

Ok that makes since that it wouldn't be needed and I guess also that there wouldn't be a benefit in having them? I don't think I'll be using spacers anytime soon a bumper and winch are still awhile away.

 

[Derrick20JL]

What you absolutely don’t want to have happen is have your shocks be what bottoms out first, it’ll destroy them.
So unless you’re sure that won’t happen, which would likely mean adding bump stops, then it’s probably not the right move to add the shock extensions. I’m pretty sure they’d bottom out with just the extensions on, that’s why those spacer kits add bump stops, too (not just to keep bigger tires from rubbing).

Gotcha that does make sense

 

[Mx5red]

Gotcha that does make sense

Source: added spacer lift, haven’t destroyed stock shocks yet

 

[ColonelSanders]

Nobody here can give you a real answer as to if your shocks are long enough with those springs. Put the springs in, on flat ground disconnect the axle side of the shock and see how far it extends past the mount. If you don’t have a few inches of free down travel you need to do something. I’d suggest Metal Cloak longer travel red shocks. Cheapish and can be used if you ever go more lift.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Do not use the shock extensions. If you are only using Rubicon springs with Rubicon shocks, don't use them.

As you note, shock extensions are when people add 2.5" spacer lifts, for example, and want to avoid purchasing longer shocks -- then they need the extensions to prevent over-extending the shock. That doesn't happen with factory springs and shocks.

Yes and no, the stock shocks are short travel and act as limit straps any time you droop the suspension. Technically that is by definition over extending them. I agree you don't need extensions with stock springs and bumpstops, but even if you were just adding bumptops to prevent your new 35s from rubbing you'd want to add extensions. Without them you'd be losing uptravel from the bumpstops and not gaining it back on the droop side. With shocks this short you definitely want to set up your suspension to use all 7" of stroke.

 

[Derrick20JL]

Yes and no, the stock shocks are short travel and act as limit straps any time you droop the suspension. Technically that is by definition over extending them. I agree you don't need extensions with stock springs and bumpstops, but even if you were just adding bumptops to prevent your new 35s from rubbing you'd want to add extensions. Without them you'd be losing uptravel from the bumpstops and not gaining it back on the droop side. With shocks this short you definitely want to set up your suspension to use all 7" of stroke.

Sounds like I don't need to worry about running them at this point. It is going to be awhile before I get tires. I do plan to go up to ether a 35 or 285/75 sized tire when its time for those. Still have just under half life on the stock firestones at the moment.

 

[Flip]

I added rubicon take off springs and shocks to my 2023 sport. It gave me about 1" of lift plus a teraflex 1/2" coilspacer = 1.5" total lift.

I tested by jacking up the front & rear axles, max articulation/up travel. It was a pita. The shock was bottomed out (not good) spooked from this I initially added 2" of aditional bumpstop. After some testing & flexing, it was too much. I ended up with 1 inch of additional bumpstops front & rear. (perfect) The shock didn't bottom out and I had great/plenty of articulation. I chose metalcloak bumpstops (pucks) I kept the stock (top) joist bumpstops. The Metalcloak pucks are stackable and they can be installed and removed without removing the coilspring. For me these have worked great!

Keep in mind, everyones set up is different. I hope this helps.

A quick shout out to @Metalcloak
I really appreciated the design of installation without removing the coilspring.

Best of luck my friend & happy trails.

 

[Derrick20JL]

I added rubicon take off springs and shocks to my 2023 sport. It gave me about 1" of lift plus a teraflex 1/2" coilspacer = 1.5" total lift.

I tested by jacking up the front & rear axles, max articulation/up travel. It was a pita. The shock was bottomed out (not good) spooked from this I initially added 2" of aditional bumpstop. After some testing & flexing, it was too much. I ended up with 1 inch of additional bumpstops front & rear. (perfect) The shock didn't bottom out and I had great/plenty of articulation. I chose metalcloak bumpstops (pucks) I kept the stock (top) joist bumpstops. The Metalcloak pucks are stackable and they can be installed and removed without removing the coilspring. For me these have worked great!

Keep in mind, everyones set up is different. I hope this helps.

A quick shout out to @Metalcloak
I really appreciated the design of installation without removing the coilspring.

Best of luck my friend & happy trails.

Absolutely it helps. Any info that I can get is appreciated. Im going to cycle the suspension once installed and see if any of the parts in question are needed.

 

[Pig-Pen]

i inquired with MC about adding shock extenders they sell to my current set up. they advised me against it with my springs as they could fall out during articulation. thats with my set up and their extensions though, ymmv

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