Stock Shock Issues

[Scott's Willy]

I own a 2023 JLU Willys and during my recent routine service and PA state inspection, my jeep failed inspection due to rear shocks leaking and was noted the front shocks were damp. Under 2 years old and 18,000+/- miles, no serious off-roading.

Since it is still under warranty, took it to the dealer. Dealer verified the issue and will replace all 4 shocks. Was told shocks were on back order and timeline is over 2 weeks.

I've never had issue with shocks on other vehicles and certainly not on any vehicle under 20,000 miles. So, I find this is odd about the need to replace and that the back order for replacements is over 2 weeks. I ordered my Jeep and was among the first 2023 Jeeps delivered (first month).

Curious if anyone else has experienced this problem and specifically among those that took delivery of a 2023 in the first month or so they were available. I suspect it was a bad batch of shocks that got installed

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[Steemax]

Very common, those OEM shocks have a terrible track record and will just likely happen again to the replacements. Might be worthwhile swapping them to something else once your warranty is up.

 

[CO2Wrangler]

I own a 2023 JLU Willys and during my recent routine service and PA state inspection, my jeep failed inspection due to rear shocks leaking and was noted the front shocks were damp. Under 2 years old and 18,000+/- miles, no serious off-roading.

Since it is still under warranty, took it to the dealer. Dealer verified the issue and will replace all 4 shocks. Was told shocks were on back order and timeline is over 2 weeks.

I've never had issue with shocks on other vehicles and certainly not on any vehicle under 20,000 miles. So, I find this is odd about the need to replace and that the back order for replacements is over 2 weeks. I ordered my Jeep and was among the first 2023 Jeeps delivered (first month).

Curious if anyone else has experienced this problem and specifically among those that took delivery of a 2023 in the first month or so they were available. I suspect it was a bad batch of shocks that got installed

Stock Rubi shocks were leaking before 19k miles. Seems like a common issue. Save yourself some aggravation and upgrade to a Fox or Bilstein shock that doesn't suck.

 

[Fitzz47]

Just put Rancho RS5000x Shocks on my stock 2018 Sahara. Easy job. I’m 77.
Like the feel of the ride. Shop around. Under $250 for all 4.

 

[Apexcars]

I replaced my Rubi shocks at 7k miles with Bilstein. The stock shocks hadn't gone bad but the Bilsteins were a huge improvement. Even my wife, who hates me spending money on the Jeep, was impressed.

 

[Steemax]

I replaced my Rubi shocks at 7k miles with Bilstein. The stock shocks hadn't gone bad but the Bilsteins were a huge improvement. Even my wife, who hates me spending money on the Jeep, was impressed.

5100's? I put the extended versions on and it's been wonderful on and off road especially at their bargain price.

 

[Apexcars]

Yes, I went with the 2-3 inch lift version to get some more uptravel on the XR.

 

[Michael_A]

As others have said, the OEM shocks aren't the greatest. My 2 door 21 Rubicon had both fronts leak (bad) 2 weeks off warranty. Oh well. Replaced with Rancho RS5000x shocks. Notable improvement in ride, handling, and overall body control. Let the dealer replace them this round, but when they crap out again (and they will) in another year or so consider going aftermarket.

 

[Scott's Willy]

Thanks for the replies. Wasn't aware of the general crappy longevity of original shocks. Will definitely upgrade to aftermarket on the next (eventual) failure.

 

[Maverick909]

100% factory shocks suck. even with minor off roading i lost my factory shocks at 11 K. ended up getting the falcon 3.3 fully adjustable shocks. one the best upgrades to date. 4.5 years on the jeep with no issues thus far.

 

[rk911]

Very common, those OEM shocks have a terrible track record and will just likely happen again to the replacements. Might be worthwhile swapping them to something else once your warranty is up.

Or bite the bullet and spring for a set of real shocks now. Suggest those who have limited budgets do what we did when we bought our first motor home...start a Maintenance & Repair Fund. Set aside $X each month for situations like this one. Warranties are worthless if they relplace crap with the same crap.

Also suggest you find, when and where possible, local, independent service shops or learn how to do your own maintenance and repairs.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

I ran into this issue and just bought some take-offs from fb marketplace. They worked, but I'm anticipating another leak in the near future.

Stupid question.... I have a stock Rubicon. When choosing Rancho shocks, would you want the 0-1.5" lift? Or 2"? I ask because I know the Rubicon sits a bit higher than the Sport and Sahara. Just not sure which Rancho shock to get.

 

[Steemax]

Or bite the bullet and spring for a set of real shocks now. Suggest those who have limited budgets do what we did when we bought our first motor home...start a Maintenance & Repair Fund. Set aside $X each month for situations like this one. Warranties are worthless if they relplace crap with the same crap.

Also suggest you find, when and where possible, local, independent service shops or learn how to do your own maintenance and repairs.

The Bilsteins are quality shocks, no need for me to waste money on something I won’t be using to its full potential. They pair well with my AEV 2” spacers. I also did the install myself. Now if I said I installed Rough Country shocks then yes I fully agree with you. That’s a step backwards.

 

[TCogs1]

Concur, stay away from factory and Fox - Mopar for sure.. they are junk... I have had great experiences with Teraflex.. yes they cost more.. but the shaft diameter id .750" and fully adjustable. game changer in everyway.. nothing compares, Kings come close REF: Trail Recon youtube on the same.

 

[Odyssey USA]

I’ve been looking for months, pulling up reviews and compressed and fully extended length specs of everything. $700 and under for a set of 0-1.5” lift shocks, the only ones available that don’t lessen your flex over stock regular Rubicon shocks are the Bilstein 5100’s and Fox 2.0’s if articulation/flex matters to you.

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