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Shock Brand?

TerryD

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Not completely K5 related, but avoids "Tech in the Lounge!" I DD a 98 Cherokee and since I can't seem to get rid of it to get either a diesel K5 or K2500 at the moment, it needs some work. Shocks being something that needs fixed.

The Jeep has ~4" lift and runs 31x10.50's on it. I've been looking at different brands and was wondering what's a good shock you'd recommend for it? I want a gas charged shock but not looking to break the bank on this. So, what's everyone say?:dunno:
 
At this point you need to know what your budget is then see what brands fit within your budget and make a decision afterwards.
 
Well, I guess that's the dilemma. I don't mind spending the $300 for Bilstein 5100's, but at the same time, if the $200 Doetsch Tech 9000's are just as good and will last just as long, what's the point in paying for the Bilstein name? At the same time, I don't need $400/ea billet coil overs either. :waytogo:
 
I've been running Rancho's for years and haven't had any issues and they are relatively cheap compared to Bilsteins and the like.
 
I didn't think the $100 or so for 5150's was that terrible. Monotube's are quite superior to twin tube shocks in every aspect. The remote res is a nice feature that will help fluid temps stay lower for longer in the bumpy stuff. They're also gas charged.

Rene
 
NAPA truck shocks = nitrogen charged monotubes. Find one with the "Big Book O' Shocks" and check for something that meets your size requirements.

Either that or Rough Country/Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks. Nitrogen Charged monotubes. I'd put them at about 80% the performance of a Bilstein HD for half the price. I'll be buying a set of these for The Blazer soon.

Both are under $40 per shock and the RC 9000's can be gotten from JCWhitney all day long and they often have free shipping sales.
 
I didn't think the $100 or so for 5150's was that terrible. Monotube's are quite superior to twin tube shocks in every aspect. The remote res is a nice feature that will help fluid temps stay lower for longer in the bumpy stuff. They're also gas charged.

Rene

That'd be cool, but I'm not sure the extra $$ is worth it for the remote reservoir is worth it. 80% of it's use is interstate, with 5% in town and 15% farm/trailer work.

I have sold and installed Rubicon Express shocks on several Jeeps. No complaints on them and they ride good.

I'll look into them. :waytogo:

NAPA truck shocks = nitrogen charged monotubes. Find one with the "Big Book O' Shocks" and check for something that meets your size requirements.

Either that or Rough Country/Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks. Nitrogen Charged monotubes. I'd put them at about 80% the performance of a Bilstein HD for half the price. I'll be buying a set of these for The Blazer soon.

Both are under $40 per shock and the RC 9000's can be gotten from JCWhitney all day long and they often have free shipping sales.

I could go through the Monroe/Rancho book online, but I'm not sure that the Monroe shocks are a decent shock. I sold the better ones for years at Advance Auto (Sensa-Trak) and even have them on my Camaro, but they don't have the best performance. The NAPA shocks are probably the same manufacturer.

As for the RC/Heckethorn, I'll also look into them.

Thanks guys!
 
I liked my NAPA truck shocks, they didn't seem to correspond with anything Monroe but yeah, I had them on the back of a Tracker and they were meant for a 2wd F150 so your results may vary.

That said I'd go with the Nitro 9000's for the small sum more. Your budget though.
 
Yeah, I like those 9000's. I did some looking and reading last night. I'll need to get some measurements off my current shocks to see if the RC's recommended lengths will work. I had to add longer bump stops to keep my rear springs from inverting at full compression but they still drop way WAY out with the longer shackle, so the rear length is kinda weird. I went to buy the Ranchos for my lift one time before and they were 2" shorter at full extension than the stock length ones. Now I'm just waiting to see how bad this pay check is Friday. I've had to miss 3 days in the last two weeks (not bad if I didn't work 4 days a week) due to sick girls at home.

Thanks again for the advice guys! :waytogo:
 
yeah those rough countrys do look nice...

anyone know what p/n for the longest travel they have? do they make a 14 or 15" travel one?
 
I have looked at the OME stuff. I've never heard anyone with one of their products complain about anything. In fact I'm going to use a set of their 2" heavy duty leaves on the back of my XJ to get rid of the "won't carry a load" bastard packs that are in there now.
 
Only problem with the OME stuff is the shocks and struts are very expensive. My Tracker has OME coils but they used Monroe struts and strut extenders. Definitely under dampened and the front isn't aligned correctly. The OME struts correct the camber for the lift the coils provide...but they're $150 EACH!

As far as the lengths go I just called RC up and asked. When I got mine for the Ranger I had and Big Ugly I measured what I needed and called. They gave me part numbers.
 
I ordered the Rough Country shocks Sunday. Guess we'll see how they work! :waytogo:
 

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