Shock Comparison: Rancho RS5000X vs Skyjacker Black Max vs KYB Monotube
- Thread starter TJim
- Start date
deadbeat son
TJ Addict
What makes you think given my location I'll ever get the opportunity to flex it out completely anyway?
Not going to lie, I want to take it places. But the likelihood it sees any terrain where maximum flex is required...for a long while, is slim. Especially without lockers (which are several months away from happening, at least).
I guess I just have a different philosophy about how to do things. But my TJ isn't my daily, so I can let it sit in my garage for a couple of weeks waiting on parts without any issue. I do understand not everyone has that luxury.
I have a couple thousand miles on mine now and couldn't be happier with them. At a minimum, we really need at least a ride height number to help make sure you're close on the shock choice.
We have a resource on shock length here.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/tj-shock-spring-specification-resource-thread.47846/unread
I don't disagree with the philosophy of doing things exactly right.
But I'm being honest with myself as much as explaining my thought process. I'd love to build an ultra-capable short arm system with dual ARB's...but the fact is the capability will mostly go unused. The rockjock 4" double-adjustable suspension arriving today? Probably a massive waste of money for my uses.
And yes, there's only 2 part numbers for our application. One for lifts up to 4", the other for 4+.
I’m still super happy with my Rancho’s 5000X 55255/55256 with Currie 4”. My travel bias is almost perfectly 50/50. You get more possible travel out of the Rancho’s than the BM.
jesseshoots
TJ Enthusiast
I have a 4" lift and 1" body lift and am running these:
B8525 (9.8" travel) fronts
B8563 (11.1" travel) rears
I don't know the milage on mine, but I've been pretty happy with my black maxes too.
It seems, reading this thread, that rear shocks are more critical than the front. Makes sense to me, because we have bigger variations in weight on the rear vs the front. That's where the cargo goes, spare tire or not, hard top vs soft, etc.
I know of all the different shocks I've tried (all in this thread, plus bilstein), the fronts were never a problem. It was always the rear shocks that I had issue with.
It seems, reading this thread, that rear shocks are more critical than the front. Makes sense to me, because we have bigger variations in weight on the rear vs the front. That's where the cargo goes, spare tire or not, hard top vs soft, etc.
I know of all the different shocks I've tried (all in this thread, plus bilstein), the fronts were never a problem. It was always the rear shocks that I had issue with.
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And also when sitting in the front seat your butt is about right in line with the front of the rear tire.
I have black max on the rear of my tj for a couple hundred now and have been very impressed with the improvement. They also got me very close to 50/50.
I've had Pro Comp, Rancho, Black Max's, and KYB on mine within the last year. The rears defiantly make the difference. Not sure if it's just in my head, but I can feel the difference in ride quality between a full tank of fuel and an empty tank.
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Did a lot of rocky, rooted trails this weekend. I was very impressed with the black max. The ride was controlled. I felt like I was able to drive faster than I did last time I was on the island with the ranchos. Lots of differences this trip though... More spring lift, bigger tires, more weight (hard top and 3 passengers).
Anyway, I'm very impressed with the black maxes.
Anyway, I'm very impressed with the black maxes.
Interesting. I've also noticed a more controlled ride with them. Although I haven't wheeled with them yet, I do have another test. A buddy lives on a dirt road, which is a washboard PIA to drive. With the Black Max shocks I can take a curved section at 45 mph with no issues. I could not do that with another set of shocks I had. For the money, I'm now a huge fan of these shocks!
Cycling the axles (without springs installed, using a floor jack) to determine the best sized shock is not the same as "flexing it out". If you drive on the street, you will benefit from a shock that fits well.What makes you think given my location I'll ever get the opportunity to flex it out completely anyway?
Not going to lie, I want to take it places. But the likelihood it sees any terrain where maximum flex is required...for a long while, is slim. Especially without lockers (which are several months away from happening, at least).
Just got my blackmax shocks installed today. I’ve only driven about 10 miles on them and I’m quite pleased with them especially the rears. I no longer feel every ripple and small cracks in the road and the bigger bumps are not nearly as harsh as they were with my rancho 5000x fronts and rancho rs9000s in the rear. I have Currie 4 inch springs front and rear. I used part numbers B8525 in the front and B8528 in the rear. They fit great. I had no issues with length whatsoever. Hope this helps anyone on the fence about ordering them.
I posted this in my build thread too, but buyer beware...
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-rebuild-of-mirustyjeep.54728/post-999500
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-rebuild-of-mirustyjeep.54728/post-999500
@Mr. Bills
Where did you land in your shock selection? If the Black Max, are they the p/n you list? And can you describe your impressions?
Your LJ description is dead on for mine and how it will be driven. It came with Bilsteins and they're going away. I'm running 4.5 - 5" short arms, TT, MML, BL. 35 x 12.5 x 15 Cooper Evolution. I have not weighed mine yet but will when it's back on the road.
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This is way off topic, but how do you manage keeping your TJ so clean? I am jealous.
I guess I'll be joining the experiment...
I currently have Biltsten 5100s installed, so the Black max's will be replacing those.
I currently have Biltsten 5100s installed, so the Black max's will be replacing those.
@Irun just swapped out similar shocks on an LJ and described it as a small, but noticeable improvement, it'll be interesting to hear your experience. The Black Max shocks do sound like a good option.
I installed the same rear shocks but haven’t driven yet. I’m on 3.5” of lift.
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