Without checking the part numbers specifically, you didn't order 4 rear shocks, right?
Shock Comparison: Rancho RS5000X vs Skyjacker Black Max vs KYB Monotube
- Thread starter TJim
- Start date
Yes he did order 4x B8528 which is a rear shock part number.
Looks like you better get on the phone quick and switch 2 of those rear shocks for 2 front shocks.
That could be psychosomatic. I had new RC N3 shocks on my XJ with a 5.5" lift. I bought some Rancho RS5000X shocks and it rode so much better....until I got used to them a couple weeks later and then it seemed just slightly better.
I have never had an off the shelf shock that I thought rode good on and off road. My Zone hydro shocks rode the smoothest on the road, but were still not to my liking. Maybe a Black Magic Shock is in the future. Too many variables (and opinions) I believe.
They open a 8:00 CT... I'll call then,
I need 2 B8528 and 2 B8525
I need 2 B8528 and 2 B8525
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Take 2, Thank you for your cooperation.
I guess I'll be joining the experiment
I currently have Biltstien 5100s installed so the Black Max's will be replacing those.
I guess I'll be joining the experiment
I currently have Biltstien 5100s installed so the Black Max's will be replacing those.
I was working the graveyard shift and drinking too much coffee trying to stay conscious is probably the only reason I checked let alone noticed
Glad you got to them before they shipped!!
Where I noticed the difference is on bump and rebound. The BM shocks do a much better job of controlling them than the Rubicon Express (aka Bilstein) shocks. For example, when travel across railroad tracks or washboard roads I can hit them at higher speeds before the tail end will get loose. Also, I get more travel out of a shorter shock, so that helped with usable shock travel.
I'm betting you're going to like these. From my experience thus far, they produce a nicer ride on the TJ than the LJ. Not that the LJ ride is bad, but it is softer than the TJ. To be fair, I've got some control arm bushing issues with the LJ, so that may have something to do with it.
Once I get those sorted out I'll have a better baseline. However, overall, I'm incredibly impressed with the BM shocks. What's still an unknown is their longevity. The lifetime warranty is a plus there though!
DougyintheBushies
TJ Enthusiast
So, now that I've had them out and about I'll do my best to write a review.
Compared to the 5100s they are much smoother, I noticed with the Bilsteins that when I hit a bump it would shake the whole car, with the Black max's its just one bump then smooth.
Overall the Black Max's are a definite improvement overall compared to the Bilstein 5100s, and a bonus is being able to mount them can up.
Compared to the 5100s they are much smoother, I noticed with the Bilsteins that when I hit a bump it would shake the whole car, with the Black max's its just one bump then smooth.
Overall the Black Max's are a definite improvement overall compared to the Bilstein 5100s, and a bonus is being able to mount them can up.
I recently replaced my older front OME Nitro Chargers shocks with longer Black Max to match my longer springs. The BM ride just a little softer. The difference is most noticeable in an abrupt turn. I can feel just a hint more drive into the outside tire.
I like them.
I like them.
So got everything buttoned up with my shocks, TT is complete, came to get the Jeep aligned and hit a couple of speed bumps. My driver rear black max is bottoming out…smh, I think I got a bad shock from them.
Best way to test this out? I’m thinking either try the bounce test jumping on bumper or switching shock sides in the rear…this sucks if it’s blown..
Best way to test this out? I’m thinking either try the bounce test jumping on bumper or switching shock sides in the rear…this sucks if it’s blown..
DougyintheBushies
TJ Enthusiast
jesseshoots
TJ Enthusiast
From what has been posted I think most people have received at least one bad shock out of the box. I know I did, but fortunately I caught it before installing.
I think the ratio is not in there favor. I ordered directly through sky jacker so l shouldn’t have an issue with returning
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