Shock Comparison: Rancho RS5000X vs Skyjacker Black Max vs KYB Monotube

Take 2, Thank you for your cooperation.





I guess I'll be joining the experiment

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I currently have Biltstien 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 sound like a good option.
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. (y)
 
Take 2, Thank you for your cooperation.





I guess I'll be joining the experiment

View attachment 311365

I currently have Biltstien 5100s installed so the Black Max's will be replacing those.
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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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..
 
I've ordered and installed two sets. On the first set, out of the box, I had a little oil leak (very little) on one shock. I cleaned and installed it, and haven't seen any indications of leaks since then. The other set gave me no issues, to date.
 
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..
How much shock up travel is showing on both the good and bad one? Also, how much lift do you have and which shocks did you buy?
 
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🤦🏻‍♂️ I think I figured it out…the lower spring perch when going is hitting the lip of the shock body. Thought I would alleviate this by installing upside down. I guess not.