Shock suggestions - 2003 TJ

[Todd M]

Looking for some shock suggestions for my 2003 TJ. Bought this with ORIGIONAL shocks with 180000 Miles in them. Talk about a rough ride!
Currently all stock (0” lif t) but may look at a 1.5-2” budget boost. Probably no higher than that.
Will be light- medium off road and occasional highway driving.

Thanks!

Todd

 

[Head Lice]

Hi Todd ....... got pics ?

 

[CodaMan]

I would recommend the Rancho RS5000x series shocks. Many of us on here run them with very positive results. Other options would be the OME Nitrochargers and Bilstein 5100's. But you really need to decide on your lift plans before investing in shocks ... don't want to buy them twice.

 

[Stockli]

I would recommend the Rancho RS5000x series shocks. Many of us on here run them with very positive results. Other options would be the OME Nitrochargers and Bilstein 5100's. But you really need to decide on your lift plans before investing in shocks ... don't want to buy them twice.

I run these Ranchos on a 2003 Sahara with 31s and stock suspension and love them.

 

[glwood]

Ran with Zone 1.75" spacers & Rancho RS500X shocks for six months or so on my Rubicon, perfectly acceptable lift setup, worked with 32" tires.

 

[jjvw]

I like my rs5000x's.

2003 Rubicon

 

[Rob5589]

Yep, 5000X is a great shock.

 

[Todd M]

I would recommend the Rancho RS5000x series shocks. Many of us on here run them with very positive results. Other options would be the OME Nitrochargers and Bilstein 5100's. But you really need to decide on your lift plans before investing in shocks ... don't want to buy them twice.

So..if I install the Rancho 5000's with 0" lift and then decide to go up to
a 2" lift . They'd still be fine right? Looks like the next model kicks in at a 2.5" lift height ?

 

[CodaMan]

So..if I install the Rancho 5000's with 0" lift and then decide to go up to
a 2" lift . They'd still be fine right? Looks like the next model kicks in at a 2.5" lift height ?

Not really, they would be too short.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

So..if I install the Rancho 5000's

Don't confuse RS5000 with the recommended RS5000x. The RS5000 is an old hydraulic shock that rides too stiffly, the RS5000x is a newer gas-charged shock that rides great onroad and also provides great offroad control.

 

[CodaMan]

Don't confuse RS5000 with the recommended RS5000x. The RS5000 is an old hydraulic shock that rides too stiffly, the RS5000x is a newer gas-charged shock that rides great onroad and also provides great offroad control.

Yes! RS5000X not RS5000

 

[Starrs]

I’ve only ever had OME and Fox shocks, and both have given me an amazing ride. Would buy either again in a heartbeat.

 

[AOR]

Yes RS5000X shocks. Great ride and inexpensive. For 0" of lift you would want the RS55128 front and RS55240 rear. The next step up, as you mentioned, is for a 2.5" lift (RS55239/241 - f/r respectively). The rears on the 2.5" shocks are only .75" longer but the fronts are 1.38" longer ( numbers are compressed length). Here is a question: given the numbers for compressed and extended length on the RS55128/240 are for a stock factory ride height, where does that put you with old, probably sagging, springs and weak factory jounce bumpers (bumpstops)? I would first consider whether you want to go with a budget boost for more height. Then, find out what your static ride height is now compared to factory "new" springs. A little math and time saves you $$$ not buying them twice as mentioned above.

Rancho also has their Spring Rebates on right now. You get $50 back when you spend $200-499.99.

 

[mibi]

Today i removed Rancho 5000 ( the old type-- they suck) and put in 9000XL- adjustable.. love em... The jeep rides like a different vehicle.. I chose the 9000xl over the 5000X because in my local driving the potholes and speed bumps were killing out 55year old backs and needed something to soften the impact but still be able to handle loads, and pulling a trailer, and wheeling ; these shocks seem to be the perfect thing.and rebate at Rancho right now.. the seem solidly built too. I have a 2" lift and used the ranchos made for 2 1/2" lift.

 

[mibi]

Oh, and for what its worth the prior owner had the ranchos for 0" lift ( even though had a 2" lift on it) and when I talked to rancho support they recommended going up in size.. as others have noted, the increase size is minimal; what I can tell you it i am very happy with the 9000xls

 

[Rob5589]

So..if I install the Rancho 5000's with 0" lift and then decide to go up to
a 2" lift . They'd still be fine right? Looks like the next model kicks in at a 2.5" lift height ?

No, and I say that from my own experience.

 

[CodaMan]

Today i removed Rancho 5000 ( the old type-- they suck) and put in 9000XL- adjustable.. love em... The jeep rides like a different vehicle.. I chose the 9000xl over the 5000X because in my local driving the potholes and speed bumps were killing out 55year old backs and needed something to soften the impact but still be able to handle loads, and pulling a trailer, and wheeling ; these shocks seem to be the perfect thing.and rebate at Rancho right now.. the seem solidly built too. I have a 2" lift and used the ranchos made for 2 1/2" lift.

Did you rotate the rears 180 degrees so the adjustment knob is facing the axle? If not it will be broken in a matter of months. Ask me how I know.

And BTW, I had the 9000 series on my last TJ and loved them, but decided to try the 5000x on the current TJ.

 

[mibi]

the knob faces the rear of the car but I dont see why it would get damaged.. its unobstructed.... pls advise// if its just because its exposed and will get whacked when wheeling, I am oK as thats not what i use my jeep for .

 

[bobthetj03]

Yes RS5000X shocks. Great ride and inexpensive. For 0" of lift you would want the RS55128 front and RS55240 rear. The next step up, as you mentioned, is for a 2.5" lift (RS55239/241 - f/r respectively). The rears on the 2.5" shocks are only .75" longer but the fronts are 1.38" longer ( numbers are compressed length). Here is a question: given the numbers for compressed and extended length on the RS55128/240 are for a stock factory ride height, where does that put you with old, probably sagging, springs and weak factory jounce bumpers (bumpstops)? I would first consider whether you want to go with a budget boost for more height. Then, find out what your static ride height is now compared to factory "new" springs. A little math and time saves you $$$ not buying them twice as mentioned above.

Rancho also has their Spring Rebates on right now. You get $50 back when you spend $200-499.99.

@AOR, do you know the spring rates for Rancho's 2.5" springs? Do they offer different rates? And, are their springs constant rate?

 

[jjvw]

@AOR, do you know the spring rates for Rancho's 2.5" springs? Do they offer different rates? And, are their springs constant rate?

Rates and free lengths, please.

2003 Rubicon