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

[bobthetj03]

Some assembly required I see.

 

[Irun]

I can’t remember…why do you need yours to be can up? Is it because the axle is rotated to fix driveshaft alignment?

Fortunately they come that way. For me, I needed it because of the Savvy skid. Rear is rotated due to that.

 

[Irun]

Front shocks showed up today, surprisingly. Assembling them now!

 

[TJim]

Ι am waiting guys! Don't forget to post your first impressions.

 

[bobthetj03]

Patience is a virtue. Sadly, I have none!

 

[TJim]

Patience is a virtue. Sadly, I have none!

I have been patient for 4 entire days! Isn't it that enough?

 

[TheBoogieman]

I'm guessing they will be on par with the Zone hydro shocks.................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

 

[Irun]

Fronts are in now and I took it for a very short and quick spin. Read here for more!

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-lesson-learned—keep-it-light-and-nimble.44924/post-894553

 

[Irun]

I'm guessing they will be on par with the Zone hydro shocks.................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Definitely reminds me of the old Zone shocks. But it's clear these are better made!

 

[TheBoogieman]

Definitely reminds me of the old Zone shocks. But it's clear these are better made!

That's good to know.

 

[MountaineerTom]

Moving this here from @Irun ’s built thread so I don’t clutter it up.


I’m planning on putting mine on tomorrow.

I came across this info when looking up info on the Black Max shocks. It sounds like it falls in line with what you’re saying so far, @Irun , but it wasn’t on the Skyjacker website. I don’t know if this is Skyjacker’s words or that websites word.

Skyjacker Black Max shock info on Shocks Surplus

Here’s a couple paragraphs from the link.

“Where many other manufacturers who focus on lifted and off road suspension systems go by a “stiffer is better” approach for performance reasons, Skyjacker operates under what they call their “Soft-Ride” ethos. Rather than trying to give you all the stiffness possible to resist bottoming out like some of the other budget brands, Black max shocks are set up relatively soft to provide a cushy and forgiving ride, and bringing some movement back to your suspension.”

“The Black Max is an outstanding option for low speed technical off roading like rock crawling and for the daily driver looking to soften up their ride.”

 

[MountaineerTom]

I did go ahead and get the fronts assembled today. The bushing pressed in easily by hand. I used a dead blow to start the pin in the bushing then used my vice to press the bar in. Once it’s bottomed out of the block of wood, I just rotated the shock on the pin and pushed a little and lined right up in the middle of the pin.

 

[bobthetj03]

I like that I won't have to press the bar pin out, as I'm running
BPE's in the rear.

 

[Irun]

I like that I won't have to press the bar pin out, as I'm running
BPE's in the rear.

For me, the rear came with the bushings and bar pins installed. The front came unassembled andI I had to install the bushings and bar pins.

 

[MountaineerTom]

For me, the rear came with the bushings and bar pins installed. The front came unassembled andI I had to install the bushings and bar pins.

Same here.

 

[Pressurized]

Wait... Still no ride reports???

WTH????

 

[deadbeat son]

Wait... Still no ride reports???

WTH????

Post #177 links to Irun's ride report.

 

[mrblaine]

I wish my next shocks were only $250

You wish your next shocks were only 250 a corner.

 

[mrblaine]

KYB make their own
Thyssenkrupp makes Bilstein
And Fox

FIFY

 

[bobthetj03]

For me, the rear came with the bushings and bar pins installed. The front came unassembled andI I had to install the bushings and bar pins.

Well, shit!