Shock Recommendations

carntsen

Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2022
Messages
27
Location
Barrie, ON
Hi All,
I have a 2006 TJ with a 4" suspension lift.
I blew a front shock and need to replace. I would like to do all 4 at once if affordable, if not I will just do the fronts for now and rears later
Looking for recommendations on a brand that is quality but still affordable. Any brands/models to avoid?
I don't do a lot of off-roading anymore, mostly road driving now, but still needs to look sharp.

thx in advance
Cam
 
It's true, you can find many threads on this forum in which various shocks are compared and contrasted, and usually the Ranchos that Chris mentioned are a benchmark for comparison. So if Rancho makes a RS5000X (not RS5000) that will work for your height, then it's an easy and safe choice.
 
Me again... In RS5000X Rancho makes only a 2.5" or 3.5", not a 4"
Is 3.5" close enough, or should I should I find something else that comes in a 4" ?
 
Agreed with @rasband. But, there is a good chance that someone on here runs Ranchos with a 4" lift, and could answer from experience.

I've heard that Ranchos run a bit long, so I bet you'd be fine. But still, you should definitely measure your available space and compare that to the lengths and travel-length listed on the Rancho site for that particular shock.
 
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the 3.5" (RS5256) says: 15.01 Compressed, 24.67 Extended, and 9.66 travel length.

For extended I am guessing I lift the front just to the point where the wheels leave the ground and measure the length?
how would I measure compressed?

I am saying 4" lift based on measuring the coil spring from the bottom of the upper cup downwards
 
the 3.5" (RS5256) says: 15.01 Compressed, 24.67 Extended, and 9.66 travel length.

For extended I am guessing I lift the front just to the point where the wheels leave the ground and measure the length?
how would I measure compressed?

I am saying 4" lift based on measuring the coil spring from the bottom of the upper cup downwards

You could take old shock out and measure collapsed and extended lengths and compare to Rancho measurements. I am running Ranchos on 4" lift.
 
For a Jeep that sees more pavement then dirt I liked the Rancho 9000xl's. They had a firmer ride but felt more controlled especially during corners. They are, however, 2x the price. The Rancho 5000x are a good all around shock. I switched to them when I replaced my 9000xl's. I found them to ride a little softer but were not as responsive. The Black Max are the softest riding I have tried. They are a hydraulic shock and feel like a hydraulic shock. Take that as good or bad.
Each Jeep is a little different so there is no one answer for what is best for your setup. Measure your suspension travel and then select the shock that is closest to 50-50 travel. If your going Rancho you'll likely need the shocks listed for 3.5". You will want to make sure your bump stops are set so you don't ruin your new shocks or have any other suspension interference. This thread should answer any questions about how to properly cycle your suspension.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/bump-stop-check-walk-thru-with-pics.12883/
 
I am saying 4" lift based on measuring the coil spring from the bottom of the upper cup downwards
Measure from the bottom of the factory rubber isolator (at the top), down to the bottom of the spring (in the spring seat).
Anything over 12" is your amount of lift.
To accurately measure for shocks, you should remove the springs so you can cycle and articulate the axle.
Probably not necessary if you're close to the recommended shock for your lift height.
YRMV
 
Agreed with @rasband. But, there is a good chance that someone on here runs Ranchos with a 4" lift, and could answer from experience.

I've heard that Ranchos run a bit long, so I bet you'd be fine. But still, you should definitely measure your available space and compare that to the lengths and travel-length listed on the Rancho site for that particular shock.
I bought a set two years ago. I'm running a 4" lift with 33's. I have had no issues with them. Good ride quality on and off road. I gound them on Amazon. Says it's good for 4"-5" lifts.

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Mine are Rancho RS5000 , not the gas version , the hydraulic and works ok, but i guess next shocks will be the RS5000X , all people say that are better, but im not pretty sure why, the price is almost the same, 20-40 dollars differnce.
 
FWIW, I run the ranchos up front. With the OEM bar on, I find the valving to be underdamped left to right over bumps.

With the front bar disconnected the valving keeps up better with just the spring force left to right.
 
Rancho RS 7000 MT, they are especially made for high center of gravity vehicles like a lifted Jeep, additionally they are a mono shock so they will fade less off road. The RS 5000 S are great if you want a cheap mall crawler shock with a pretty paint job.

I personally use Fox 2.0 Performance Series w/LSC, I cried when I saw the bill but have never looked back since.
 
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