I have no clue here, so I’m not being sarcastic. What were the OEM shocks and are they still available? I only drove old worn out ones which were replaced with new awful ones (procomps) when mine was factory still - so I don’t really know what that felt like.
I bought my 2003 TJ in 05. It was was bone stock with 39k on the clock and cheap, no name all terrains in the sport's 30x950x15 flavor. I wish I could remember how it handled back then, but I can't remember a time that I wished it handled better than it did, for what it was.
I have two virtually stock rigs. One has stock shocks and 164,000mi on the clock. The other has some KYB shock. No idea how many miles are on those shocks, but both are more harsh than my Rancho 55239/41 combo on 3.5/3” SL. My boys keep saying, we can’t wait to get the Rancho’s. They’ll only be at 2.5-3”, so it will be different, and I want to report on that too, all in the name of science
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You are in a good spot with your fleet of TJ's to give us some good Intel. I still think I should send you the JSPEC shocks so you have them in your quiver.I have two virtually stock rigs. One has stock shocks and 164,000mi on the clock. The other has some KYB shock. No idea how many miles are on those shocks, but both are more harsh than my Rancho 55239/41 combo on 3.5/3” SL. My boys keep saying, we can’t wait to get the Rancho’s. They’ll only be at 2.5-3”, so it will be different, and I want to report on that too, all in the name of science
We’re going to run the Rancho’s 55239/41 on the 2.5-3” and see. I could switch them out for the JSpec’s and see. I could report back with the specs on extended length, compressed, up/down at that height, and ride quality on and off-road. Boys and girls and wife might not appreciate all the work and nuances, but this would be for science, right?!.
Remember, I don't belong in this thread...I'm just a "web wheeler"We’re going to run the Rancho’s 55239/41 on the 2.5-3” and see. I could switch them out for the JSpec’s and see. I could report back with the specs on extended length, compressed, up/down at that height, and ride quality on and off-road. Boys and girls and wife might not appreciate all the work and nuances, but this would be for science, right?!.
I wish more people will try those shocks. @Farmergreg seems to enjoy his IIRC.
But as we've already talked about, the butt dyno only tells us what we like to feel, not what will make your rig more capable (example used was antirock with more sway but better offroad). Ultra 4 drivers wear helmets and all the other safety equipment because they don't build their rigs to be plush, soft, quiet rigs, they build rigs that are best able to handle the terrain and win races.I have two virtually stock rigs. One has stock shocks and 164,000mi on the clock. The other has some KYB shock. No idea how many miles are on those shocks, but both are more harsh than my Rancho 55239/41 combo on 3.5/3” SL. My boys keep saying, we can’t wait to get the Rancho’s. They’ll only be at 2.5-3”, so it will be different, and I want to report on that too, all in the name of science
Hey look, this is science man!
My bad! Get out there on the interwebs and wheel.Remember, I don't belong in this thread...I'm just a "web wheeler"
I kick myself in the ass for not holding on to the take-offs when we moved here 10 years ago. I lifted my TJ a week after it was delivered so shocks, springs, control arms, sway bar links, and rear driveshaft were all brand new still.
Shoot, I forgot that I saw those posted for sale. I was going to contact you about them before I ordered shocks since I have the JSpec springs. I have new Bilsteins on order now. So I won't need them other than for comparison purposes. Which would be interesting to send the same pair of shocks around just to hear how people compare and contrast differences. It took me a long time, but I have finally come to realize that people have very diiferent opinons on how shocks should feel. One guy just wants a soft cushy ride , the next guy might be more concerned about control and less concerned about the ride. Or maybe the next guy wants it all and is willing to pay for custom valved shocks. Lots of reasons why one guy loves his Ranchos/Bilsteing/Fox/OME/etc and the next guy hates them.
. I was the only one that day with a 231 transfer case as well as the only one with an automatic. I have had the pleasure of wheeling with these guys for many years now and can definitely tell you the biggest difference among those rigs is the driver. Josh or Hosejockey could make driving my rig look a lot better than I simply because they have more experience. If I were to sit left seat in their Jeep, I doubt it would walk up as smooth as when they drive it. A good portion of this comes down to experience and confidence.
Elaborate. Explain how the differences in suspension geometry would be better or worse in the northeast.
It was a statement about terrain, not suspension. Easy now hammer.
