Anybody Run Skyjacker Black Max Shocks?

[Andy-WhiteTJ]

Just installed Black Max's last night. Previously, I had Bilstein 5100's. Quite a bit of difference but I knew that. So far, I like the BM's. Much, much smoother ride. Time will tell if they last.

 

[FultonD33]

Overall, the ride is very good. However, I can't say the ride is great. This is because I'm running a hard top, full doors, and have some control arm bushings that are worn. Once I get those replaced, I'll have a better sense of the overall handling and ride characteristics. To be fair, I don't experience any negative ride issues associated with the shocks. FWIW, @MountaineerTom runs them on his LJ also. Maybe he can jump in to comment on his experiences with them.

I have full doors and hardtop also, but I also have half doors and recently acquired the coveted spice soft top...

 

[MountaineerTom]

Overall, the ride is very good. However, I can't say the ride is great. This is because I'm running a hard top, full doors, and have some control arm bushings that are worn. Once I get those replaced, I'll have a better sense of the overall handling and ride characteristics. To be fair, I don't experience any negative ride issues associated with the shocks. FWIW, @MountaineerTom runs them on his LJ also. Maybe he can jump in to comment on his experiences with them.

I’m happy with them. The only thing I have to compare them to is the OEM shocks when my Jeep was stock, OME nitro shocks that came with my lift and Rancho RS5000x’s. I’d say they are most like the OEM shocks than anything. The OME were by far the stiffest. Ranchos were better and the Black Max’s even better. Much softer ride.

I’m running a soft top, somewhat heavy front bumper and winch. A very heavy rear bumper with tire carrier. Full doors and half doors.

 

[Irun]

I have full doors and hardtop also, but I also have half doors and recently acquired the coveted spice soft top...

If the Jeep is in a "lighter" trim, i.e. soft top, half doors etc., I think you'll be happy with them. Like I said, they ride well and don't exhibit any bad characteristics that would make me not like them. They're not a custom shock, but they also are a very reasonable choice given the price. Ultimately, you need to make sure the lengths are a good fit with your suspension setup. That was one of the things that drove me to pick the BM shocks to begin with. They were a good match for my build.

 

[aidanm]

I'm happy with mine. I have the ones for a 4" lift. No comparitive data... previous ones were completely shot.

Only thing I would complain about was installing the front bushings.

Might want to consider purchasing a hardware kit...new nuts and bolts...had a hard time sourcing the sizes and flange bolts locally.

-Mac

Have you had any issues with the quality of the blackmaxx shocks?

 

[JoseA]

I had one of front ones let the oil out. I have bump stops so not sure why it happened, I think bad quality. Got it replaced under warranty though! Skyjacker folks were very friendly.

 

[macleanflood]

Have you had any issues with the quality of the blackmaxx shocks?

No complaints...just compliments...I overloaded (possibly) the back of my TJ and blew both rear shocks. Warranty replacement was fast and easy.

Then I bent one when my wife rear ended me...also not the shocks fault.



-Mac

 

[2001 4x4]

Just installed the Black Max's on my 2004 TJ. I have a 4" lift with steel bumpers and armor as well as a winch. I also have 35" tires so overall a decently heavy set up. I previously had Nitro 8000's for shocks and they were VERY rough riding.

The Black Max's are GREAT!! They ride smooth and soak up small bumps really well. Haven't been off road with them yet but will update when I do. On road, I really like them! There are a couple of really bad, busted up roads near my house that would beat me up with the old shocks. With the Black Max's I ride over them easily and smoothly! The Black Max's also handle the expansion joints on the interstate MUCH better than the NItro's!

I did however have a nightmare installing them. The upper bolts in the back, broke and the lower ones sheered off. The fronts were way easier but the whole job took me 10 hrs to do with trips to the hardware store for new bolts and nuts. I also did a bit of fluid filming, getting ready for winter while I had the tires off.

 

[macleanflood]

Did you clearance your lower spring perches?

-Mac

 

[2001 4x4]

Did you clearance your lower spring perches?

-Mac

I'm not sure what you mean? The Black Max's you can run "can up" and "shaft down" (upside down) and there is plenty of clearance with the lower spring perches that way.

 

[macleanflood]

I'm not sure what you mean?

With my adjustable control arms, slip yoke eliminator and double carden rear driveshaft I have my pinion pointed straight at the rear output shaft.

As such the spring perches were making contact with the shock shafts.

Here's a post where I discussed this issue.

Thread 'Shocks contacting rear spring perch'

Apr 11, 2024

So recently installed Savvy control arms. Matched the length of my oem arms and installed them. Matched the length I had set of a pair of cheap single adjustable upper rear arms...then since I had the double adjustable Savvys I backed down a full turn to remove some rear pinion angle and less vibes.

Driving into town I went over a railroad crossing and blew the driver rear shock. Bump stops are still in the OEM position and I have 4" Currie springs. Possible I bottomed out the shock...but looking at oil stains in my driveway I think that Black Max was leaking previously.

Skyjacker didn't...

• macleanflood
• Replies: 20
• Forum: TJ General Discussion

-Mac

 

[2001 4x4]

After spending some more time/miles on the Black Max’s, I have to say, I really like them!! Both on and offroad, they are a huge improvement in every way over the Nitro gas shocks. So much more control over uneven ground and they ride so much more comfortable. All the harshness is gone.
Now, we’ll see how the longevity of these shocks are…

 

[TheBoogieman]

After spending some more time/miles on the Black Max’s, I have to say, I really like them!! Both on and offroad, they are a huge improvement in every way over the Nitro gas shocks. So much more control over uneven ground and they ride so much more comfortable. All the harshness is gone.
Now, we’ll see how the longevity of these shocks are…

I'm going with Black Max shocks soon, to replace my Rancho RS5000X. I value @macleanflood's opinions.

 

[Tronner]

I have been using them for several months now, around 3k miles on them. So far I like them. I find that they are nice and smooth at first but after heating up they get a bit stiffer. I find them better than the Bilstein's and the ranchos.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I've got Black Max in the rear of my LJ. I like them better than the RS5000x I had before. I still have the Ranchos in the front but the rig feels good.

I'm experimenting with driving without a spare right now which by the time the tailgate reinforcement and spare tire mount are all considered is probably 120 pounds off the very back. It feels different, but I can't say better or worse.

 

[Tronner]

I appreciate real world reviews. Most negative reviews on Amazon are from people who didn't know how to install them or they didn't get their stickers. When looking for MT tires, the positive reviews are about fast shipping was and how "cool they look". Not about the offroad capabilities and wear issues. Useless.

Most people do not know how to difference between good and bad, or quality and performance. They live in a world of superficalality. The lizard brain takes over and says that looks good so it is good (JK and JLU owners most affected). The blackmaxx are Good in terms of quality and performance. Are they the BEST, probably not but they are good.