Best affordable shocks for 2.5-3" lift?

[Lorado]

Hi, first time TJ owner and learning as I go so I apologize if this has already been covered but what are the best riding affordable shocks for a 2.5-3" lift? I've been told ranchos, Bilstein (upper end of my budget) and even just hydro shocks. Going to be used 90% on highway with BFG At's. Has anyone tried multiple different shocks and willing to share their experience?

 

[DavidBT]

I went with the Rancho 5000x shocks and they've been great on and off road for me.

 

[Lorado]

I went with the Rancho 5000x shocks and they've been great on and off road for me.

I currently have those exact shocks in a cart with the steering stabilizer. However I deliver auto parts to aftermarket shops and had an employee at one complain about the ride of his ranchos. Not sure if he's using load E tires aired up too much?

 

[thedustyboot]

I swapped out the shitty Rough country's the PO installed and went with the Bilstein 5100 series. I've been very happy with the ride quality over the old shocks.

 

[KennethS]

I currently have Bilsteins and I can’t tell the difference in ride between them and the Rancho 9000s they replaced.


So I say the Ranchos will be fine for you.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I currently have those exact shocks in a cart with the steering stabilizer. However I deliver auto parts to aftermarket shops and had an employee at one complain about the ride of his ranchos. Not sure if he's using load E tires aired up too much?

Opinions, who knew? READ the actual reviews on Jeep TJs, then make an educated decision.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I swapped out the shitty Rough country's the PO installed and went with the Bilstein 5100 series. I've been very happy with the ride quality over the old shocks.

Really bad to just bad? I hear @mrblaine almost liked Bilstein shocks. NOT.

"If you can tolerate the Bilsteins, that will invalidate any discussion you and I may have from now on. They are quite possibly the most annoying damper I've ever used.

Folks tend to brag about how nicely they eat up the larger events while failing to mention accurately in the same breath they are real handy at determining if a quarter is heads or tails simply by passing a tire over it."

Small event harshness is quite annoying to me.

 

[JMT]

Hi, first time TJ owner and learning as I go so I apologize if this has already been covered but what are the best riding affordable shocks for a 2.5-3" lift? I've been told ranchos, Bilstein (upper end of my budget) and even just hydro shocks. Going to be used 90% on highway with BFG At's. Has anyone tried multiple different shocks and willing to share their experience?

Black Max’s in the rear and Rancho 5000x in the front.

 

[CreepinDeth]

I put Rancho 5000x all around this summer
Mine is just a road use Jeep for my son in a few years

Rides pretty cush now with all new suspension
Chris’ recommendation was very appreciated

 

[LONGJP2]

I currently have those exact shocks in a cart with the steering stabilizer.

Monroe steering stabilizer will work for half the price.

 

[Lorado]

I'll have to check out Black Max and thanks for the tip for the Monroe. Seems like the consensus is Ranchos. Thank you everyone