Is it worth changing shocks?

[Serbonze]

In an attempt to soften up the ride a bit in my 2001 Sahara, I'm thinking about changing out the shocks. It currently has Bilstein 5100s, and as we know there has been quite a bit of debate on the harshness of them. The only other Jeep that I've spent a bit of time driving is my father's, which has a completely different build than mine so it's not really comparable. I know that my biggest issue is the Cooper Discoverer load range E tires, but as they are virtually brand new it just doesn't make financial sense to swap those out.

Stats on the Jeep:
I have a minimal front bumper with winch using synthetic rope
Minimal rear bumper with swing out carrier (and a 33" spare)
No top
Half doors
No back seat
Skid Row engine skid
Skid Row gas tank skid
Tires are currently at 21psi due to the stiff sidewall
Primary use of this Jeep is overlanding and pavement driving

I'm considering trying a set of OME or Rancho RS5000x shocks to try and soften up the ride a bit. Any thoughts on this? Is it even worth it until the load range e tires are worn out?

 

[Jwalt]

I run the Rancho RS5000X shocks on my TJ. I had the original Rubicon shocks on when I purchased it and they were worn out. I tried a few different sets of shocks (mostly different versions made by Monroe for local retailers) before purchasing the Rancho's. The Jeep drives much better and the ride is perfect for what I was looking for. I have run Bilstein's on a ford F150 and a Honda Civic. They were both more harsh rides than I prefer so I did not try them on my Jeep.

 

[bobthetj03]

Shocks will make a difference IMO. I have been pretty darn impressed with my Rancho RS5000X shocks so far. They ride as nice as my 1st gen OME Nitros did. Can't go wrong with OME shocks either.

 

[Bird]

I also have been very impressed with the RS5000X shocks, exceeded my expectations for the price.

 

[cliffish]

I have rancho 5000X shocks and H & R springs on the front, snapped a rear upper shock bolt so OEM still on back till weather gets better, but I can certainly tell that the front set up is way better than what it was. I can't wait till it warms up so I can raise the body to get the broken stud out of the rear and finish the job.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Why would you willingly install Load Range E tires if you knew they were going to give that stiff ride?

 

[Northwood]

I wouldn't waste your time or money until you get new tires, personally. They're great shocks but doubt they'll overcome the E rated tires

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

Sell the Coopers on CL and get a different set of tires. It may work out to be about the same money, a couple bills for shocks or for tires.

 

[Bird]

I have E rated tires due to limited selection for 16" wheels and still felt a significant difference in ride quality with the Rancho's.

Shocks play a major role, especially coming from depleted set of hydro's.

 

[TJ2]

As a gear head, replacing anything in my wrangler is always a nod to my pride especially if I did it myself.
Is it necessary? Nope! I just want to claim (in short "brag") for a moment that I did it

 

[Starrs]

I'm running E rated tires and I love the ride I get from my psi set at 28. Not bumpy at all.

 

[Starrs]

In an attempt to soften up the ride a bit in my 2001 Sahara, I'm thinking about changing out the shocks. It currently has Bilstein 5100s, and as we know there has been quite a bit of debate on the harshness of them. The only other Jeep that I've spent a bit of time driving is my father's, which has a completely different build than mine so it's not really comparable. I know that my biggest issue is the Cooper Discoverer load range E tires, but as they are virtually brand new it just doesn't make financial sense to swap those out.

Stats on the Jeep:
I have a minimal front bumper with winch using synthetic rope
Minimal rear bumper with swing out carrier (and a 33" spare)
No top
Half doors
No back seat
Skid Row engine skid
Skid Row gas tank skid
Tires are currently at 21psi due to the stiff sidewall
Primary use of this Jeep is overlanding and pavement driving

I'm considering trying a set of OME or Rancho RS5000x shocks to try and soften up the ride a bit. Any thoughts on this? Is it even worth it until the load range e tires are worn out?

Your at 21 psi and it's not any better?

 

[Serbonze]

Your at 21 psi and it's not any better?

It’s better than it was at 25.

 

[cliffish]

start with a set of Rancho 5000X and go from there, might make the tires livable till they die.

 

[Serbonze]

Why would you willingly install Load Range E tires if you knew they were going to give that stiff ride?

I had no idea when they were installed. It was within a week of owning the Jeep, and I was ignorant to all things tire related. I asked for 33s and the guy behind the counter of the local tire place ordered them.

 

[Serbonze]

For this price it would seem silly not to try.