Jeep TJ shock advice

[NorwegianJeep]

Hi I am new to the Jeep community and need some advice on what rear shock i should by for my Jeep TJ.
My Jeep has no lift and 33 inch tires which has worked great.
But now the shock bearing slipped out of the upper part of the shock. Thinking of replacing both rear shocks.

I have heard great reviews about the Bilstein series. However I managed to buy the wrong model - and ended up buying one designed for a Ford Raptor...

Does Bilstein have any shocks for a 97 Jeep TJ without lift? If not can you recommend any others?

Links to shock will also be much appreciated!

FYI reason for no lift is strict regulations in Norway which makes the process of getting it approved very troublesome...

Thanks very much!

 

[Obi-Wan]

If they're available in your country, go for the Rancho RS5000X.

Please fill out your profile, as it will help us see what specifics your TJ has.

Welcome to the forum

 

[Link]

I have the Ranchos on my 2005 Jeep. They are kind of a shitty shock but at least they are cheap. They work ok. Bilstein makes fantastic shocks but most people feel they are too stiff for a light vehicle like a Jeep.

 

[Mac57]

Bilstein sells their B8-5100 series rear shocks for 0-2 inch lift, for your 1997 TJ, their part number 24-293105. Their Canadian web site shows them on sale right now , 15% off which is nice.
Rancho RS 5000X are recommended by many of the forums members for stock to moderate duty Jeeps. I run those, happy with them.

 

[Strizzo]

The rear bilstein 5100 part numbers for 0-2" of lift are 24-293105

The matching 0-2" 5100 fronts are 24-293099

The f/r 5160 (same but with reservoir and 0-2.5" lift) are front: 25-193138 and rear: 25-193145

 

[Strizzo]

I have the Ranchos on my 2005 Jeep. They are kind of a shitty shock but at least they are cheap. They work ok. Bilstein makes fantastic shocks but most people feel they are too stiff for a light vehicle like a Jeep.

I keep seeing this but the 5100s i have along with skyjacker 2.5" dual rate springs the rear are maybe a little too soft at highway speeds, but they are just about perfect for city speeds.

The M95 that came with my skyjacker kit were god awful stiff, the only time they were almost ok was on the freeway. low speeds felt like solid suspension.

 

[KennethS]

My TJ originally had Rancho 9000s, and I replaced them with Bilsteins (all 4 corners). I can say I did not notice any difference in ride after the shock change.

 

[OldBuzzard]

Another option is Skyjacker Black MAX shocks. Fairly soft ride, somewhat similar to the Rancho RS5000X.
Rear shock for no lift is P/N B8508.

 

[DuckNut]

Bilstein are really too stiff in my opinion for these lightweight vehicles.

KYB and Rancho will be closer to stock and much nicer ride on pavement. KYB would be my choice of the two.

Fox 2.0 is another but stiff like Bilstein.

Bilstein 5100 is stiffer than 4600. 4600 would be another good choice.

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/tj-shock-spring-specification-resource-thread.47846/

good listing of choices

 

[macleanflood]

Black Max shocks and an Oro Swayloc.

-Mac

 

[squirrelmaster]

I like my OME shocks, and the prices aren't too bad either.

 

[B1Toad]

I just installed my new Black Max Skyjackers this week and couldn't be happier.

 

[KingPhilip3rd]

I've been running 5100s and I think they ride quite well (for a TJ). Never been in a rig with Ranchos (forum favorite) - so I can't speak to which is better/worse same - but I can say I like the Bilsteins (and I'm super particular).

 

[Heat]

I installed Bilstein 5100’s paired with Moog springs on all 4 corners about 1500km’s ago. At the same time I also installed all new control arms, sway bar links and bushings. I’m stock height and weight

At first it was incredibly stiff and I thought my Jeep was gonna fall apart. Since then it has softened up a lot and has a sporty feel to it. No off-roading yet but highway is smooth and controlled

If I were to do it again I might buy KYB with the option to dampen 25% but in realist thinking, I shouldn’t have done the complete suspension all at once

 

[NorwegianJeep]

Thank you everyone for your advises and suggestions! Really appreciate it

 

[Rusty98TJ]

I literally just found that my shock had slipped out of the upper bearing too! Thought about replacing the shocks, but the PO has a bit of an amateur lift on the Jeep. Basically inserts at the top of the springs. I believe the lift is 2.5, but not certain. Either way, I have had a clanging noise for awhile and while doing some exhaust work, I doubt the shock was out of the sleeve at the top. Tried to pry back in, with no luck. Going to give a new bushing a try because I have no idea what shocks I would need to buy? I have read a ton of posts, looked at the sheet from TNJEEPGUY and still have no idea. Also, we are not heavy off roaders, but we do have 32” tires and the lift on it. If someone had advice more so on buying the correct size than brand, that would be a big help to me. Thanks!

 

[TheBoogieman]

I have read a ton of posts, looked at the sheet from TNJEEPGUY and still have no idea. Also, we are not heavy off roaders, but we do have 32” tires and the lift on it. If someone had advice more so on buying the correct size than brand, that would be a big help to me. Thanks!

Measure what size you need. Half the total length of the shock shaft should be showing at ride height.

 

[Rusty98TJ]

Measure what size you need. Half the total length of the shock shaft should be showing at ride height.

Thanks man! I will give that a shot. I assume I can then search shocks that fit a 98, but for a lift (and generally longer)? Thanks again for the response!