I want to get my daughter shocks for Christmas. I just measured her 98 tj. It appears she has a 2” lift ,based on a 14” front measurement and 10” back measurement of the springs, and a 1 inch body mount lift. Am I looking to for shocks to fit a 2” or 3”?
Lifts and shocks question
- Thread starter Momsjeep
- Start date
I love my Black Maxx shocks...I'd call Skyjacker and order directly from them. They'll help you with part numbers.
I'm in Oregon and they shipped to my house in less than a week.
Was one of my needed pieces when my wife totalled my Jeep and I needed to frame and tub swap it in eight days.
-Mac
I'm in Oregon and they shipped to my house in less than a week.
Was one of my needed pieces when my wife totalled my Jeep and I needed to frame and tub swap it in eight days.
-Mac
I never tried black max, or ranchos (at least ranchos on the TJ), but have been impressed with the JKS J-Spec shocks. they are a little stiff on the quick jolty bumps, and noticeably slower rate on the larger dips and rises you get on cement freeway sections. Never do I feel they are harsh, and they really feel close to what the factory ride felt like.
I've experimented with a few different shocks. I've run the Rancho 9000xl, Rancho 5000x, and Skyjacker Black Max. Each were good shocks with some being better in certain situations. For strictly on road the 9000xl's were my favorite. They had the quickest response time and felt the most controlled, especially during cornering. They also had the worst ride. The 5000x offered a smother ride but gave up a bit in handling. They were a decent all around shock and hard to beat for the price. Currently I am running the Black Max. They are, by far, the best riding shock but do have the worst handling. They are a hydraulic shock and feel like it. They also seem to have a few more negative reviews regarding their longevity with leaking being most the most common complaint. Personally I have been thrilled with them and plan to keep them. Their ride quality is excellent both on and off road. At one point I ran with the 5000x's in the front and the Black Max in the rear. This actually gave a very good ride. I was never able to determine if there were any issues with mixing gas charged with hydraulic so I replaced the fronts to match the rear. Interestingly, the Ranchos vs the black max on the front axle offered a similar ride quality. The back axle, however, was a night and day difference.
I don't daily drive my Jeep so my priorities may be different. Even though I have been very happy with the Black Max, if it was my daily I would still run the 5000x shock. They had a more controlled feel and that would take priority over the ride for me. The 9000xl's did have better handling but not enough to justify the price unless you are really concerned about having the most control in an emergency maneuver.
On a side note. The front Black Max do not come with the bar pin installed. You will need a vice or press to install them easily.
I don't daily drive my Jeep so my priorities may be different. Even though I have been very happy with the Black Max, if it was my daily I would still run the 5000x shock. They had a more controlled feel and that would take priority over the ride for me. The 9000xl's did have better handling but not enough to justify the price unless you are really concerned about having the most control in an emergency maneuver.
On a side note. The front Black Max do not come with the bar pin installed. You will need a vice or press to install them easily.
That's why an Oro Swayloc pairs so well with Black Maxx shocks...gets the handling characteristics right back in the game on road.
-Mac
-Mac
I believe her father was looking at the sky jacker m95. This is her Dailey driver. Any imput on this one?
Also she’s running 33’s on it. I have a jku with a 2 1/2” with 35s. I call her Jeep the box on stilts.
When I started my build I replaced the old shocks with a set that were supposed to support 0-3" of lift. After putting in 2" spring spacers the shocks were too short and wouldn't allow the axles their full range of motion. I ended up getting compressed and extended length measurements from my mechanic and ordered shocks with the correct range. At the time these were the only shocks I could find but I've been happy with them. Soft ride and smooth functioning while running rutted and washboard forest roads. Looks like these are spec'd for a 3.5 - 4" lift.
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/bilstein-5100-series-shock-absorber-33-185514/_/R-BBGL-33-185514
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/bilstein-5100-series-shock-absorber-24-185929/_/R-BBGL-24-185929
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/bilstein-5100-series-shock-absorber-33-185514/_/R-BBGL-33-185514
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/bilstein-5100-series-shock-absorber-24-185929/_/R-BBGL-24-185929
My Jeep also has a 2" lift. I am running the Black Max shocks mentioned above, specifically the ones below, and they ride quite well. However, i need to adjust my rear bumpstops as they bottom out way too soon and it leaves a bucking ride on the rear end. I would recommend them otherwise!
https://www.extremeterrain.com/skyjacker-black-max-front-shock-13in-lift-9706tj.html
https://www.extremeterrain.com/skyjacker-black-max-rear-shock-13in-lift-9706tj.html
https://www.extremeterrain.com/skyjacker-black-max-front-shock-13in-lift-9706tj.html
https://www.extremeterrain.com/skyjacker-black-max-rear-shock-13in-lift-9706tj.html
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