Looking for spring and shock combination feedback

[TypicalJO]

My 2003 Sahara’s shocks are completely shot, and my front springs have sagged about an inch, so I’m in the market to replace both. Plus, if I’m already doing the work to get to the shock, might as well refresh the springs while I’m in there.

Here’s the setup I think I’ve settled on:
Bilstein 4600’s, Moog 3229 rear springs, Moog CC782 front springs. Is this a solid setup? Not after a lift, but I know that adjusting 23yo springs will at least lift it a little.

I don’t know the weight of my TJ, but it’s a 4.0L manual trans with a hard top and XRC steel bumpers in the front and rear. Would be open to adding a winch in the future but it’s not a priority right now.

 

[Chris]

The springs are good but many people find Bilsteins to be overly stiff. Unfortunately, ride quality is subjective. Some people like smooth, soft rides while others prefer firmer, sportier rides.

With the weight you have on your TJ I'd probably consider softer riding shock.

 

[TypicalJO]

The springs are good but many people find Bilsteins to be overly stiff. Unfortunately, ride quality is subjective. Some people like smooth, soft rides while others prefer firmer, sportier rides.

With the weight you have on your TJ I'd probably consider softer riding shock.

Thank you for the feedback.

I’m definitely leaning towards a firm, planted feel at higher speeds, which is why I’ve shied away from the fan-favorite Rancho’s.

 

[Chris]

Thank you for the feedback.

I’m definitely leaning towards a firm, planted feel at higher speeds, which is why I’ve shied away from the fan-favorite Rancho’s.

In that case, your setup sounds good!

 

[macleanflood]

Very happy with my Black Max shocks.

If you really want a driving upgrade consider an Oro SwayLoc. Huge difference!

-Mac

 

[TypicalJO]

Very happy with my Black Max shocks.

If you really want a driving upgrade consider an Oro SwayLoc. Huge difference!

-Mac

How would you describe the firmness of the Black Max shocks at low speed? What about highway speeds?

 

[GoldenGorilla]

Thank you for the feedback.

I’m definitely leaning towards a firm, planted feel at higher speeds, which is why I’ve shied away from the fan-favorite Rancho’s.

The Rancho RS9000XL are worth a look. The compression damping can be adjusted from 1-9. Our Colorado roads are paved with potholes, buckled by bentonite and gnawed by frost. I like something with a bit softer ride. 2-3 work for me. But I've tried different settings and gone higher to keep it stable with heavier loads like a bunch of soil or sod from the hardware store. Up at 5-6 I think they're very firm for a TJ and have 3 more notches.
My dad loves them on his stock height 2006 Unlimited Rubicon too.

To get something else adjustable, to my knowledge you are looking at much more expensive King and Fox offerings.

 

[GoldenGorilla]

And one other thing. If your shocks are shot, take a look at the control arm bushings. The rubber is probably looking sad there too and you'd be surprised how much better a new set feels. It's about $250-300 for a new set of them from Moog and an easy job. Did this for my dad last Sept and every time I see him, he tells me how much better his jeep rides.

 

[macleanflood]

How would you describe the firmness of the Black Max shocks at low speed? What about highway speeds?

Soft.

-Mac

 

[TypicalJO]

In that case, your setup sounds good!

Update…I decided to go with the Rancho RS5000X’s. For the price of 2 Bilsteins, I was able to get all four Rancho shocks, bringing my overall project cost down by $200. Read a post from 2018 where this guy named Chris had a great experience with the same shocks after running Bilsteins

The 23 year old originals are the only point of reference I have. While I think I prefer a firmer ride, anything is firmer than what I have now. Might as well save the money for now and give the Ranchos a shot!

 

[Chris]

Update…I decided to go with the Rancho RS5000X’s. For the price of 2 Bilsteins, I was able to get all four Rancho shocks, bringing my overall project cost down by $200. Read a post from 2018 where this guy named Chris had a great experience with the same shocks after running Bilsteins

The 23 year old originals are the only point of reference I have. While I think I prefer a firmer ride, anything is firmer than what I have now. Might as well save the money for now and give the Ranchos a shot!

Awesome, glad to have saved you some money!

I've run both and my preference was for the Ranchos. Aesthetically the Bilsteins look better but from a ride standpoint I much preferred the ride of the RS5000X shocks as they were not nearly as jarring as the Bilsteins.

 

[TypicalJO]

Finished the install on Friday and I gotta say, I love the way the front end looks! The downside…the back end sits about an inch lower than the rear and I didn’t even have the back seat in. I’m gonna have to do something about that, not sure if I’ll go for a spacer or a different spring would be better.

Drove it on a trail here in OC just to test out the new setup. I will say, even after airing down, I was getting rocked a bit! Back is sore but the views were spectacular.