Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

New lift riding a little too stiff!

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LJ-MXer

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SW Florida
2006 LJ/6speed. Daily driver. 75% city driven below 55mph.
New Rock Krawler 3.5 X-Factor with Bilstein 5100s, 33x11.50x15 BFG KO2s @ 24-26psi.
On the lighter side with no armor and stock bumpers.
After 500 miles, the ride is substantially stiffer "FOR MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE" than I'd hoped for. Builder is questioning the springs and ME. Bilsteins are phenomenal above 55 with a solid, controlled feel but around town potholes holes feel....abusive at ANY speed from 5-45 mph. Not ready to bite the bullet with a custom valved set up just yet. All things being equal and assuming all part #s, install and control arm angles are correct what shocks are on the opposite end of the spectrum from the 5100s?
Please don't roast me but I hsve a strong dislike for the color combination of the red/white Ranchos!
Thanks in advance!
Approximately 17in compressd 27 extended fronts 16 in / 26 rears.

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Lots of people around here run these softer shocks:

Ranchos and a can of spray paint (many people say they need it anyway).

Skyjacker Black Max.
 
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LJ-MXer said:
Please don't roast me but I hsve a strong dislike for the color combination of the red/white Ranchos!
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Walmart has a spray paint Aisle and the red boots are optional, and typically not recommended as they trap debris. Shock color should not come before shock quality and how that translates to drivability and comfort.
 
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Tronner said:
Walmart has a spray paint Aisle and the red boots are optional, and typically not recommended as they trap debris. Shock color should not come before shock quality and how that translates to drivability and comfort.
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Not sure “Typically not recommended” is 100% accurate.
I have always run shock boots. Nothing like packing the shaft in Arizona clay and then expecting the seals to clean it off the next day when it hard as a rock.
 
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Skyjacker Blackmax or Rancho 5000X. Make sure they’re the right length so your travel bias is 50:50. Definitely not Bilstein 5100’s. Get a new builder if he’s questioning springs. Tire pressure at 24-26.5psi. Go have fun.
 
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Abendage said:
Your shocks seem long for 3.5” of lift.

x4, Rs5000X are the opposite end of the spectrum you are looking for and spray paint.
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That's what people keep saying but these are the specs RK sent when I questioned them. Haven't measured but I netted more than 3-3.5 inches.
 
JMT said:
Skyjacker Blackmax or Rancho 5000X. Make sure they’re the right length so your travel bias is 50:50. Definitely not Bilstein 5100’s. Get a new builder if he’s questioning springs. Tire pressure at 24-26.5psi. Go have fun.
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That's what I was thinking but he's very well regarded locally! I know enough to know that not everyone is 100% right 100% of the time!
 
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LJ-MXer said:
That's what I was thinking but he's very well regarded locally! I know enough to know that not everyone is 100% right 100% of the time!
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Man, so was the one I took my Comanche to, they had to do the fuel pump 3 times because they couldn't get the gasket on. They didn't want to pull the tank out, later on I had to pull the tank out and had it in and out in 40 minutes, pulled the pump out too and guess what it didn't leak🙄
 
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At the rate I am seeing people complaining about Bilstein shock you would think I could be able to scoop them up for cheap. 🤣

I would point the fingers at the shocks but won’t pass judgement until I see the entire suspension set up. Could be a lot to address. Can you post some good photos of the set up? Bump stops, track bar, control arms and the works?
 
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Unique Username said:
At the rate I am seeing people complaining about Bilstein shock you would think I could be able to scoop them up for cheap. 🤣

I would point the fingers at the shocks but won’t pass judgement until I see the entire suspension set up. Could be a lot to address. Can you post some good photos of the set up? Bump stops, track bar, control arms and the works?
Click to expand...

None currently I'll get it on level ground later tonight if I have sunlight left.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts
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