That's because they tend to be softer?Not really an advantage. They work great for slow speed trails. I wouldn't want to drop off any rock ledges with them.
That's because they tend to be softer?Not really an advantage. They work great for slow speed trails. I wouldn't want to drop off any rock ledges with them.
Shock Length | ||
Comp | Ext | |
RS55239 | 14.43 | 23.84 |
RS55255 | 15.8 | 26.53 |
B8525 | 14.52 | 24.3 |
B8549 | 16.56 | 28.75 |
Shock Length | ||
Comp | Ext | |
RS55241 | 13.51 | 21.67 |
RS55256 | 15.01 | 24.67 |
B8528 | 14.82 | 24.84 |
There isn't much out there that really fits a 3" lift. I've been looking, and looking, and looking, lolThis is the issue I have with the KYB's, limited lengths. what they offer fits stock height or a 4" lift.
Yep, it's the red headed step child of lifts. I've been using that description way too much lately, lol!There isn't much out there that really fits a 3" lift. I've been looking, and looking, and looking, lol
So, I think I am going to go just with the longer Ranchos. Skyjacker BlackMax availability is not great in my area, and KYB MonoMax are not a good fit for my ride height, so that leave Ranchos as the only choice for my budget/use. Unless anyone has any other alternative to suggest. I will pull the trigger tomorrow.
Thanks everyone for documenting their experience with those shocks. I bet it will be useful for many members.
Yes.Is the length of the front shock measured from the bar pin centerline to the top of the can where the bushing washer sits?
There isn't much out there that really fits a 3" lift. I've been looking, and looking, and looking, lol
This was exactly my experience. I literally spent hours researching shock options, including bar pin eliminator combinations. What I discovered was building a capable Jeep, with maximum shock travel, is very difficult in the 2 - 3 inch lift range. Much more difficult than when you hit the 4+ range. This is due to limited shock choices, because the springs put ride height lower. It's obvious once you try to do, but not so much when you start down this path. Overall, it was a very good learning experience!Yep, it's the red headed step child of lifts. I've been using that description way too much lately, lol!
This is basically what I've done. KYB's in the front and Rancho in the rear. I have a pair of Shyjacker's ordered to try on the rear that should be here any day. Pretty happy for the time being with the current setup though.If I do anything, I might use KYB's up front and Skyjackers in the back. The KYB compressed is almost exactly the same as the Rancho, but I'd have to add more bump in the rear, while SJ is either too short or too long in front and would be better in the rear.
Installed longer springs this weekend. No real difference. I'm using about 2" of travel up front and about an inch and a half in the rear, according to zip ties. I only have about a hundred miles on them, so I'll give em another half tank of fuel to break in... They are better than the Ranchos. Pretty stiff in compression though.
Also, the new springs make my tires look small...I wonder what I should do about that?
Also, @Irun or @MountaineerTom, how are those black max shocks working out? Got any travel reports?
It is above, but basically, the ride is still rough, but the KYBs have much more control than the ranchos. With the ranchos, the rear end felt like it had a mind of it's own. It was disconcerting, plus they were stiff and didn't handle that well. The Jeep felt unstable in corners, esp a decreasing radius curve. That is all fixed with the KYBs. They handle well, the rear feels planted, it's doing what I expect it to do. They don't absorb bigger bumps though, but they are stiff in a different way than bilsteins are stiff. They aren't jittery... But they lift the body on bumps. They don't react quickly enough when the payment raises, so the whole Jeep lifts up.Thanks for this update. Although you may have said it in an earlier post, could you remind us what you were hoping for, so that we know what you mean when you say you like them better than Ranchos, even though they are still pretty stiff in compression?
And yes, I'm eager to hear more about the Black Max results.
I'm still liking them but I've still only driven with them on road though. But, Wednesday I'm taking the Jeep to the trails at Uwharrie National Forest, so I'll get to see how well they do there.Installed longer springs this weekend. No real difference. I'm using about 2" of travel up front and about an inch and a half in the rear, according to zip ties. I only have about a hundred miles on them, so I'll give em another half tank of fuel to break in... They are better than the Ranchos. Pretty stiff in compression though.
Also, the new springs make my tires look small...I wonder what I should do about that?View attachment 257680
Also, @Irun or @MountaineerTom, how are those black max shocks working out? Got any travel reports?