Shock Comparison: Rancho RS5000X vs Skyjacker Black Max vs KYB Monotube

[Irun]

It'll be curious to see if Skyjacker, or KYB can do anything different with a monotube shock that is an improvement on the Bilstein 5100's.

I've run the 5100 shocks for years, so I'll at least have some idea of the difference in ride.

 

[bobthetj03]

I've run the 5100 shocks for years, so I'll at least have some idea of the difference in ride.

Sweet! I think @Mike_H has run the 5100's as well, so we can get some good butt dyno data from this. Looking back, I've only run twin tube shocks, (OME Nitros, Ranchos, JKS's), so I have nothing to compare to a monotube shock.

 

[deadbeat son]

It'll be curious to see if Skyjacker, or KYB can do anything different with a monotube shock that is an improvement on the Bilstein 5100's.

The Black Max isn’t a monotube, is it?

 

[bobthetj03]

The Black Max isn’t a monotube, is it?

You sir, are correct. My bad. The Black Max is twin tube. I'm not sure why I thought it was monotube.

 

[deadbeat son]

You sir, are correct. My bad. The Black Max is twin tube. I'm not sure why I thought it was monotube.

No worries, I just thought I may have been overlooking something.

 

[Irun]

All the number crunching worked out. The shock is a perfect fit for my rear setup. 4 inch up travel and 4.7 inch down.

 

[Apparition]

All the number crunching worked out. The shock is a perfect fit for my rear setup. 4 inch up travel and 4.7 inch down.

View attachment 255510

View attachment 255511

Take it for a spin, we are on pins and needles

 

[bobthetj03]

So these shocks aren't gas charged? I noticed from your unboxing pics.

 

[Gollywomper]

So these shocks aren't gas charged? I noticed from your unboxing pics.

No black Max is a hydro shock

 

[TheBoogieman]

 

[TheBoogieman]

No black Max is a hydro shock

I could have sworn it was black mac.

 

[Apparition]

 

[Gollywomper]

I could have sworn it was black mac.

Fast like a puma......

 

[bobthetj03]

 

[Gollywomper]

 

[Irun]

Take it for a spin, we are on pins and needles

I only received half. The front shocks are being shipped. From what I can see though its a decent quality twin tube shock for the money.

 

[Mr. Bills]

 

[bobthetj03]

 

[Vasq]

I only received half. The front shocks are being shipped. From what I can see though its a decent quality twin tube shock for the money.

decent quality as in appearance and fitment, or after you took it for a ride?

 

[Fishtaco]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2.5"-3" Suspension lift, running 31x10.5 tires. I installed Rancho RS5000x, but they are short so I am looking to sell them in order to buy either the longer ones or some other option that I have seen suggested in this forum by some members.

Please let me know your opinions about Skyjacker Black Max and KYB Monotube shocks, and how they compare with Rancho RS5000x.

Why dont you try more locally available "tried and tested"? I think I remember your local 4x4 club or 4x4 shop in Athens recommending different shocks over the Rancho's before you did your lift.
Its the way of the internet information world we live in that for every recommendation and praise there is at least another that comes out and tell you the opposite, trouble is we only seem to notice the latter comments after we have committed.

What is the best recommended shock for your TJ and driving conditions in your part of the world, and I personally would start there unless I could import cheaper from US.