Shock recommendations

[JMT]

I ended up going with a pair of ranchos. All that was in stock and I had to do something. I of course drove it and it felt good. That said it's not really mine, it's my daughter's so see if she gives me any feedback.

I am curious because every site says to run these lower control arm needs slight grinding. I didn't seem to need any and could not figure this out. What gives?

That’s misinformation. She’s good to go.

 

[TheBoogieman]

However, I won a set of Bilstein shocks in a raffle at the KOH this year. I had the choice between 5100 and 5160's. I chose the 5160s with the reservoir because they're more $ and I fully expected to sell them on Facebook marketplace for a few hundred bucks after giving them try, just based on what I've read about them on this forum.

I was "shocked" at how well they performed.

Free shocks are like free tires, they always exceed your expectations and are well worth the money.

 

[grabeb]

Free shocks are like free tires, they always exceed your expectations and are well worth the money.

I'm "tired" of everyone else getting the free stuff!!

 

[grabeb]

That’s misinformation. She’s good to go.

Good deal! I do have a question, but I'll start a new thread as it likely doesn't relate to the shocks!

Thanks everyone for their feedback. In hindsight, I'm not sure the shock was actually broken. But I think the damper was missing on the top side of the driver shock....I kind of thought I pulled two out, but only finding the one. It was loose up there and doesn't hurt to have fresh shocks if going through the work. They were super easy to do with the lift and the front end jacked up a bit off the ramps.

 

[tworley]

Bilstein has voluminous valving options in the 5100 series. I just don’t know what it all means relative to my TJ.

IMO, I think the TJ is too light for Bilsteins. I have (and have had) bilsteins on some 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks, they ride much better with some weight sitting on them.

 

[Tony Little]

Free shocks are like free tires, they always exceed your expectations and are well worth the money.

 

[JMT]

IMO, I think the TJ is too light for Bilsteins. I have (and have had) bilsteins on some 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks, they ride much better with some weight sitting on them.

I think that’s true for JK’s too. I also think the Rancho’s ride better with more weight on them than those of us who hover around 4,000-4,100lb. It’s noticeable when you load a couple hundred pounds that ride quality improves.