Shocks?

[LtFuzz]

i'm ordering shocks as a Christmas present for myself but i'm stuck on what to get....i'm either looking at the Rancho RS5000 or this 4Way Coil over shock....around the same price ($50ish)...my question is which would give me a smoother ride?

Capt Cox
USAF Aux

 

[L33TJ33P]

I have had no issues with my BDS Shocks (which are produced in the same factory as Rancho) I have to say that I have a smoother ride with the New, aftermarket shocks. I have never played with Coil Over so I can't compare them for you.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

RS5000's are a gas-charged shock and, as such, ride very stiff. Stick with a hydraulic shock if you're looking for a smooth ride.

Doetsch-Tech 3000's ride very smooth and have a lifetime warranty for about $30 each. Also check out Rusty's hydros.

 

[west747]

i am running BDS shocks as well..no problems with em. they ride as good as can be expected in a jeep.

 

[TwistedCU]

4way coil over shocks will seriously limit your flex and make for a rough ride because they limit the shock's travel. A good set of hydraulic shocks would be a much better choice.

 

[LtFuzz]

never lean against a tree again

so for a smoother road ride i should stick with gas shocks rather than coil overs?

 

[L33TJ33P]

No smoother = Hydraulic.

 

[TwistedCU]

so for a smoother road ride i should stick with gas shocks rather than coil overs?

Absolutely

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

For an even smoother ride stick with hydraulic shocks over gas shocks. Gas-charged shocks are better for hitting bumps at speed, like baja, not the type of wheelin most jeepers do. This provides a much harsher ride than hydros.

 

[geopig]

Just a question from someone who is fairly mechanically inclined but who hasn't worked on jeeps (or autos for that matter) all that much. I've got a 1991 2.5L YJ (totally stock :? for now).

How difficult is it to replace the shocks on the YJ? And roughly how much time should it take? Any other tips/suggestions would be great. And thanks for the discussion on shock type, very useful.

Cheers,
Geoff

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

It's easy, should only take about 15 to 20 minutes per shock. I recommend spraying all shock bolts the day before and the day of with PB BLaster, it'll make them come apart much easier.

 

[richsia]

Shocks aren't too bad... You don't need much besides a Socket Wrench Set and maybe a good Floor Jack. Might as well grease all the fittings while your down there too.
Changing the leaf springs though... I think those would be a b!tch...

 

[TwistedCU]

The 4 way's aren't coil-overs like you see on a hardcore rock crawling rig. They're a regular shock with a p.o.s. coil mounted to them with hex head screws. I bought one of their steering stabilizers but ended up putting it on ebay because one look and I knew it would limit my turning radius, just like they would limit wheel travel.