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Sport vs Sahara shocks

13K views 19 replies 11 participants last post by  spinlock 
#1 ·
I've seen on Jeep site and other posts that the Sahara shocks are an upgrade over Sport shocks. Is this true?
I have a 2015 Sport 2dr. with 285/70-17 GY Duratrac tires and want a little more shock stiffness.
Tried a set of Rubi shocks but they were very firm/harsh on everyday road bumps.
Figured if Sahara shocks were really an upgrade I could pick up a set cheap as they are frequently removed form lifted Jeeps.
Then comes the correct part number:
Can anyone confirm the following is correct?
I searched ebay to try and figure them out.

Sport shock part numbers:
68069525AC & 68066754AC

Sahara
68028415AC & 68028455AC

Thanks....
 
#3 ·
Sahara and Rubicon shocks are gas charged. They are an upgrade from the sport shocks. The Sahara shocks are a little softer than the Rubicon shocks. Also, the Rubicon shocks are about 1/2" longer which gives you a little more droop while running off-road.

I got my Rubicon takes offs for around $50 which was well worth it, but with the rebate on, I would buy the RS5000X today instead.
 
#5 ·
#7 ·
IDK that the Sahara and Rubicon shocks are the same.

Jeep calls the Sport suspension "Normal Duty", Sahara "Heavy Duty with Gas Shocks", and the Rubicon "Performance".

I haven't driven a Sport, but the ride between my Sahara and Rubicon is very different: the Sahara suspension is clearly tuned for comfort, while the Rubicon feels stiffer and more controlled.

Hope that helps,

Aldo
 
#9 ·
I'm not that happy with our Sahara shocks. They have gotten too mushy/floaty. I said something about the jeep not cornering like it used to the other day while getting on an on ramp to my wife and she even noticed it. She said the jeep is not as firm/controlled as it used to be. So I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the 5000x or the 9000. I haven't decided which ones yet.
 
#10 · (Edited)
This may sound like a silly question: but are you running your tires at the recommended 37 PSI?

I see members habitually indicate on here that they run their tires at 26-28 PSI; this will smoothen the ride at the expense of handling and cornering.

If you aren't, you can save yourself a bundle by simply inflating your tires to the recommended PSI --unless, of course, you are looking to convince your wife that you "need" to mod... :D
 
#13 ·
I do find my Rubicon handles much better than my Sahara.

But I have admit I enjoy the smooth ride in my Sahara, especially when I have my parents with me, or we are on a long distance trip.
 
#16 ·
My 2014 Sahara has the 525/754 shock set up fitted. First post reckons these are the sport shocks.

Came on a jku fitted with HD tow and 17/59 springs.

Maybe like everything else, i just got what was available on the day. Only reason i know is that there are now a set of RS5000x fitted.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Since at least 2012, all three models have different shocks. The Sahara and Rubi shocks are similar, but not the same. The Sport shocks are very thin,and are the shortest. The Sahara and Rubi shocks are the same thickness, with the Rubi shocks being a touch longer and red.



Back in 2011, the Sahara and Rubi might have shared the same shocks, or at least been the same color. I'm not sure if that was for 2011 only, or simply pre 2012....I just remember 2011 Sahara's with red shocks (and they were not special editions).

As for springs/coils....different story. Rubi's "tend" to get the longest, but not always. Outside of the 10A, there are no model specific springs/coils.
 
#20 ·
As Pantermark says there are 3 different shocks but about 4-5 different part numbers. Only the Rubi shocks are monotube (performance option), the other two are twin tube and valved differently. The Sahara shocks have a plusher ride.
 
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