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Bought Bilstein shocks but my mechanic says they're way too big?

5K views 33 replies 6 participants last post by  SYAWEDIS 
#1 ·
I have a 94 wrangler with a 3 to 4" lift, and bought these bilstein shocks from amazon cuz they say they're for the 89-95 wrangler and that they're perfect for a 3-4" lift:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FU6DL6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BUT my mechanic says they are completely wrong. He claims they are like 10" too long. Was I totally wrong? Or is he smokin something...?

Also bought these front ones:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007N6RRO6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Are they right / wrong too?


Thanks in advance to anyone who can shine some light on this for me
 
#3 ·
Hey sure,

so i went outside for some measurements

My tires are a 30" bf goodrich
My current shocks measure 17 inches from bolt to bolt (with the weight of the jeep)
The new shocks measure 24 inches from bolt to bolt (without any weight), looks like they really are too big :\

I'm including a couple pictures of my suspension. Don't know what you would be looking for so I took a few.

I was told there was a 3-4" lift on the jeep, and it definitely sits higher than a standard one. But something obviously went wrong here. Is there any salvaging this?
 

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#4 ·
Photos of jeep still needed... "over all stance"
Is the skid plate dropped?, are there body mount pucks?, are the shackles stock?

I have a feeling your jeep is fairly stock, but I need photos to tell

If I was at home I could help with just the shock measurement info, perhaps some one else will chime in.
 
#5 ·
Sure ill get some more pics tomorrow when its day light, but im fairly certain this thing is mostly stock with some butchered together 'lift job'

Just wanted to mention i just listened to a voice message the previous owner had sent me, and this is what it says word for word:

"okay the body kit we put on the car, you will see those red things, like rubber plastic kind of thing, it lift the car 2 1/2" inches from the chassis.

and then theres another, like an H -shape kind of thing thats on the suspension lift, that gives the car another inch or inch and a half"

Otherwise I dont think there's anything else much done to it
 
#6 ·
I can see you have flat stock springs.

You may indeed have the shackle lift "H-shaped things" Measure the H bolt to bolt.

The red pucks are a body lift and wont calculate into the shock sizing.

My recommendations are to return the shocks as they probably are too long.

Spend some more money on a complete 2.5 inch lift with shocks.

If you are on a budget and just want shocks, get stock, (unless your shackle lift is ridiculous)
 
#7 ·
Well that's a bit of a bummer I was really pumped for those bilsteins! Guess i really should have spent more time here first XD

Forgive my lack of knowing anything, but 'flat stock springs' are you refering to the leaf springs?

I also don't know what the H-bolt is, was it in one of the pictures?

And from what I gather, I've got a 2.5" body lift, and a 1" suspension lift, that sound about right?

I've read on here about a few lift options (and of course now that i do a search i cant really find them), but it's really confusing what i need, or what I want to spend..
How much would a complete 2.5" lift cost me?
And if i go just the shocks route, is there a shock you could recommend? I'd probly want something middle ground, not too ruggid and not too comfort, if that helps any.


Really appreciate the help so far you guys are great :)
 
#10 ·
Forgive my lack of knowing anything, but 'flat stock springs' are you refering to the leaf springs?

I also don't know what the H-bolt is, was it in one of the pictures?

:)
Yes, I was referring to the leaf springs. Stock ones are flat looking with no noticeable curve to them.

The H you referred to was not in your pics.

dirtyjeepboy posted a pic that shows them
.
They are called shackles. Measure yours from the top bolt to the bottom bolt.
Stock is 4 inches.
If yours measure 6 inches, you have a 1 inch shackle lift. If yours measure 7 inches, you have 1.5 inches. If yours measures 8 inches, you have 2 inches of lift. It lifts half an inch for every inch of length over stock.
 
#8 ·
Shackle lift looks like below. 1-1/4" Lift Shackles Rear - DAY-KJ60013

Rancho quoted these shocks to me 2 weeks ago. I have the 1.25 shackles.
Run the RS5000X, easy on the wallet and grat both off and on trail
RS55168 (front)
RS55118 (rear)

These will work perfect with the 2" system.
They are also having a sale thru October

Everyone has their opinion on which lift is best, so research is your friend, but here is a start
 

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#9 ·
Shock sizing is a joke... I have Rancho shocks meant for 2.5" of lift. The fronts are maxed out, the rears are bottomed out. I learned to go by the actual measurement of the shock rather than what it says it's for. You want to look at extended and compressed length and average them. The shock should be at about that average at sitting height.

I plan on getting better shocks later so I'm just dealing with it for now.
 
#11 ·
Well, this experience has been a bit of a disaster but I gotta say I've learned a lot about my jeep! Thanks for the pic dirtyjeep

I think i saw the "red rubber things" he was referring to but they're more like black now, and looked more like 2". Do these wear down a lot over time?

And the shackles bolt to bolt (center to center) are 6", which give me 1" of actual suspension increase? So if I guess if i just wanted shocks, would I look for some that are for a 1" lift? Or stock or 2" (like the ranchos)?

I'll look through the forum here too and see what i can find on some 2" or 2.5" lifts and see what i can decyfer from there

Cheers
 
#12 ·
Yes, you would have a total of 1 inch of lift from those shackles. But, with the sag in the old springs, you may have a net lift of 0-1/2".
You could probably get away with stock shocks.
Are you able to get lift kits down there? Shipping from the USA would be expensive.
I have always preferred to get a complete suspension lift with no body lift. I think body lifts look cheese-ball. Depending on what the body lift was made from, it may have crushed down some.
Pics?
I have a 2.5" pro-comp complete lift with their ES3000 series shocks and 30" tires

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/exp-k3061b/overview/year/1991/make/jeep/model/wrangler

 
#13 ·
I don't think there's anywhere down here that sells lift kits unfortunately. I think i found the same pro-comp kit on amazon for $600 with free shipping (to my US address), but says the whole kit weighs 165lbs! If i was to guess, shipping into the country would probly be around $900 for shipping / taxes alone. :(

Inlcuding a pic of the overall stance
 

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#15 ·
Thanks thats THE RED WRANGLER right there! XD

I've been looking more into what my options are, and I might be able to find shipping for cheaper (I use a service that has always been pretty expensive, but never shipped something this heavy before), and I think I might have narrowed it down to 3 options (well 4, one's the same but different?) and was hoping to bug you guys for just a little more intel!

Is there one of these that comes overwhelmingly more recommended than the other?

  1. Skyjacker (YJ25K-H) Suspension Lift Ki
  2. Skyjacker (YJ25K-N) Suspension Lift Kit
  3. Pro Comp K3061BMX 2.5
  4. Rubicon Express RE5505 2.5"

I was guessing that the Skyjacker -N and -H mean nitro and hydro? Is there much of a difference?

EDIT: Are the rubicon express actual 'Rubicon' or they some kinda knock-off?*

EDIT: And also, if I was to get a full 2.5" lift kit, would I need to get a set of 4" shackles to put back on?


Cheers
 
#16 ·
The difference between the shocks...
Nitro=nitrogen filled "Gas Shocks"
Hydro=plain hydraulic shocks.
Gas shocks are preferred, but add a little stiffness to the ride when compared to similar hydros.

I prefer the ride quality of the pro comp on my current YJ versus the ride quality of the Skyjacker kit on a previous YJ

Rubicon express is the name of the company. No relation to the Rubicon model jeep TJ

Lift shackles are a bullshit way to lift a jeep. They change the caster of the axle and decrease axle location rigidity. Both cause poor handling. Definitely go back to stock shackles.

 
#17 ·
Really clean lookin jeep you got there Drednot. btw thanks for the info man (and everyone else), really appreciate it.

I think I'm actually leaning towards ordering the pro comp kit withe MX shocks. That is, if I can find a place that can bring it in for maybe half price. $500 max on shipping + import taxes is my wishful thinking.

I could just buy shocks... but knowing now what kind of 'lift' my jeep has, it really puts into perspective why it drives SO BAD. Like a bobble head on wheels. I've had to break really quickly before on the highway and it's like an angry bobble head. Kinda scary.

Question though, Dred, do your previous skyjacker kit and pro comp kit both use gas shocks?
 
#18 ·
My skyjacker had the nitros

My procomp does not.

I would caution against the MX shocks. The adjustable valve idea is great, BUT, having to get underneath to change it defeats the whole deal.

I had the same system by Rancho. No matter where you had them set, they needed to be changed to a different setting for changing road conditions as you met them while driving. They were always too hard, or too soft. I got their in cab adjusting controls for instant changes at the push of a button. That was the difference. Great system with the in cab controller, stupid without.



 
#19 ·
Hmmm
I think the pro-comp you linked me was a twin tube gas powered shock, isn't that nitro?

I thought the only difference between them and the MX was that the MX was a monotube, which for whatever reason, I'm obessing about ever since i watched a bilstein video on the monotube design.

I didn't know the MX were adjustable though.. and a pain in the butt? :\

La la la, what to do.
 
#23 ·
Pro Comp Shock Absorber - ES9000 Series, ES3000 Series, ES1000 Series, ES6000 Series, Adjustable Shock, Toxic Shocks

The MX has an adjustment knob like the Rancho 9000 series I had on my rubicon. The in cab adjustment kit was an option offered by rancho for those shocks. Without it, the adjustment feature was really worthless as adjusting as you drove was mandatory to not hate the shocks.

My ES3000s are Gas cellular. That means that there is a piece of closed cell foam in the bottom that can compress and expand to dampen the oil somewhat.
If you notice the next model up, the ES4000, it is NITROgen gas charged with that pocket of gas. You can tell "nitro" or "gas charged" shocks by the fact that they extend fully by them selves and are shipped with a strap holding them collapsed.
 
#20 ·
Drednot is that some kind of aftermarket kit you have in your jeep for the suspension controls inside? I'm gonna have to ask the amazon store guys if the MX shocks are adjustable. One of the other things that was swaying me towards MX over some other options is they come with a BOOT. Something silly i know but i can't help but take that as a sign of not cheaping out.

Would it be safe to say that any new suspension is going to make my jeep ride even rougher? I plan on going back to 4" shackles and removing the body lift in place of a 2.5" lift kit.

What im hoping for is that it will at least perform better on the highway like better handling and just generally feel safer
 
#21 ·
Since this is turning into more of adventure in itself, I'm gonna keep this post updated.

Just spoke to the 4x4 guy who imports this stuff and here's some landed costs:

skyjacker kit: $1260
procomp mx kit: $1150
rubicon express kit: $1220

He recommends the rubicon express. I asked about them not having shock boots and he said its better to run shocks without boots here because of the humidity and mud. Does that make sense to anyone?

Rubicon are also the only Twin Tube shocks, both the mx procomp and skyjacker (i think) are monotubes. Is there really much of a difference?


Sorry for being that annoying guy on the forum... I'm just really trying to get as much info as i can before i pull the trigger on one of these.
 
#24 ·
I asked about them not having shock boots and he said its better to run shocks without boots here because of the humidity and mud. Does that make sense to anyone?
.

The boots are a personal preference. They have vent holes in them so they don't pop when compressed. Those vent let in moisture, mud, and dust that you cant wash out and cause rust, pitting, and abrasive scratching on the sealing surface of the shaft.

The boots do protect the shafts from nicks from flying gravel.

Soooo....its up to you and what your priority is.

Shock boots come in all the colors of the rainbow and can be installed on any shock, so you don't have to get the MX just to get the boots. The boots are available separately for cheap(ish)
 
#26 ·
I was real happy with the ES3000's on mine back when I had a conventional suspension. I agree with IRQ about the OME suspension. I have heard nothing but great things about their products. You may also want to look into Zone Suspension. I hate to add more options to what you are already looking at, but from my many years of research on Jeep suspension Pro Comp and Skyjacker are not the only options out there any more. Once upon a time I was going to pull the trigger on the Rubicon Express suspension as I read a lot of good things about them, but I went a little crazy with my suspension instead. I am glad you have chosen to get rid of the body lift and put a proper suspension system under your Jeep. Whichever system you choose, you will be better off than you are now.
 
#30 ·
So many options... Been starting to look at 4" lifts too.

After looking through some more lift reviews, I think I've come to the realization that I like my jeep where it sits right now, roughly a 3.5" lift (visually).

Not sure now if that means I should get a 2.5" kit or a 4" kit. I imagine if i went with a 4" lift I'd want bigger tires (already thinking about new tires tho)?

These seem to be what made the short list
4.5" rough country $1000 landed.
4.5" rubicon express (with monotubes) $1800 landed
2.5" rough country $750 landed
2.5" rubicon express (with monotubes) $1350


I'm throwing rough country in there cuz it seems to be what most people use in this country, they seem to have one of the best guarantee/customer service, and its a whole lot cheaper.

Ultimately I'm still leaning most towards the 2.5" RE with monotubes, and I'll probly just pull the trigger before the weekend. Feel free to sway me one way or another or point out any flaws in my thinking
 
#33 ·
Stick with the 2.5"
4" starts needing more mods and the next thing you know, you've spent 20K on this...
Yup that's a very good point man! I was starting to notice that as i was looking through some builds and reading about the vibration caused by the extreme driveshaft angle, which you then wanna fix and might as well upgrade and upgrade and upgrade and... yeah.... 2.5" it is!

If you want that extra inch to get you back to where you are now get a Daystar 1" body lift. It is a 1 piece polyurethane body mount that is an inch taller than stock, no plastic puck.
Yeah true :)

Everyone on this forum has been great. Just wanna say a big thanks to everyone who's helped me out so far with my jeep! :happyyes:
 
#34 ·
UPDATE

So I ended up going with the rubicon 2.5" inch, paid half the cost for the kit up front, and get a call today saying the RE Monotubes have been discontinued, do i want the twin tubes? -_- No, I want monotubes! :p

Which brought me back to looking around for what shocks I want, sigh.

Which also brought me back around to, whad'ya know, the bilsteins. I ended up calling around and, WHAD'YA KNOW, I'm confused again. I see Bilstein 5100s on amazon saying their for a 0-2" lift. I see on amazon the bilstein shocks i ordered (which just so happen to be the same part numbers for the front/rear 5100 set, are for a 4" lift. The place I called today said he deals with shocks all the time and the bilstein 5100s are for a 2-4" lift, and they would fit the 2.5" RE kit. He was a rude jackass that hung up on me though, so i never got to ask if the shocks I ordered were in fact the same as the 5100s but im thinking Yes. WHICH MEANS I'm an idiot cuz I've been sitting on these shocks the whole time.

BUT THATS NOT ALL. I actually sent back the rear shocks already and still waiting for the refund, but the front shocks i wasnt able to sent back. First I had to call amazon to see if they could extend the return date, come to find out that because they are shocks / hazardous material they cant accept the return! But it wasnt actually bad at all, she said they were still gonna refund me!! woohoo! So i basically got them at the cost of shipping. Which was $145, ha.

So now I'll be seeing if he can order me the RE kit with the rear bilstein shocks. lol XD
 
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