Hi all, I'm looking for advice on shocks. I have a '14 2dr Wrangler levelled with 1" Teraflex pucks in front, the rear is at stock height. Stock 14/56 springs. Currently running 33" Duratracs on 17x9 rims. Performance on washboard type surfaces is really terrible. It seems the stock sport shocks are just too firm as I'm just bouncing and rebounding all over the place. I was looking into the new Rancho R5000X shocks as they specifically mention them to be good on washboard surfaces, but I don't see them being offered for stock suspension heights. Any suggestions/help would be much appreciated.
Bilstein 5100s or the Rancho's seem to be the most popular, however I don't know anything about putting them on a stock/small lifted ride. I have Bilsteins with my AEV 2.5 kit and LOVE them.
If you do decide you want to change your shocks, definitely look at the rancho 9000xls. They are adjustable, so you can set them for the ride YOU like. And you can reset them at will, so if you're going to be away from the washboard roads (like on a trip) or towing, you can change them for the best ride.
We have the 9000xls on both our jeeps and love them!
I am in the same boat as you. 2015 base 2 door. Came with 16" tire/wheels. Ride was not bad. Tried the 18" factory tire/wheels from our Sahara and little more bounce, but not bad.
Went 285 GY DT on 17x9 wheels and its crazy rough and darty on rough roads.
I have air at 29 - 30 psi and still no relief.
Just drove wife's 2015 Sahara 4 door tonight,.. huge difference.
I also thought the shocks on the 2dr seemed too firm, but with base tires they really aren't. So I am wondering if they are too "weak" for the additional weight of the 33's and wheels, thus lending to the more bounce feedback when hitting a bump.
We need feedback from someone who has a 2 dr and wheel/tires like this that actually upgraded shocks and "smoothed" out the ride.
when i air down its to 16 psi, 30 just won't cut it just be careful at high speeds. if its not good enough do some research as the more oil in the shock the better. You want a remote reservoir shock for the best results but at least get one that is 2.5",if it fits, as it obviously holds more oil then the 2.o's. I did a lot of research on this and if your just rock crawling really any shock will do but if your on the ruff stuff at high speeds the more oil in them the better ride and your shock will last longer. I looked at rebuildable ones so when they get old and week i don't have to just throw the old ones away and get new.
First yes air down. I am running fox 2.0 shocks and am very impressed with their performance on washboard roads (run lots of them for work) with that said stiff does not mean poor performance. The're pretty stiff on road but seem to handle the rough and choppy roads with ease. Its a trade off.
If your hitting washboards longer than a few miles above 30-35 MPH then you need reservoir shocks. The excess heat from damping will cause them to aerate (foam) and then fade. If your stock shocks perform OK initially and then performance goes to pot this is exactly what is happening. The Rubi shocks are better because they are Nitrogen charged but that alone will only go so far. You need more oil and cooling area when the going gets tough. Racing shocks even have fins to increase cooling surface area.
Coupled with progressive coils these shocks will really improve the ride and handling on this type of terrain. BTW, tires get hot too from this action and lowering the air pressure will make them flex more and get even hotter and can damage them. Low pressure is only for low speed.
Thanks to all who replied. I finally ordered some Rancho RS9000XL for the front and rear. Once I replace the oem units I'll report on the difference. I did find one of the oem rear shocks was leaking oil (less than 1000 miles).
Definitely interested in your report back. Your impressions will be helpful to my decision as what to do on my Jeep also.
Thanks,
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