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Bilstein 5100 Shocks

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25K views 103 replies 24 participants last post by  ajc380  
#1 ·
So, I finally picked up my stock 2009 Wrangler 2 door. Getting everything ready to raise it up 2.5” and now having a hard time finding a set (4) of shocks. I have tried several places online and either out of stock, delayed or show them until you contact them. I think 4wd.com told me they were back ordered until May.

Anyone got a suggestion or possibly another brand equally as good? A set of the Bilstein have been showing approximately $364.00.

Thanks

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#3 ·
A very good alternative to those is the Rancho RS5000X. Part numbers RS55329 and RS55330. Lots of options on where to buy, even Amazon shows them in stock.
 
#6 ·
Just pulled my 6 month old Bilstein 5100s. Too stiff for me.
I replaced them with MetalCloak RockSports. Much better option.


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Rocksports are a nice option, but have more limited applications. Without knowing what lift kit, it's hard to recommend them. For instance, with a Teraflex 2.5 lift kit, the rear springs will fall out using the Rocksports when you flex and the fronts are an issue too. So, it's important to know what springs you are looking to use them with.
 
#8 ·
Use something that includes bump stops and sway bar links or brackets... The AEV 2" Budget Boost is a great option. And with the longer shocks, you don't have to use their shock extensions.
 
#9 ·
Found out AEV pulled the 5160s from their site due to the lack of availability from Bilstein. They have no eta and they are sold out everywhere. Bummer because I was ready to complete my AEV 3.5 lift with the 5160s. I might wait it out a bit before looking for an alternative.
 
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#12 ·
Yes so many choices and so many opinions on shocks. You need to know your springs. weight of your jeep, length of the shock, how firm or soft you want the ride. This is just some of the questions that it seems you have to know before picking out shocks. I have fox shocks that came with my 2" Mopar lift. They have a great ride and I have no complaints. I have since added 1" spacer lift and flat fenders and 37" tires and now need a longer shock. I spend a lot of time on the road since it is my DD so I need a nice ride on road.
 
#14 ·
Yes so many choices and so many opinions on shocks. You need to know your springs. weight of your jeep, length of the shock, how firm or soft you want the ride. This is just some of the questions that it seems you have to know before picking out shocks. I have fox shocks that came with my 2" Mopar lift. They have a great ride and I have no complaints. I have since added 1" spacer lift and flat fenders and 37" tires and now need a longer shock. I spend a lot of time on the road since it is my DD so I need a nice ride on road.
Even on a stock Jeep?

2009, X, 2 door


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#15 ·
How about a set of Falcon 2.1.s. Perfect condition. Awsome looking shocks. About 2000 miles on them. $300.
 
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#18 ·
#24 ·
I sent everyone PMs yesterday that mentioned you had shocks for sale .

Anyone know anything about these?




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I have the 9550's on my daughters JK. The Rancho 5000X are MUCH better.
 
#19 ·
Hey, I saw your post and can definitely help! One place I like to order lots of parts from is Quadratec. Looks like they have those shocks (Not a rare shock). Bilstein B8 5100 Series Gas Shock Kit for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK with 2-3.5" Lift - Looks like shipping is the 26th. (Many times their stuff ships a couple days early for me).

Personally, I run the Rocksports as somebody said before on my Jeep. Loved them on my 2 door, love them on my new 4 door. I have a friend with a 97' Wrangler and it's harsh, so be warned.

Hope this helps!
 
#25 ·
I am surprised you aren't buying the shocks as part of your 2.5" lift kit. That way you would end up with shocks that match your springs (as long as you bought a decent kit).
Otherwise, before I suggest shocks I would need to know what springs you are going with.
 
#29 ·
Consider the Rancho kit that includes shocks and springs for a good ride that will fit the 33's you want
 
#36 ·
+1 for the Rancho Sport System. I have this with the 9000 shocks and also added the Rancho geo correction brackets which were another $180 I think. Great ride, with the 9000s set at 3 the ride is much improved over stock.

Question for the people that self-installed the Bilstein shocks, how did you manage the top connection on the front shocks? I just helped my neighbor change out his original OEM shocks for the Bilsteins, and I have to say we hated the design of the top attachment point for the front shocks. Instead of an attachment point for a wrench on the rod to keep the rod from spinning when you tighten the top nut, the Bilsteins have a hex key indent on the top of the rod. The problem is it's impossible to get the hex key in there on the passenger side. On the driver side we were able to pass an extended hex wrench through a small opening in a plastic mounting plate above the shock connection point to tighten that one. On the passenger side we ended up using a vice grip on the rob to prevent it from spinning.
 
#34 ·
I paid around $1k for an AEV 2.5" lift kit with Bilstein 5100's. Just hardware, no install. Figure $800 for install at $100/hr for the shop rate. That will vary. If you do the work yourself, then no shop rate.
 
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#37 ·
If you don't have the money to do it right don't do it, save a bit more and do it right the first time. For 33's you really don't even need to lift it. You have a couple of options here, one would be to get some take off springs and swap them in. You have a 2 door and it will have the smaller springs in it, look to get a set of 19/60 springs. It will give you a smallish lift and you don't have to change anything else. Of you can look at the Teraflex leveling kit. Does not require anything else and works great.

For shocks I am not a fan of Bilstein shock unless you are planning to autocross the vehicle. There shocks pretty much across the board are digressive, great for handling but poor for ride quality. I would look at maybe Rancho 9000's on the low end, on the high end King OEM performance custom tuned by AccuTune.
 
#39 ·
If you don't have the money to do it right don't do it, save a bit more and do it right the first time. AccuTune[/URL].
It isn’t about the money I have but the money I’m willing to spend. All I care about is it being safe for the very limited Road time it will see. I thought by adding just the spring spacers I was fine, apparently not.

Back to the drawing board.

Thanks


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#42 · (Edited)
That is a fairly low end lift. Aside from the low end components it also lacks any caster correction. So unless you add some it will not drive as good as stock.
The AEV 2.5" lift already mentioned is a nice lift, just add a set of Rancho geometry brackets and you will have a very nice riding Jeep.
Another quality lift is MetalCloak. There 2.5" lift would also be a great option. As I recall, their lifts can use either new control arms to adjust caster or geometry brackets. While I like their geometry brackets, especially the cool gold zinc color, their brackets were much harder to install than the Rancho brackets. So unless you need that cool color, as I did, go with the Rancho brackets if the lift you get doesn't already have caster correction. Honestly, I prefer the brackets even if the lift has new control arms. We run new control arms and also run the brackets to get the better ride they bring to the table.
I will add, Rough Country and Rubicon Express are more budget oriented lifts. I would suggest you avoid them. Keep in mind, the lift kit you buy is going to determine how well your Jeep rides. It isn't just about how well it will work off road, it is also going to determine how well it will work on road. The lift kit is important, a quality lift will deliver a quality ride. While a lower end lift will usually deliver a lower end ride. The Rancho lift isn't a bad option, out of all the more budget lifts it is probably the best option if you add geometry brackets or lower front control arms to correct caster. But part of the reason it works so well is it doesn't lift as much as a 2.5" lift. You would think the difference in lift height between the Rancho 2" lift and a 2.5" lift like the AEV 2.5" lift is only a half an inch. But the reality is the AEV lift will lift a typical Jeep over an inch higher. Most lifts over deliver, but the Rancho lift doesn't. That is neither good or bad, it just is.

A good quality lift will ride better than stock. A low quality lift will not.
 
#43 ·
Already mentioned, but I think the Teraflex leveling kit is exactly what you need for the lift.
 
#45 ·
I stopped by two different truck places and got a price on the rough country. Two prices, $950.00 and $880.00 installed. I was going to install it but for this price, no way.

For my purpose, I think this will work.

Going to look at a used set of 17” wheels with 35” mud tires tomorrow.



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#46 ·
Rough Country is garbage. Good thing you said money isn’t an issue because you’re going to be spending more to replace that lift down the road.
 
#52 ·
Well, I found a really decent set of tires from a guy who wrecked his jeep. Bigger than I wanted but the deal was too good to pass up.

So, I figured they would rub but so far no. However, I’m expecting them to in the mud. Glad I found the tires first because I want just enough leveling or small lift to keep them from rubbing off-road. Mainly a farm/play jeep for my 7 year old grandson. Pretty much flat, sandy in some areas and mud.

Hopefully I won’t have to go with the 3.5.

Before and after

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