Rear shocks - is this normal?

[nctom]

New rear shocks on the CJ7 and whoa what a difference. When I go over a bump with both wheels at the same time - like a fat seam in the road - it sounds like somebody hit my tailgate with a baseball bat. Seriously, a loud muffled bang - it makes my toolbox jump.

Otherwise, they seem normal. The ride is not super stiff, height has not changed.

Did I do something wrong on my install or is that normal for these rigs?

 

[Torxhead]

A short wheelbase CJ is not known for a cushy ride. The more expensive off-road shocks and suspensions will help somewhat, but it is still a CJ. Lowering tire pressure can help with the bumps.

 

[TexasBlues]

just a thought... try looking underneath for something loose... fuel cell, U Bolts etc...

its been my experience that anytime you add something NEW.. something else craps the bed

 

[Kane]

Im my experience when ever you go from a gas charge street based shock to an off road style shock the ride end up being more harsh because the valving is primarely designed for off road control and not on road smoothness. The off road shocks are meant for bigger hits and low fading. With that you give up some of the plush ride qualities of a street based gas shock.

 

[Old Dog]

Is it possable they are to long and bottoming out.

 

[nctom]

Is it possable they are to long and bottoming out.

Ya know, that sounds right. Is there a way I can tell if that is going on?

 

[Old Dog]

Ya know, that sounds right. Is there a way I can tell if that is going on?

you could undo the shock at the axle and compress it by hand to see how much travel is left. I would think you should have 3" or so.
you could also disconect a shock and drive up on something big with the rear wheel, park in a ditch like busadave, or use a forktruck like baja to stuff the tire, and than see if the shock is to long or to short.