shock absorber lengths

[BC CJ]

Hi folks. I have been trying to research shocks online but without much success. I looked at pro comp and rancho shocks and both have a shock they say is for 2-3" lift. I think my Jeep has more like 3-4" of lift but anyways I would like longer shocks for lots of travel (whatever the leaf springs will allow). None of these companies have lengths collapsed and fully extended on their sites. So I am hoping some of you guys have shocks kicking around that you could measure and post up the info: brand/style/colapsed length/fully extended length. Part numbers too if possible.

Thanks!

 

[Torxhead]

I would pass on the Pro Comps, the ones I had years ago that came with the kit went into the trash. I think shocks are pretty critical on a CJ, and have been satisfied with Ranchos, which is subject to opinion. Anyway I was able to get shock lengths at a parts distributor. A good set of shocks have good prices to go with them also, so, you will be paying for the ride.

 

[BC CJ]

Thanks Torxhead. Which kind of Ranchos do you have?

Anyone with measurements? I'd like to know how long the "2-3" lift shocks are to compare with what I have. I like to do research first: in my experience my half an hour on the internet gives me more info than parts sellers can. Maybe I'll have to shop around more to find a good, knowlegable parts guy.

 

[dalefan88]

I have about 3" lift i work at a parts store and found that shocks off the rear of a 98 ford range 4x4 work. I got the rancho 5000. The only thing you have to do is take the sleeve out of the bushing at one end to make them slide on the mount. I have them all around on my jeep.


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[dalefan88]

I got different shock towers on the front. They will work on the rear though


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[BC CJ]

Good to know Dalefan88, thanks. Munroe has a good spec sheet on thier website. I've used the Gas Magnum shocks before; they are very stiff and bumpy around town but worked great offroad. I might get some of those...

I also found some pro comp measurments on the National 4wd site (4wheel parts type store up here in Canada). The prices are tempting. Are all the pro comps junk or just the 1000s? I was looking at 9000s... good price on those too.

 

[PaRenegade]

I'm pretty sure Superlift has collapsed and extended lengths on their website. Can't give you any feedback on the quality though.

 

[Greenmule]

What about OME shocks? I have been told they have a great ride. I also found them for CJ5 with 3" lift. Any thoughts?

 

[Az84cj7]

Call rancho direct. Will be able to get you set up with the right shock. If at all possible try to flex out your springs and measure your shock mounting points at extended and compressed.

 

[Kurtsara]

Call rancho direct. Will be able to get you set up with the right shock. If at all possible try to flex out your springs and measure your shock mounting points at extended and compressed.

I called Rancho Monday and they could only recommend a shock for stock or a 2" lifted Jeep, with my four inch lift the guy would not recommend anything.

 

[Incommando]

Bilstein are hands down the best shocks I have owned. Most of the "white body" shocks sold by the various brands are actually the same shock.

 

[Az84cj7]

I called Rancho Monday and they could only recommend a shock for stock or a 2" lifted Jeep, with my four inch lift the guy would not recommend anything.

Thats probably because rancho makes a 2" lift for the cj's. If you can take measurements they should be able to help you.
I personaly had to call them a couple weeks ago for this same reason and they were more than helpfull. Plus there shocks are guarenteed

 

[BC CJ]

Thanks guys! Lots of good info here.

Greenmule, I have OME struts on my suzuki and I really noticed the ride improovment on and off road. That may be a good option.

Rancho looks good but expensive. OME and Bilstein probably too. I'm not sure how much I'll spend on shocks; The Jeep isn't my daily, not for big trips, I dont do really extreme 4wheeling - it's just for putting around town and local trails.

The pro comp 9000 is thier best basic shock (non adjustable-monotube) but is still quite cheap. They are nitrogen charged... I think thats a good thing. anyone run these? any good?

 

[micrablue]

BC CJ, what did you end up doing?

I just bought new Rancho 9000's and am psyched to get them onboard. I will do this in three weeks. For my research, here is what I found:

Skyjacker M9558 (3-5"; YJ rear shock is same as all CJ front and rear)
Eye to Eye
Extended Length 24.84" Collapsed Length 14.82" (so you could use this one)

My new ones: 1973 Jeep Wagoneer 4"
RS9116
24.40 14.79 EB1 EB1=eye to eye (but I wanted Rancho 9000s for adjustability on the highway mostly)

FYI, I am running 4" Skyjacker lift, reverse shackle system, and 1" shackles.

I paid, after rebate, free shipping, and 15% discount, 58.00 per shock.

good luck!

 

[IOPort51]

so , there is about 10" of stroke available. So the length should be positioned to give what is required before the axle hits the bump and/or the tire hits the fender and what ever is left is for downward travel.

 

[BC CJ]

I ended up with Munroe sensa-trac. It was a while ago and I cant remember the details but they are quite long and the bump stops just barely hit first. The leafs are too stiff to use all of the length so I should have got a bit shorter just to be safer on the compression side of things. But I'm not taking jumps so the shocks can probably handle bottoming out a bit

 

[dalefan88]

Got a part# ?


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[BC CJ]

mon-37101 is what's on the reciept. I got them at my work's price which was darn near 50% off. Woo-hoo! Otherwise these might not fit the budget minded people (like me ).