Shocks
Shocks
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IOPort51
NOT the voice of reason Jeep-CJ.com
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4.2 W/MC2100 carb, 4.0 head W/3 angle valves,SS Header,TFI ignition with MSB-6 offroad module,CS144 140 amp RPS alternator with remote regulator T-150,d-20,Dana 44 with OX lock and disk brakes. D-30 with Spartin locker,
skyjacker 2.5 lift?nitro shocks,31" BFG A/T off road.8000 lb Warn winch, original owner.=^)
2006 Toyota Tacoma
The problem I have with buying shocks is that there is no way to actually compare them. The phrases " smooth ride , "firm ride" "great handling" are kind of vague. If you find a true standard of comparison, please let me know.
I have had one Rancho suspension set and have steered away from any more ever since They were on a FSJ and rode like a buck board. I have Skyjacker nitos shocks now on my CJ5 and have no complaints but really have no good reason to feel one way or the other. A set of Monroe magnums may very well work as well for a lot less money but the only people that are talking about shocks are , coincidentally , the people that are selling them.
I did, just once, drive across a freshly plowed corn field at about 40 MPH and had no problems with control, I was impressed. This did manage to blow one of the seals in the skyjacker shock and I had to replace it.
One more thing, if you want to take the "life time warranty" seriously, don't loose the receipt. With out it your just going to get a bored look.
I have had one Rancho suspension set and have steered away from any more ever since They were on a FSJ and rode like a buck board. I have Skyjacker nitos shocks now on my CJ5 and have no complaints but really have no good reason to feel one way or the other. A set of Monroe magnums may very well work as well for a lot less money but the only people that are talking about shocks are , coincidentally , the people that are selling them.
I did, just once, drive across a freshly plowed corn field at about 40 MPH and had no problems with control, I was impressed. This did manage to blow one of the seals in the skyjacker shock and I had to replace it.
One more thing, if you want to take the "life time warranty" seriously, don't loose the receipt. With out it your just going to get a bored look.
BusaDave9
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
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- 1979 Jeep CJ5 with 304 V8, T18 Transmission, Dana 20 Transfer case with TeraLow 3:1 gears, 4.88 axle gears, Detroit Locker up front and Ox Locker in back with 1 piece axle shafts, 36" SuperSwamper SX Tires, Shackle reversal, MileMarker Hydraulic winch, MSD 6A ignition.
I agree with IOPort, you can't hardly compare things like ride quality but you can compare the quality of the build. I have owned Rancho shocks and Doetsch Tech shocks. The Doetsch Tech shocks I now own are very high quality, much better than Rancho.The problem I have with buying shocks is that there is no way to actually compare them. The phrases " smooth ride , "firm ride" "great handling" are kind of vague. If you find a true standard of comparison, please let me know.
I have had one Rancho suspension set and have steered away from any more ever since
The quality of ride depends on things like the dampening rate of the shock. Shock companies don't advertise the dampening rate because they don't offer different dampening rates for each application. If you look up the specs of the shocks a company makes you'll find out they don't try to make different dampening rates for a vehicle. They have a hard enough time making shocks that have the correct length when compressed and when extended. They also need to worry about the type of mounting. Check out this link for all that Doetsch Tech has to offer: Shock and Suspension Hardware Accessories
My short answer (too late for that) is to buy Doetsch Tech.
jonboy1919
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BusaDave, I need to replace my shocks on my 4" SOA CJ7 (at least the rears, upper rubber bushings are gone). The PO had Rancho RS5116 with specs:
L1 mount code both upper & lower;
14.875-inch comp length
24.00-inch ext length
9.125 travel length
I am not married to Rancho and I see you have endorsed Doetsch Tech. Can you give me a couple of details as to why you consider them "higher quality" and "much better?"
Also, on the front of my Jeep I have Rancho adjustable RS99112 shocks. Many Jeepers rave about "adjustability" to tune the ride for the terrain. Following that logic, wouldn't adjustable shocks all around the Jeep be preferrable?
Which Doetsch Tech shocks are you running on your Jeep and what lift do you have?
Any info is always appreciated.
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PaRenegade
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Most of the run of the mill, lower line of aftermarket shocks are all the same. Just re-branded Rancho's. If they look the same, they probably are.
BusaDave9
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
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I like my Doetsch shocks. The welds look stronger. Also what I really noticed was the size of the shaft was bigger than any Rancho I have had. Granted I have always gotten the cheaper Ranchos such as the 5000.
I now have Doetsch Baja Ryder Shocks with an offset eyelet. That gave me better clearance. I have a shackle reversal and when the front suspension compressed the axle moved to the rear. The old shocks would then bang into the axle tube and damage themselves.
I now have Doetsch Baja Ryder Shocks with an offset eyelet. That gave me better clearance. I have a shackle reversal and when the front suspension compressed the axle moved to the rear. The old shocks would then bang into the axle tube and damage themselves.
BusaDave9
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
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- 1979 Jeep CJ5 with 304 V8, T18 Transmission, Dana 20 Transfer case with TeraLow 3:1 gears, 4.88 axle gears, Detroit Locker up front and Ox Locker in back with 1 piece axle shafts, 36" SuperSwamper SX Tires, Shackle reversal, MileMarker Hydraulic winch, MSD 6A ignition.
Adjustability is nice. On my Busa I can adjust compression and rebound dampening (not to mention spring preload). On my performance motorcycle that is nice. On my CJ I don't think I need that on low speed rock crawling. My dampening is just fine. If I used my CJ for a daily driver and sometimes blazed across the desert I would really like adjustable shocks. But it's not necessary for my driving.
As for the length of the shocks, I think thats important because I think wheel travel is important. Don't let anyone tell you just what length your shocks should be. Not even the shock manufacturer. Measure them yourself. Compress opposite tires to the point that 2 tires are coming off the ground. Then measure compressed and extended lengths.
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