Shock recommendations...

[tbrand]

Looking to improve my ride, as I've got a 1000-mile move coming up and what appear to be original shocks. However, there's a decent chance that, if we only need one car in our new area, that the Jeep will be up for sale. As such, I'm hesitant to put my money into a set of Bilsteins or similar, but I don't want junk in case I keep it. What have y'all run that you like, and isn't on the too-expensive side?

[mj Mike]

My Two Cents

go with a set of Bilsteins 5100's or 5150's they are worth the $

[tbrand]

I've never bought shocks before - I've heard that lots of folks like the Bilsteins, but what about them makes them worth the money?

[mj Mike]

the engineering to back them!

 

The 5100 Series offers traditional Bilstein technology with applications for lifted trucks, Jeeps and prerunners. They are designed for specific manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration.

 

5100 Series shocks feature Bilstein's single-tube, high gas pressure design for consistent fade-free performance and long life. Bilstein's patented digressive self-adjusting valving delivers improved damping control and a smooth ride on all road surfaces at any speed.

 

* Self-adjusting deflecting disc valving

* High-flow piston reduces harshness

* Independent rebound & Compression Tuning

* Larger Working Piston Area for Exact Damping

* Superior Control for Large Diameter Tires

 

The Bilstein Principle

 

All Bilstein gas pressure struts/inserts and gas pressure shock absorbers operate on the same principle. They are manufactured with the rod pointing down into the strut tube, thereby utilizing the thicker, stouter body portion of the shock absorber to dissipate side loads. Consequently, due to the increased diameter and surface of the pressure tube, the Bilstein gas pressure strut/insert or shock is better suited to take increased side loads when compared with the conventional version.

 

Additional advantages, based on development strongly influenced by the motorsport industry, include greater stability, better road handling, and accurate steering. This combined with extremely high quality manufacturing and materials, means Bilsteins will last approximately four times as long as Original Equipment.

 

Battling Heat Build Up

 

Conventional shocks trap the heat within the shock body and prevent adequate dissipation, making them prone to heat build up, fade and eventual failure.

 

Bilstein's patented design allows the excessive heat from the oil to transfer to the outer surface of the shock body and dissipate more efficiently. The dividing piston also permits the oil to expand as heat builds, preventing aeration (foaming) and viscosity loss. This allows the shock to maintain full damping characteristics as temperatures rise.

 

The tube of a Bilstein gas pressure shock or strut is fabricated using a special extrusion method. This process achieves an extremely tight peak-to-valley tolerance and maintains consistent wall thickness. Bilstein's seamless monotube design provides superior tube strength while maximizing heat dissipation and shock life.

 

Ride Comfort and Performance Without Compromise

 

The piston head design allows independent tuning of the compression and rebound damping forces to provide optimum ride comfort and performance without compromise. It features fewer parts than most conventional designs. The product's simple, yet exceptionally functional digressive design contributes to the extreme durability and long life of Bilstein Shock Absorbers.

 

Better Built

 

Bilstein's shock bodies are precision formed through a unique seamless extrusion process. This provides superior strength along with high finish tolerances. The shock body is then treated with a special paint finish durable enough to withstand grueling 240-hour salt spray tests. The finished body is mated with a solid, induction-hardened steel chrome plated and polished shaft, machined valving components and highest quality seals.

 

Bilstein products are backed by an aftermarket lifetime warranty.

[tbrand]

I see. 4 wheel parts has the 5100's for $58.99/ea. Is this the right shock that I'd need?

 

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits-Su ... mlprox=out

[mj Mike]

ya looks like the right shocks!

Butt when it comes to buying shocks you should call & talk to some one or go in to a retailer & talk to them.

shock are measure buy length . your truck looks stock ride height?

[tbrand]

Yeah, it's stock. Is that a decent price for those? There's a 4Wheel Parts shop on my way home from work. I think I'll have to stop in there and see if they'll price match their website.

[mj Mike]

:smart: the knowledge i have for ordering shocks is for lifted jeeps!

:hmm: you will have to measure the stroke of you stock shocks.

this means take the shock off & compress it then measure from eyelet to eyelet

then fully extend the shock & measure again. then do the math for the shock travel (stroke) this is how shocks are Measured.

 

i did some research & the price is right. looks like they went up in price :doh:

butt you said it your self!

I'm hesitant to put my money into a set of Bilsteins or similar, but I don't want junk in case I keep it. What have y'all run that you like, and isn't on the too-expensive side?

[glundblad]

I have read countless similar posts previous to yours. I ended up purchasing a set of OME (Old Man Emu) shocks. I am really glad I bought them. They fall within the expensive category too but they really improved the ride. Others have said Monroe sensatracs perform pretty well and are less expensive too. But don't forget, Comanche's cab welded directly to the frame. I live on the roughest dirt road in our county. While it does give a great ride on average quality roads, there is no way it will be as smooth a ride on rough roads as my tahoe or my jk rubicon. On rough roads, the rubicon for example benefits from 20 additional years of suspension development.

 

I am the original owner of my '87 comanche. It rode harsh when it was new but I didnt buy it because of it's luxurious ride.