Need advice for shocks...

[Burro II]

2006 KJ. 3.7 Auto Command Trac

Just bought this one.

121K miles on what I presume are the original shocks. Pretty thumpy on the bumps.

Most driving will be either highway, mountain roads, or semi-improved forest roads. No rock stuff, sand, or mud.

What are the suggestions for comfortable shocks that have good durability?

Thanks.

BN

 

[tommudd]

2006 KJ. 3.7 Auto Command Trac

Just bought this one.

121K miles on what I presume are the original shocks. Pretty thumpy on the bumps.

Most driving will be either highway, mountain roads, or semi-improved forest roads. No rock stuff, sand, or mud.

What are the suggestions for comfortable shocks that have good durability?

Thanks.

BN

New springs and shocks, installing new shocks with worn out springs will cause the shocks to wear out fast.
Combine that with the weak stock springs ( 310 lb should of been 340-350 ) and installing new shocks is worthless , waste of money
Do it right, upgrade

 

[Burro II]

New springs and shocks, installing new shocks with worn out springs will cause the shocks to wear out fast.
Combine that with the weak stock springs ( 310 lb should of been 340-350 ) and installing new shocks is worthless , waste of money
Do it right, upgrade

I will look into that. Don't want a harsh rock buggy though.

Did that on my XJ.

But I was really wanting suggestions on specific mfgr and model of shocks.

I am working within a budget, so perhaps to presume the springs are weak and and suggesting "installing new shocks is worthless, waste of money" is a bit of an overstatement.

But I do appreciate upgrades. It's just a matter of priorities and plans for the vehicle.

 

[JasonJ]

I will look into that. Don't want a harsh rock buggy though.

Did that on my XJ.

But I was really wanting suggestions on specific mfgr and model of shocks.

I am working within a budget, so perhaps to presume the springs are weak and and suggesting "installing new shocks is worthless, waste of money" is a bit of an overstatement.

But I do appreciate upgrades. It's just a matter of priorities and plans for the vehicle.

It's a 2006... 12+ years old. We know the KJ platform, ALL factory installed springs were under-sprung as a matter of build specification, and as a result, ALL factory installed and OE spec replacement springs become weak and lower ride height and quality after about 5-6 years of use- regardless of miles.

It's largely considered a waste of money because for the amount of time that new OE spec replacements will last, you'll be paying just as much after needing to replace them twice or more as if you found a way to buy superior parts in the first place.

But I get the budget thing, same spot for me.. took me better part of 3 or 4 years to finally get to where I could buy the better suspension parts.

You could just get Monroe pre-assembled coilovers (I hesitate to call them struts, as they are not, despite looking like MacPhersons), and slap literally any brand of cheap RockAuto clearance shocks on the back with new OE spec springs from literally any vendor.. and it'll ride at stock height and it'll be good for a while.

It's how long that while is before you need to do it all over again.

So the info you are looking for, brands or models/part numbers for OE spec replacements, no one here is really going to have that to pull from the "The Forum Recommends..." list.. because no one (essentially) does recommend that. Whatever you find via a google, amazon, rock auto, 1A auto parts search is what we'd find too.

What's recommended on all of these is to allocate about $650 minimum, upwards of about $1000 for OME springs (part number depends on how much or or little lift you want- 926's will get you 1" higher than stock, if you want basically no lift or as close to it as possible), very good front shocks such as Bilsteins, and matching rears.

The KJ, sadly, is not like XJ's, YJ, TJ, JK, et al.. in that there are a plethora of affordable, good quality parts to put on. It's sort of a niche model in the Jeep lineup, and as such, our options are to replace crap old factory parts with meh-quality oe spec replacements that only feel good because they're new, for a while... or spend twice to three times as much as other Jeep owners for quality improved parts that are fantastic and will last the life of the vehicle.

Good luck in your search.

 

[tommudd]

I will look into that. Don't want a harsh rock buggy though.

Did that on my XJ.
Lots of difference, both of my lifted KJs ride 100 times better than a stock KJ. I bought my 04 new, less than 20,000 miles later I tossed the stock crap suspension and up graded to OME and now JBA adjustable coilovers

But I was really wanting suggestions on specific mfgr and model of shocks.

I am working within a budget, so perhaps to presume the springs are weak and and suggesting "installing new shocks is worthless, waste of money" is a bit of an overstatement.

But I do appreciate upgrades. It's just a matter of priorities and plans for the vehicle.

I've had " stock type " Monroes ( springs and shocks ) laying in my garage for years now, customer wanted them, after a week he had me order new OME setup due to terrible ride. He had rode in some of mine and ones I had fitted aftermarket kits on, and was way happy .
But just trying to help you out. Have to understand that many of us have been working/ building/ testing these KJs for years now. Personally have been working on them for almost 15 years , so just passing on what we have learned.
I bought 3 XJs new over the years and built all all of them, way different than KJs.

 

[Burro II]

... just passing on what we have learned.
I bought 3 XJs new over the years and built all all of them, way different than KJs.

Bought my first Cherokee XJ in 1986 new from dealer. Last one I still have is here:

You must be registered for see images attach

But I am too old to dive into another hands on car project.

Will see how the KJ goes.

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My son has had one since new in 2002. Likes it's off road and poor weather performance. He lives in Montana.

 

[JasonJ]

Bought my first Cherokee XJ in 1986 new from dealer. Last one I still have is here:

You must be registered for see images attach

But I am too old to dive into another hands on car project.

Will see how the KJ goes.

You must be registered for see images attach

My son has had one since new in 2002. Likes it's off road and poor weather performance. He lives in Montana.

I think I recall reading or hearing that Jeep's goal with the KJ was to produce a Jeep that was similar to, but at least a competent and capable casual offroader, while offering superior on-road/urban driving experience to the XJ.

I think they nailed that, even if they should have done a few designs choices differently.

That's a sweet and clean looking XJ- not too much or so much done to it as to make it gaudy and over the top. That's how I like them.

 

[Burro II]

...That's a sweet and clean looking XJ- not too much or so much done to it as to make it gaudy and over the top. That's how I like them.

It is the only waggie quad headlight two door XJ you will ever see. Sadly it got crushed in a snow storm tree fall a few weeks ago. That is why I picked up the KJ.

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[mercdudecbr600]

Tom has a lot of experience with the kJ suspension upgrades, but this is what I’d recommend for a casual diy’er: If you find them, get the 02 kJ stock springs (1” taller than other kj springs) and get rancho shocks or bilstein. Both lifetime warranty so if they do wear out, get em replaced. FYI you can’t use a normal rentatool spring compressor to get springs off the front shocks/struts - the coils are too tight. You’re forced to go to a mechanic on that one.

Also look into control arm bushings and the rear upper ball joint for refresh. Don’t make the mistake of trying to just replace the bushings and ball joints - they are a nightmare to get out (if you can) and will take much much much longer than just to swap parts.


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[JasonJ]

It is the only waggie quad headlight two door XJ you will ever see. Sadly it got crushed in a snow storm tree fall a few weeks ago. That is why I picked up the KJ.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

A moment of silence shall be observed for your loss... I am deeply sorry. That was a beautiful truck.

Tom has a lot of experience with the kJ suspension upgrades, but this is what I’d recommend for a casual diy’er: If you find them, get the 02 kJ stock springs (1” taller than other kj springs) and get rancho shocks or bilstein. Both lifetime warranty so if they do wear out, get em replaced. FYI you can’t use a normal rentatool spring compressor to get springs off the front shocks/struts - the coils are too tight. You’re forced to go to a mechanic on that one.

Also look into control arm bushings and the rear upper ball joint for refresh. Don’t make the mistake of trying to just replace the bushings and ball joints - they are a nightmare to get out (if you can) and will take much much much longer than just to swap parts.


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See Bolded: Well, yes, you can.... just doesn't mean you should or that it's a good idea. Will provide evidence of counter-claim if requested...

 

[mercdudecbr600]

Btw I also agree that Jeep was successful in creating a competent 4wd with good street manners in the kJ. Contrary to what some Jeep forums will lead you to believe, they are still very popular anywhere real weather exists.


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[mercdudecbr600]

A moment of silence shall be observed for your loss... I am deeply sorry. That was a beautiful truck.




See Bolded: Well, yes, you can.... just doesn't mean you should or that it's a good idea. Will provide evidence of counter-claim if requested...

Sorry correction: yes it’s possible but only if you wedge a crowbar into the coils to make room for the spring compressor arms. Which is flat out sketchy when dealing with coil springs, so really it’s impractical ... not impossible.


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[JasonJ]

Sorry correction: yes it’s possible but only if you wedge a crowbar into the coils to make room for the spring compressor arms. Which is flat out sketchy when dealing with coil springs, so really it’s impractical ... not impossible.


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There is a style of manual compressor that fits great... The issue is the risk of it slipping.. The 927 coils are a ***** in terms of strength, so.. Still not recommended by any means. Lol.

 

[tommudd]

Tom has a lot of experience with the kJ suspension upgrades, but this is what I’d recommend for a casual diy’er: If you find them, get the 02 kJ stock springs (1” taller than other kj springs) and get rancho shocks or bilstein. Both lifetime warranty so if they do wear out, get em replaced. FYI you can’t use a normal rentatool spring compressor to get springs off the front shocks/struts - the coils are too tight. You’re forced to go to a mechanic on that one.

Also look into control arm bushings and the rear upper ball joint for refresh. Don’t make the mistake of trying to just replace the bushings and ball joints - they are a nightmare to get out (if you can) and will take much much much longer than just to swap parts.


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:blah::emotions34::emotions34::happy175:
OK first not an inch difference up to April 12, 2002 it was 3/4 of an inch ( 19.75 ) after that it was 19 inches center of the wheel to bottom of the flare.

Rancho USED to have a good shock line in the RSX lineup, great shock, sadly they did away with them and now no better than Monroes
Wouldn't give a nickle for a truck load of them
Plus very hard to find the early 02 springs, what you do find are cheaper knockoffs so while you may gain some this month, next month.........
Still stuck with the crappy 310 spring rate which will always give a terrible ride .

 

[tommudd]

There is a style of manual compressor that fits great... The issue is the risk of it slipping.. The 927 coils are a ***** in terms of strength, so.. Still not recommended by any means. Lol.

Still remember the kid that ordered the 927s, then with cheap compressors, got them down just a little and got scared and contacted me on LOST to come and do whatever I could to get the compressor off his ********** spring:happy175: Scared to death :happy175:

 

[tommudd]

But I am too old to dive into another hands on car project.
.

Too Old ?
What is the age requirement by the way when you are too old ?
Asking for a friend,..........
I always said if I was too old to do burnouts and build 4X4s shove me in the ground.
Still building and just did a nice burnout leaving a buddys garage.
The Falken Wildpeak AT3 Ws do sound good !:happy175:

 

[JasonJ]

Still remember the kid that ordered the 927s, then with cheap compressors, got them down just a little and got scared and contacted me on LOST to come and do whatever I could to get the compressor off his ********** spring:happy175: Scared to death :happy175:

It is indeed terrifying.

It was terrifying when I used them on my Ford Escort springs too! And those springs can practically be compressed with your fingers!

 

[mercdudecbr600]

:blah::emotions34::emotions34::happy175:

OK first not an inch difference up to April 12, 2002 it was 3/4 of an inch ( 19.75 ) after that it was 19 inches center of the wheel to bottom of the flare.



Rancho USED to have a good shock line in the RSX lineup, great shock, sadly they did away with them and now no better than Monroes

Wouldn't give a nickle for a truck load of them

Plus very hard to find the early 02 springs, what you do find are cheaper knockoffs so while you may gain some this month, next month.........

Still stuck with the crappy 310 spring rate which will always give a terrible ride .

Back to back comparison: rancho Rs5000x shocks are better than kyb gs2 - smoother and have better dampening. No experience with emu shocks but have used bilstein b4 and I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the rancho and bilstein. Longevity wise, no idea. Have used Monroe/Gabriel and they are junk. Sachs is mediocre.


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[tommudd]

Back to back comparison: rancho Rs5000x shocks are better than kyb gs2 - smoother and have better dampening. No experience with emu shocks but have used bilstein b4 and I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the rancho and bilstein. Longevity wise, no idea. Have used Monroe/Gabriel and they are junk. Sachs is mediocre.


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The Rancho RS line is their cheaper shocks
The RSXs were as good or better than Bilsteins and OME
I have ran the RSXs, Bilsteins, OMEs on my own KJs and all three did great
We installed one set of the RS's ( combined with OME springs) on a customers that he had bought and could tell the difference on my test track ( stretch of road with curves, whoopdedoos, etc ) No as responsive, didn't handle as well etc
KYBs are good for your kids little red wagon IMO

 

[Burro II]

Too Old ?
What is the age requirement by the way when you are too old ?
...

It's called pain the joints and hands and knees.
Same reason I stopped surfing.
When the pain makes it no fun, and the endeavor causes more damage, then I find something else to do.