Shock Absorber Recomendations

Thanks! The '69 with the BDS springs has ProComp shocks and the '71 with the Soft Ride springs has Rancho RS5000 shocks.

Here's the '71 with 2.5 Soft Rides and 32x11.50 tires:

 

The fox shocks BDS offers as an upgrade on their suspension kits are incredible..

 

In building my parts list to order I am trying determine what choices I should make:

GREASABLE or NON-GREASABLE Pivot bolts? (I have no idea which is better or why)

U-shaped shackles or Two Eye-Bolt/Two-sideplate type?

Do I need to get new U-Bolt Clips?

I appreciate the wisdom you guys have acquired through experience.

Michael

 

Greasable if you plan to upgrade your shackles and are going to run poly bushings. You can run non greasable/stock shackles with poly
as well as stock bushings.

U shackles use steel on steel at the pivots. I ran a set for a little while and the ride difference was noticeable (poorer). I wound up switching back to poly bushings with stock shackles.

Not sure what you mean by this.

 

Please explain more about your recommendation.
I'm getting close to changing shocks for a better ride quality with my BDS 2.5" springs.
Thanks,

 

well let’s break that down..
I don’t think any shock you choose with give you a better ride quality.. just a better driving experience..
I run my BDS springs and Fox shocks on a CJ6 so my ride quality will be 100 percent better than a CJ5. (Actually run a similar setup on my YJ, but that’s not a fair comparison)
Leaf springs are possibly the oldest form of suspension.. crude yet very effective..
The only modern part of a leaf sprung suspension is the shock and the bushing technology. So why cheap there.. kind of like the guy who skimps on tires, but they are infact the only part of your car that actually touches the road..

it’s all personal preference..
I have stock springs and 50 year old shocks on my CJ3a and it still makes me smile.