good shocks and suspension?

The other day, was having fun in the mud with some of my buddies and, first of all my brakes went dead (broken brake hose) just finishing the day and after the brakes went the shock absorber, snapped off or better put, it broke the hell off. The brake hose its no biggie but since I just broke a shock, I'll just might as well put new suspension on it.

I dont want a huge lift, or for that matter no lift at all will be ok. (I know that new springs give a little lift) fine with me.

So I'm asking u guys what are some good shocks for the money and the best shocks out there. Also what is a good suspension system (spring leafs, etc.)

Its not a DD, mostly its for having fun


Here are some pics

 

I prefer the Rancho RSx9000. They are a bit $$ but worth it because they are adjustable to make the ride the way you want it.

 

Bob Supplee used to be the standard recommendation for a spring source. I presume he still is. Look in the "Where to find parts" sticky thread in the "Early" forum.

 

what do you recomend on stock lift, spring leafs?

 

I have adjust adjustable rs-9000 shocks. They are nice, but not what you need to pay for. Shock modifications are over-rated. Just get yourself some cheap hydraulic (standard) shocks. Since you do play around a little off-road, get some 2.5 inch lift softride springs of your choice. The Jeep will ride better, and look a little nicer. After you pick you springs, then choose your hydraulic shocks of the correct length.

 

Thank to everybody, I'll look into the bds and the skyjacker ones, compare prices and all of that stuff. And fot that matter are there any pics than I could see the difference between stock and 2.5"

 

If I got the skyjacker 2" leaf springs, would I need to get anything else like a pitman arm, or anything else???

 

Your steering will be fine. On my 2.5" BDS lift the tie rod is pretty close to the springs due to the steeper arch but it doesn't hit...yet.

You MIGHT have rear driveshaft vibration but probabaly not. If so you'll need a double-cardan type joint to accomodate the steeper angle. If you play hard it's not a bad move anyhow. Two joints will cut the angle of each in half, and angle has a big affect on lifespan.

Parking brake cables may end up a bit short. My replacements from 4WD are too short to route the original path so I simply rerouted to a shorter path.

 

Probably just your front rubber brake lines. They may be a little short, but it would only be a problem off road. Just drive it in a ditch or something to get one of the wheels to be at full extension preferably with the other wheel at full stuff, that helps the lower wheel to be forced down as far as it will go, and you will be able to check it out pretty good.
With a 2.5 lift, Which is just a minor lift, The driveshafts should be ok. The front one WILL be ok. The rear one should be checked for binding in the joints. Do this by raising the jeep untill both rear wheels are off the ground, then with the tranny in neutral, spin the rear driveshaft by hand and make sure it spins free. If it doesn't, then the simplest easiest thing to do is space down the transfer crossmember a little bit, and install shims to rotate the rear differential up a little bit. The angle of the driveshaft at both ends needs to be about the same.
But really, it is unlikely that you will need to do any of this with just a 2.5" lift.

Between the skyjacker and the BDS. The BDS will give a stiffer ride, but the springs will last longer. The skyjacker gives a really smooth off-road ride, and great articulation, but the springs do not last as long.

For shocks, don't be fooled into getting gas charged shocks for off-road. It will just give you a stiffer ride. Go with cheap hydraulic shocks, unless you feel like spending money for the RS-9000's.

I think you are on the right track. Just get a little bit of lift, and get a rear automatic locker for the rear someday. You will be able to go a lot of places.

 

CJ-X, you mentioned that the skyjacker springs won't last as long. I'm curious as to how long they will last? I suppose your talking about eventual sagging, but still wouldn't good shocks help preserve any springs and the variable being the way the jeep is driven?

Just curious, I'm in the market just as Papote and looking at the skyjackers for my Cj-6. Comfortable ride is my MAIN concern. My typical load is most often around 800 lbs of hunters, gear and then throw in a few hundred pounds of game harvest from time to time.

 

Sorry for waking this old post, but I am still in the process of getting my suspension, since I had to use my money for other things. Shipping really climbs up for a suspension kit to Puerto Rico, its sucks. My questins is; can I use my stock shocks with the 2.5 lift, or do I need new ones. If so, how to find shocks for 2.5 inch lift for a 75 cj-5 cheap