Cheapest/Best Shocks for 98 ZJ?

NoreasterPlus2 · 03-15-2009, 05:16 PM

Hey all,

I have a 98 ZJ 5.2 ltd. It's in need of new shocks and brakes. I'm going to take it to a mech and have the work done (don't have a driveway).

What are good replacement shocks for the 98? Who has the best deal? I've heard a lot of talk about Bilsteins and Rancho. What's the deal with Monroe or KYB, are they cr*p? My budget is tight, don't want to drop more than $50 per.

Thanks

Greeeeenberg · 03-15-2009, 05:17 PM

Look at some black diamonds

Turbonut · 03-15-2009, 05:26 PM

Take a look over at Rockauto.com as they list Monroe, Delco, KYB, Sachs, and Rancho in your price range. The only problem I've found with aftermarket shocks, is that they either seem to be too stiff and the Jeep rides like a covered wagon on wooden wheels, or entirely too soft. Actually that can be said when a great many aftermarket shocks are installed on any vehicle.
I installed 3 different sets of shocks on our old '96 5.2 before I got a set that was acceptable, but certainly didn't offer the factory ride.

NoreasterPlus2 · 03-15-2009, 06:53 PM

What brand in your opinion offers the closest to Factory ride?

Turbonut · 03-15-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoreasterPlus2

What brand in your opinion offers the closest to Factory ride?

If the question is directed to me, I'd say factory shocks as I didn't find any that were comparable. Many, many years ago when I needed shocks I'd replace only with the factory units, but they have now become very expensive as each shock is around $130 list $95 net, hence this is why aftermarket units are the choice. The problem with aftermarket units is that the same shock cylinder is designed to fit many vehicles with only the mounting points changed, contrary to the OE shock that is designed for a specific vehicle.
Just make certain the shocks need replacement. I know there will be a lot of flak on this, as the popular conception is that shocks must be replaced every 50K, which is rediculous, but my wife's old '97 5.2 that my son in law has owned for the last few years, has 200K on the OE shocks. The Jeep still rides and handles great, even though one of the rear shock covers has completely rusted off.

Eldoradoman · 03-15-2009, 08:39 PM

There must be at least ONE aftermarket shock that equals the OEM (not including adjustables) for a decent price right? What about Old Man Emus? They're ~$80 a pop though, I heard the RE monotubes ride decent too.

moparrr07 · 03-15-2009, 08:44 PM

you get what you pay for with shocks, black diamonds are good for being so cheap but going to somthing like a bilstien at $90 is so worth it, nice smooth street ride but still a hard pounder when needed

cheap shocks just ride hard all the time and beats you up

Merc1973 · 03-15-2009, 09:12 PM

Get some OEM from Kolak....

VoteWithABullet · 03-15-2009, 10:41 PM

I'm in the market for shocks for my ZJ too. What do you guys think of this site?

jeep_zj98 · 03-15-2009, 11:05 PM

Me too. I need new shocks. Still have the original ones with 127k miles on the jeep. Thanks for the link... I think I will get the Bilstein Heavy duty shocks. Not bad for $240 shipped.

Turbonut · 03-16-2009, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoteWithABullet

I'm in the market for shocks for my ZJ too. What do you guys think of this site?

The only shocks that could be compared to this site and Rock Auto were the Monroe and KYB models. Looks like the Rock is about $15 a shock less expensive, but that price does not include shipping, therefore I created an order for 4 KYB shocks to compare.
Shock Warehouse-$224.22
Rock Auto-$172.72
$51.50 difference to my door

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1973

Get some OEM from Kolak....

Quote:

Originally Posted by moparrr07

you get what you pay for with shocks,
cheap shocks just ride hard all the time and beats you up

Or are often too soft and the ride is like a marshmellow.

**HighLonesome** · 03-16-2009, 11:16 AM

Try the Sachs from Rockauto and then post back and let us all know how there are. In other words, be the guinea pig

VoteWithABullet · 03-16-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeep_zj98

Me too. I need new shocks. Still have the original ones with 127k miles on the jeep. Thanks for the link... I think I will get the Bilstein Heavy duty shocks. Not bad for $240 shipped.

Looks like they are running a buy 3 get one free deal. Make sure you don't miss out on that if you buy from there this month. I've done a bit more searching since those are probably the shocks I'll end up with and I haven't found them cheaper.

jeffrayy · 03-16-2009, 09:00 PM

I'm in the same boat ('98 with 120k). How difficult is it to change out the shocks myself? I have changed out break pads, rotors, calipers, that type of thing. However, I would not consider myself very skilled when it comes to cars/trucks.

jeep_zj98 · 03-18-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffrayy

I'm in the same boat ('98 with 120k). How difficult is it to change out the shocks myself? I have changed out break pads, rotors, calipers, that type of thing. However, I would not consider myself very skilled when it comes to cars/trucks.

Shocks are easy to change. I helped my friend who had a WJ and it was a 2 hr job.

03-15-2009, 05:26 PM	#3
Turbonut Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,828 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Take a look over at Rockauto.com as they list Monroe, Delco, KYB, Sachs, and Rancho in your price range. The only problem I've found with aftermarket shocks, is that they either seem to be too stiff and the Jeep rides like a covered wagon on wooden wheels, or entirely too soft. Actually that can be said when a great many aftermarket shocks are installed on any vehicle. I installed 3 different sets of shocks on our old '96 5.2 before I got a set that was acceptable, but certainly didn't offer the factory ride.