How long a shock possible, I was told my springs are "rubicon springs"

punk · 07-23-2008, 08:56 PM

Well I read in this forum the only difference between the rubicon and se is trie size only.

I have a '97 4 cly. TJ se

I'm looking to replace the shocks to allow as much travel as possible.

Here's what the tags on the springs say:

the front spring's tag reads:
129ab
71765
52088129ab

the rear spring's tag reads:
105aa
71765
52c90105

Are these stock?

Thanks,
Punk

**Unlimited04** · 07-23-2008, 10:00 PM

you need regular TJ shocks, stock, no lift. hate to tell you this, but Rubicon springs don't mean crap. those are the same springs i've got my on Jeep. 129AB / 5AA rear.

**Border Dave** · 07-23-2008, 10:01 PM

Old Man Emu sells shocks that will allow your axle to droop about two inches more than stock and provide a great ride.

raskull · 07-23-2008, 10:02 PM

The rubicon springs are different, but they aren't any higher when new. They have a slightly stiffer spring rate.

cj847 · 07-23-2008, 10:08 PM

Regardless of springs, there is nothing to stop you from buying shocks for a "1 to 3" lift instead of the stock length. You should double check to make sure they don't bottom out before the axle hits the bumpstop (if it does, then just add a 1" bumpstop extension). However, I doubt it will be a problem.

I am running shocks for a 4" lift on my 2" lifted wrangler and I only have 7/8" of bumpstop and those shocks are not even bottoming out.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 07-24-2008, 09:27 AM

Exactly as cj847 said.

Don't buy shocks based on a chart that lists lift height.

Instead buy shocks based on their specs, most importantly their collapsed length.

Compare the collapsed length to the distance between your shock mounts when the axle is up against the bumpstop. You can either flex out the axle and measure. Or take the measurements at ride height. Subtract the distance between the axle and the bumpstop. Then subtract another 1/2" for compression of the rubber bumpstop. This will tell you how much further the shock will need to collapse.

If you can run longer shocks and only have to extend your bumnpstops 1" or maybe even 2", its usually worth it. Just be sure to leave enough room between your bumpstops and the axle (3-4") for a comfortable street ride.