Rear shocks are too long for the RC 2.5" spring lift.

jgorm · 05-27-2009, 08:42 PM

I noticed some guys posting in the huge thread about the RC 2.2 rear shocks being too long. I just got my kit and I took a bunch of measurements and made a video of them in "action". They bottom out going off a curb, and there is about 2.5"(est) of space between the bumpstop and axle when they bottom out. My website takes a while to upload so i'll post a link to the pictures of the measurements once its up.

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97casteeltj · 05-27-2009, 09:02 PM

something just doesn't look right

97casteeltj · 05-27-2009, 09:03 PM

are you running the 2.2 shocks on stock suspension??

**mudb8** · 05-27-2009, 09:05 PM

lol, I keep trying to tell em that, and thats was on the pavment, hitting up the grocery store. imagine what it does if you actually take it on a rough country road....

every one that thinks that rides better than stock or matches what OME does with their "correct length" shocks and proper rear bumpstops for a 2.5" lift, .... don't get off road....

24" shocks are fine up front, they don't belong on the rear...

**jforse** · 05-27-2009, 09:06 PM

Mine are they same way. Wondering why the uptravel was so short.

**mudb8** · 05-27-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jforse

Mine are they same way. Wondering why the uptravel was so short.

the rear shocks are to long.. if you measure it for proper bumpstops, you'll find you need 2.5" bumpstops to keep the shock from bottoming out.

if RC would make a 22.5" shock or a shock with the main body length reduced by 2" and put it in the kit with the 24" fronts, they would have a well balanced system.. the 24" fronts with the 3.25" kit have about 4.5" of uptravel.. in reality, they are also to long without the extra 3/4" spacer.

jgorm · 05-28-2009, 09:54 AM

Here is the axle at full droop (no sway bar connected)

No carpet, no seat/ seatbelts, softtop (same as with the video)

Here are more pics with the larger versions.

**Unlimited04** · 05-28-2009, 10:05 AM

wow that travel sucks. glad i went with OME. RC is clearly trying to lower manufacturering costs by half assing things. they're using the 4" lift shock with a 2.5" lift, and putting a poly spacer on the shock piston to serve as a bumpstop. I see the point from a cost reduction standpoint, but it sure doesn't do their customers any good. That will surely destroy the shock mounts over time.

But, as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for

FloridaJeepGuy · 05-28-2009, 10:16 AM

If you take a hard drop, those shocks are going to get damaged. Shocks aren't designed to take that kind of punishment. Thats what the bumpstops on the frame are for. Crappy situation!

JUPITERSAHARA · 05-28-2009, 10:44 AM

I think R/C has two different length shocks; one for the 2.5" lift and one for the 4" lift. I have the same shocks as you and have taken them for some mild offroad action with no problems at all. Maybe Jeff from R/C can chime in and answer some questions...

LTDan · 05-28-2009, 10:51 AM

Has anybody talked with RC to see if they're willing to make changes to the kit and help a bruther out? I have the kit too, and you could have made those pict's under my jeep.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 05-28-2009, 10:51 AM

Its not the easiest solution, but you could cut the lower shock mounts off the axle and weld them on the backside of the lower control arm mounts.

This will give you the room you need for uptravel.

It will also improve the ride slightly and will clean up the brackets hanging down below the axle tubes.

jgorm · 05-28-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUPITERSAHARA

I have the same shocks as you and have taken them for some mild offroad action with no problems at all.

I bottomed them out going off a freakin curb!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheelin98TJ

Its not the easiest solution, but you could cut the lower shock mounts off the axle and weld them on the backside of the lower control arm mounts.

This will give you the room you need for uptravel.

It will also improve the ride slightly and will clean up the brackets hanging down below the axle tubes.

Wouldn't I have to fab up some upper mount if i did that? I have already thought about doing that with some 1/4" steel. I saw a mount done from Stu/Blaine that looked killer, and figured i could make a mount with a couple extra holes for when i upgrade to a 4" lift in the future.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 05-28-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgorm

Wouldn't I have to fab up some upper mount if i did that? I have already thought about doing that with some 1/4" steel. I saw a mount done from Stu/Blaine that looked killer, and figured i could make a mount with a couple extra holes for when i upgrade to a 4" lift in the future.

You wouldn't have to change the upper mount, but the mod you are referring to is very nice.

I have my lower shock mounts on my axle set up like I described and it works well.

The shock can is close to the frame, but it clears with enough room.

jgorm · 05-28-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheelin98TJ

You wouldn't have to change the upper mount, but the mod you are referring to is very nice.

I have my lower shock mounts on my axle set up like I described and it works well.

The shock can is close to the frame, but it clears with enough room.

Got any pics? (add another project to my long list!!!)