So anyone running Fox shocks on a WJ?

 

What shocks does clayton suggest for your application? Surely they can recommend something for a lift that tall. Check out BDS also, they might have a Fox P/N for shocks at your height.

If you want bilsteins, did you look into the 5160 or 5165? Maybe 7100s to get custom valving?

 

Adam at Clayton is who gave me the first 5100 part number but that was for a TJ/XJ/MJ/ZJ. I ran that, it was too soft for the more technical rock crawling. I then spoke with Shane @Bilstein, he then suggested the only other shock that is that length, which is intended for a YJ with a spring over, it does not have a digressive valve, simply linear. Some things were better with these, the others were worse.

I am kinda at the point of custom valving, but that cost is $75.00-$100 per shock to do that, and it takes 2-3 weeks to get it done. Means my daily driver goes down for a month. That and the cost is what lead me to look for other options. I am really hung on keeping a monotube shock so that rules out the RS9000s even though they are now low-pressure gas charged.

I am jsut wondering if the Fox shocks are valved pretty soft or are they on the more firm side... I did just see last night that BDS has worked with FOX so I am gonna shoot them a call this morning...
Kevin

 

I can't help but feel like your overlooking some option, because literally dozens of guys run lifts over 4 inches and use bilsteins and never have this issue

 

Have you run the 5100s before at all? I'm trying to figure out if you thought the ones you ran were too soft because of the valving or because they just weren't made for a vehicle as heavy as the WJ. If you really want bilstein, why not try some JK shocks since they'd be made for a heavier jeep? Still not long enough? Or buy the 5165 or 7100 at the length you need and the valving you want and return the shocks you have now.

I'd take a stab at the Fox IFP since they make a shock for your lift height and specifically for the heavy WJ. Why not just call up Fox and ask them how their shocks feel? I had the BDS Fox 2.0 shocks (for a 2" lift) on my WJ for a bit and they were pretty stiff, so I think you'll be OK.

 

dcorn,
yup, I run Bilstein 5100s on everything I own. Love them, but all except this WJ are valved for their specific application. I ran the 5100s stated by Clayton, but they are for a TJ. They were OK, but soft on slow speed compression. I am now running the 5100s meant for a YJ. Better rebound valving but still soft on compression. I had even previosly run the 5100s spec'd for a 4" lifted WJ when I was at 4" of lift. They were damn near perfect on my Clayton 4.5" springs and LA. I would have prefered slightly tighter compression valving for the slow speed stuff but they were really close. Once I went taller, I got these shocks.

I have looked at and even borrowed the JK 4-6" 5100 from my father-in-law's JKU. It is funny, Bilstein has them valved really stiff on compression but half as much as the TJ on rebound. I liked the compression but the rebound then would need to be tightened up. Talking with Shane @ Bilstein, even he is not sure why Bilstein ended with that valving. He is aware that the WJ guys taller than 4" really do need a specifically valved 5100.

I have called FOX. Unfortunately, even though their website lists shocks specifically for our WJs at 4-6 and 6.5-8 inch lift heights, they are originally intended for XJ,TJ,MJ, and ZJs and happen to fit ours too, they aren't valved for ours specifically. That doesn't mean they won't work, kinda why I am hoping to find someone who is running the 2.0 IFP smooth body or the Factory Series with reservoir, as they are both valved the same. My other option is to buy another set of Bilsteins and have them re-valved before taking my existing shocks off, but I would be approaching $200/shock when all said and done, and that starts getting close to the adjustable FOX reservoirs. At this point $600 for 2 Fox adjustable shocks is hard to justify.

Thanks for any and all input.
Kevin

 

Guess I am gonna measure my front shocks and try the Fox, I'll report back...