Avoid store brands. In my experience, avoid anything "value line". When I worked at the dealer and sold shocks on a jeep because it would bounce around like crazy with blown shocks... I wasnt impressed a single time by the quality of the value line crap and feel like it actually, typically, performed just as bad NEW as the old stuff did blown.

There was a HUGE difference when I added the Bilstein 4600's. It made the jeep so nice to drive. The 5100s are the SAME as the 4600 except they are silver (WAY cooler imo ) and the front have leveling/lifting capability with an adjustable snap ring. If your front springs are getting a little saggy and you are raked to the front a bit. Go with the 5100's set to the lowest setting to pick up some of the lost ride height.

I have really only heard issues with the ready to run strut assemblies. Some people it has lifted the front of the jeep a bunch and gave an obvious - rake. They also tend to be a more entry level (economy) shock. I would avoid them personally.

 

The 5100s are the SAME as the 4600 except they are silver (WAY cooler imo )

I am no expert and I can't remember now where I found this but although they use the same components, 5100's are valved firmer and you will find many who agree that they give a bit harsher ride. I saved this table (again, don't remember where, but seemed like a good source) where a higher number means a firmer rebound action:

Bilstein 4600
Front 375/38
Rear 236/59

Bilstein 5100
Front 439/128
Rear 179/78

Again, just FYI and MHO.

 

I'll second the Bilsteins.....any part number. They work great and last a long time.

 

Honestly what the other 2 people said you cannot go wrong with the bilsteins, couple it with some moog coil springs and you're good to go, the 4600 are pretty good and so far the only difference that they have with the 5100 is that the 5100 have adjustable height on the front shocks from 0.75" to 2"; you should also replace the springs isolators.

 

How long are you planning to have it and what do you use it for? In the front end at least, if you're replacing part of it you really should replace everything in the assembly at once to save future labour.

 

Good to know.....thanks for posting. I have 4600's on mine and they're plenty firm with the SRT springs and sway bars. I don't think I'd like the 5100's if they're firmer yet.

 

I originally had rancho front struts on my stock height wk and liked them a lot. I got Bilstein 5100’s now because I did a 2 inch lift. They are both very good and would buy either again depending on the application.

 

Our 2007 WK is a third vehicle, primarily urban assault with the occasional fire road thrown in for good measure. Last year I installed the Monroe "all-in-one" on the front and new rear Moog "OE" spec springs with Monroe shocks. Dramatic improvement over the 110K mile old OE units. Right height stayed level (did go up ~1" F/R) and the ride has overall been good. Please note I do not tow or carry huge loads, but for what we need they've worked well. No doubt in my mind the Bilstein line would be better, but the convenience and warranty made the Monroes an easy choice.

 

I also have the Monroe "all in one" struts on the front of the WK, they've been installed for a year now. They seem to be no different than the originals, I can't tell any difference. I'm still running the original rear shocks, I've been planning to replace those with either Mopar or Bilstein.

 

2005 GC Limited 99K. Originals completely shot. Replaced all front and back with package deal from Detroit Axle. Springs are definitely softer and although the ride is fine for this Jeep that is only a daily driver, I have a street that I travel daily that has a dip where I now bottom out as I come to a stop at the light at the bottom of a pretty steep hill. Shocks seem to be fine, but this softer spring is somewhat disconcerting as even the old worn out original springs never allowed it to bottom out. Only have a couple thousand miles on the new stuff but am otherwise satisfied. However, I don't honestly expect these to last anywhere near 100K., but for the price I'm OK. BTW, this is a super simple DIY, so if I have to do it again in 50K, I can live with it.

 

I've had 5100s on my '07 for about 5 years, they are definitely not harsh. Much better than stock actually.
I also have a set of 4600s that I installed on the ZJ in....2002...that now have approx 140,000 miles on them. Still not leaking, still good! They cost a bit more than big box junk but are well worth it.

 

Bilsteins, price check with Kolak. Once you get Bilsteins, you never want anything else. I put them on everything.