YJ swap questions

[Skyman]

Sorry guys give me a little time. I couldn't take pictures today, and I am having DNS trouble with my server, so I can't get my pictures from my site until I fix it. Should have 'em up by tomorrow, or late tonight

[samurayo]

No worries, for now we're in no kind of hurry!!

[abraham_monge]

Hi Sky !!
This shock could work in my swap?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EXP-332000/

[Skyman]

These shocks will fit, and give you 1 more inch of up travel than I have (that's good). So they will fit good, and work. The only question is how stiff or soft a shock they are.


I have not used the pro comp 3000 series shock, so I do not know how it is valved (soft or hard valving) has anyone you know, or anyone reading this thread had experience with the 3000 series, and their valving?

[Zugar]

The Summit site shows these for Chevy, GMC SUV/Pickup vehicles which are heavy compared to the very light weight Sammys, so in my opinion they would be much stiffer than you might like.   Just my 2 cents!

Zugar

[HardLuk]

The Summit site shows these for Chevy, GMC SUV/Pickup vehicles which are heavy compared to the very light weight Sammys, so in my opinion they would be much stiffer than you might like.   Just my 2 cents!

Zugar

I agree, those shocks made for heavy full size vehicles will definitely control the truck, just possibly at the cost of some comfort.

I'm still working on setting up my rear shocks.  I would like soft shocks, not 2x4's for shocks, and am thinking the cheaper the shock, the less tough it will be, so in theory, it can't be made to be too stiff or it would be more likely to break.  The Rancho's and Pro Comp shocks are made to be really tough, so they can be stiff and not bend or break. 

 

[samurayo]

Although a stiffer shock cold help control body roll and the such that is relatively common with the Yj springs SPOA

just food for the thought

[Skyman]

You know, Scott at rock 4x fabrication offered a shock to me one time, but I did found used adjustable Ranchos before I ended up ordering. He said these would give me a very good ride and they were just the shock we were looking for , for the YJ kit.

I would call Scott and ask about the BDS 5000 shocks for the YJ springs. Scott has a lot of experience and he has some of the best customer service in the industry.

To be honest shocks for me have been a learning experience. Some are way too soft and cause body roll, some are way too stiff and the ride is awful enough my wife would not ride in my samurai. I got was really fortunate when I picked up a deal on the adjustable ranhco''s. They have the best of both worlds. Soft when I want it, stiff when I need it, and somewhere in between when needed. If you can't pick up Rancho's, then I would suggest calling Scott. Going with his suggestions may save you from having to buy shocks twice.

What some people call "the best shock" works really well for them, but for you may not work at all.

Here's his contact info

Rock 4X Fabrication, Inc
1-847-672-9653
Rock4xfabricationinc@comcast.net

[HardLuk]

Using shocks to alleviate body roll is not an option to me.  This means the shocks are stiff, which means a jolting, jarring ride, that takes away from going with longer and softer springs in the first place.  Shocks can make the ride just as stiff, if not stiffer than stock, even with the YJ's. 
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Soft shocks with sway bars front and rear (at least front) that can be disconnected and pinned up or strapped to the frame when more articulation is needed is optimum.  Get both the soft ride &  body roll control.
 

[Zugar]

For what it is worth.... When you drive a  highly lifted Sammy like I do, I don't expect it to go around corners like a Lamborghini Countach.  My Sammy with stock springs and seats, stiff truck shocks and 6 inch lift was a jarring kidney buster that nobody wanted to ride in.  I put in YJ/RUF, 2005 Neon seats, extended shock towers and brake lines and soft long shocks from RRO.  Some folks on this site are vehement RRO bashers, but my experience has been good, their recommendations have been solid, product is first class and their shipping decent.  I don't know the brand of their shocks, but they are soft for a light vehicle,  let my wheels articulate well, and the ride along with the seats and YJ/RUF conversion makes it an enjoyable street experience and a great rock and mountain climber.  So don't load this thread up with negative RRO comments, I don't want to hear 'em!

[HardLuk]

I wonder what brand the shocks are that Rocky Road is using?

[Surly]

To be honest shocks for me have been a learning experience. Some are way too soft and cause body roll, some are way too stiff and the ride is awful enough my wife would not ride in my samurai.

Could you give me the brand name and model number of the ones that were too soft for your liking? After three major surgeries, I need the softest ones I can get. 

Sorry for the hijack.

[Zugar]

I wonder what brand the shocks are that Rocky Road is using?

Dunno, the RRO ones have no marking on them.  I'll see if I can find some numbers marked on them.

[Zugar]

These appear to be Heckethorn shocks.  Mine are the Rough Country Nitro 9000 series gas shocks  9012.   P/N is 650341.  If memory serves, they are about 32" extended, 18 compressed.  I have them front and back.  Rough Country is a Division of Heckethorn Products in TN  RRO has a set of 4 for $175.

The Rough Country website says (quote)

"The product of over 40 years of engineering excellence, these shocks are tough enough to stand up to almost anything. High-pressure gas charge (up to 200 psi) and spring-loaded piston rods ensure consistent performance and extended service life. Radial-tuned velocity-sensitive 10-stage valving (coil spring adjusts to varying road conditions) plus durable urethane bushing for the smoothest ride. Big 1-3/8" piston (except where space limitations prohibit) and big reservoir cylinder to resist heat and eliminate fade. With all-weather fluid included. For most 2WD and 4WD pickups including trucks with 2" to 8" lift kits. Dust boots not included."

[samurayo]

I thought RRO made their own?? At least that's what they say...

"We tested other brands of shocks for many years and were often very unhappy with the ride quality. We tried all the big 'name' shocks, Edelbrocks, Bilsteins, ProComp, Skyjacker, etc. All the same, all too stiff for the Suzuki. So, we engineered a shock that stands head and shoulders above the rest for ride quality.... the Rocky Road Engineered shock."