This might be a dumb question but I have not been able to find an an answer for it. What are Emulsion shocks? I'm looking for new shocks for my 98 cherokee. I'm running about 3.5 inches of lift at the moment but will be going up to about 5.5 inches of lift after I get brake lines and that. I would like to get as much travel as I can. Would I be able to run Rock Krawler 2.0 shocks? as in these http://www.rockkrawler.com/ProductDe...lsion_Shock_LL

Or what shocks would give me a nice ride on road and get a good amount of travel. I don't know much about shocks. I just want a long travel shock that does well on highway and offroad.

 

Click on the links below and watch the videos.
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...hock-Absorbers

An emulsion shock is not the ideal shock for a 4x4. A gas charged monotube design is going to cost more but the performance and ride quality make them a much better choice.

Your shock length should be measured to assure that you are getting the right shock for your rig. Once at the lift height you want, remove the existing shocks and flex the suspension fully. Measure between the mounts for both the extended and collapsed lengths and order the shocks based on those numbers.

HTH

 

Emulsion shocks are generally a cheap shock that combines the nitrogen and oil into a frothy mix and valved accordingly. The reason for this is so they do not have to add a bladder to separate the oil from the nitrogen.

Also in order to separate the two the shock has to be noticeably longer or have a remote reservoir.

Which you will find on higher end shocks.

The only advantage of an emulsion shock is the size and cost. Shocks that have a bladder normally are rebuildable and can be fully adjustable. And they are much easier to accurately valve. Not to mention they stay cooler which results in less shock fade and they have a much more accurate feel.

 

I have actually taken emulsion shocks and converted them to remote reservoir shocks. Cool but takes to much work.

 

What is a good shock at a decent price then?

 

emulsion shocks dont have to be a cheap, junk shock. my buddy run's fox 2.0 emulsions on his LJ and they work great. not everyone needs remote resis, and he saved ~50 bucks a shock by not getting resis.

 

Yep. That's why I said cheap, and not junk. They are just budget shocks. I don't run remote reservoirs. I don't feel I need them.

I am pretty certain the bilstein 5100's I have are emulsion shocks. But they are fully rebuildable.

 

5100s are IFP and not rebuildable.

 

Hmm you made me look them up.

Good shock. Not an emulsion shock. They separate the gas from the oil. Lifetime warranty.

Rebuildable or not depends. I would have to look at the shock closer. I have rebuilt many shocks sealed from the factory. Its not that difficult.

 

Would the Rock Krawler shocks be a good shock?

 

RWK races on them. im pretty sure theyre built in house as well.... but shocks are only as good as theyre valving. im pretty sure RK can help you out with that.

 

I think Bilstein 5100 is the best economical shock at $80 each.
Not sure who makes the RockKrawler shocks.