XJ_Rambo

I know it's been asked before but I want some fresh opinions. Im having trouble deciding. Has anyone experienced both or either. Im trying to get the most performance but I want to make the difference is noticeable if im going to pay double for the 5160 with the reservoir.

holycaveman

Few xj owners are ever going to need a remote reservoir shock. They look cool and all.

The 5100 series has separate chambers for the oil/nitrogen. Same as the remotes.

Difference being the remotes can pack more travel in a shorter shock, and will run a little cooler.

If you are pinching for travel, the 5160 may help but its an expensive way of going about it.

SteveMongr

I run the 5100 and they work great but they do get very warm running the fast stuff and whoops. After a 60mph run on a rutted beach they are HOT. But holding up good so far.

Tom95YJ

I've had no issues with my 5100's If i was into running KOH or XRRA or JeepSpeed I would go with a remote reservoir. But for what I do the 5100's suit me just fine

Turbo X_J

"Im trying to get the most performance"
^
What application/mods?

JerrytheJeep

That's impossible.

OP chances are you'll never need anything more than a 5100. If you do, you'll probably be looking at other brands, and more aggressive shocks.

cherokeelaredo'90

"The 5160 shock uses a completely remote reservoir that has an internal floating piston (IFP) inside it with shock oil on one side and nitrogen on the other. By having the separating piston inside the reservoir instead of at the top of the shock (body), the 5160 shock can offer one or two more inches of travel than a 5100 shock on the same vehicular application."
Quoted from Fourwheeler magazine.

Op I have the 5100's and so far I have to say they are a good shock. They soak up the rode a lot better than the old beat up junk I had on there. I've read that internally the 5100 and 5160 are the same but the 5160 offers a bit more travel and more shock oil. If I where to get a resi shock I'd buy something more "high-end".

SteveMongr

The two are very similar. The real difference begins with the 7100. Custom valving and can be rebuilt at home. Modifications necessary to run them.

SeriousOffroad

Watch the video.....

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...rs/5165-Series

JerrytheJeep

In that video, the shock bodies are the same length so it makes sense that it would have more travel. I was quoting Holycaveman when he said you get more travel from a shorter shock. Which would technically work, but not a large enough travel difference to warrant a slightly smaller 5165 over a slightly longer 5100 just for travels sake. Using that video for reference, that 5165 could technically have a 3/4" shorter body and still have "more" travel than the 5100. but not enough to scream about. I stand by what I said.

holycaveman

Why do you admit I was right,you were wrong, and then stand by your wrongness.??? LOL



Just messing. But seriously, you should know what I meant. The 5160's can give you more travel per collapsed length. Which can come in handy with the right application.