I have a 96 XJ with factory Up-Country suspension. My question is: can the Bilstein gas shocks handle a 2" BB lift??

Thanks for the experienced feedback please. Not interested in other 'lift' heights or lift kit recommendations ... just the shock issue please.

Thanks,
fast

 

No get new shocks. I bet yours are older than you. They wouldn't last long being that stretched out

 

Thanks. Anyone else want to offer an opinion?

 

Thanks for editing your original post. NoW for the answer you need. Ready.

Do the lift. Afterwards take your shocks off and flex her out fully. Measure the size shocks you need and get the appropriate bilstein shocks. You'll be golden after that.

 

Excellent answer and I feel you will get none better than it.

As they used to say in an old Police series on TV many years ago "Just the facts, just the facts" was used repeatedly . I watched it every week when I was a child it was DRAGNET.

The age of your shocks speak volumes as to their quality of them.

 

Thanks guys, for your input.

It's a 1996, but it only has 32,000 original miles on it. That's why I bought this one. So the Bilsteins are probably in good shape. Spent it's entire life in Japan on good roads, flat terrain.

I have 225/75/15's on it and it rides real good (for an XJ), at 33lbs of air. I'll probably be going up to a 30.5 x 9.75 x 15 after the lift.

I know these Bilstein shocks are expensive to buy new, ... if I have to replace them with a longer shock and still want the smoothest ride, any recommendations??

I have read and heard to stay away from Pro Comp ES shocks ... too rough and stiff.

Thanks,
fast

 

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...hock-Absorbers

 

Ok. Here's what I need to learn:

1. What 'series' or model # are the Yellow factory Bilstein shocks (with the Blue boots) that came on the Up-Country package in 1996?

2. What Bilsteins sold today are comparable to the ride (firm but not harsh ) that I am getting now with these factory shocks?

I can go from there if I learn these things first.

Thanks for all the help folks!!

fast

 

The numbers are stamped on the shocks.

The XJ specific shocks are valved based on Bilsteins Eng. Data to provide outstanding characteristics both on and off-road.

Keep in mind that what feels like good ride quality to you may seem too soft or too firm to someone else.

 

Yes .... understood. That carries through to every aspect of human life.
My search is Relative to the Up-Country Bilsteins ... I am looking for same, if not smoother ride. The factory Bilsteins are my 'control group' here.

I thought I made that clear.

 

As he told you check the numbers on yours then order the same or a cross referenced one.

 

Wait till you hear this. I thought I might "go right to the horses mouth" and get a Tech at Bilstein to help me earlier tonight. Talked with this guy who claimed he was a "technician", and I explained the make, model, and year XJ I have, and the fact that it came with the Up-Country suspension. I asked if he could tell me what 'series' my shocks from the factory are considered, or comparable to today, so that I can MAKE A BILSTEIN PURCHASE and give them more business ... right???

His smarmy response ... "I cannot tell you anything about those shock absorbers because we have an exclusive deal with Chrysler, and we designed them to their specifications 25 years ago, and they own the rights to that shock design. ????? BLOCKED!!!
I was like ... what (WTF)???? I said, "I can read the numbers to you right now from the shock body, and you mean to tell me you can't recommend a shock you manufacture today that is comparable???" "NO"

HE said, "we make a shock absorber that WE designed for the XJ, and a dealer can sell you that shock."

SO ...... I don't know if I was talking to the Bilstein lawyer or the legal department, or what ... but I was not impressed with the info he gave me, and the excellent BLOCK job he did on telling me anything about my shocks that came from Bilstein in 1996. Wouldn't even tell me the max extended and compressed specs!! Like I was going to start a shock shop in my garage and 'copy' their design ... right????

 

Its probably proprietary information. That response is what I would have expected.

 

It's done all the time with items like shocks being a name brand. Either just buy the correct shock from Bilstein or go to your Mopar Stealership and buy there.

Jeez its not rocket science to get a good shock for a XJ, I like my 5100 but thing I'm replacing them with 5160's.

 

Doesn't the stock shock just have a model number on it???????heck, i like my zone nitros when i was at a budget boost. They rode good. A shock Will only do so much.

If you springs ride rough the you'll have a rough ride.

I have higher spring rate with my Bastard lift and it doesn't ride rough but there are times you feel the road. Im running monotube shocks