Hi everyone, I currently have a 99 xj with rubicon express suspension but it is totally blasted. Every bump just feels rock hard and there is no shock absorption what so ever. I’m thinking about getting a set of Bilstein 5100’s and wanted to see if anyone had any experience driving with these or any positive/negative reviews. The area I live in gets lots of intense weather patterns and I drive on lots of dirt roads ranging from graded to never maintained forest roads (Flagstaff, AZ). Thanks for the help!

 

The 5100s are a great shock. I ran them on a few previous XJs. Never had any issues with them. For the price, you really cant beat them. If you want to splurge a little, you can go for the 5160s. Thats what I am currently running on my Jeep.

I also have to mention, if you are running the RE 3.5" lift springs, thats part of the rough riding issue. They are one of the stiffest springs out there.

 

Kyb monomax is probly the best shock for the money.

 

I’m pretty sure the RE springs are on there. Is there a spring you would suggest pairing with the 5100’s?

 

Aren't Rubicon Express shocks just slightly different valved Bilsteins? You should really figure out what you currently have and don't like because you might be about to buy the same thing just painted a different color. Bilsteins are firm. That's why people say they make their vehicles handle better and drive more like a car. I don't want firm shocks. I want to not have bleeding kidneys when I go into the back country. I don't care that I get more nose dive when breaking, or how I can take a turn on the highway at 70. That is what my fun car is for.

OME are what you want if you are looking for the best comfort and can afford to replace expensive shocks every two years. I went Ranchos RS5000x they work for me and cost $25-35 a peace on RockAuto on closeouts a couple of times a month (just make sure you get the right length for your lift).

What's your rear shackle angle? That would be the first thing I would address if it's off as it is going to be the worst and most common offender on a lift like you have. I would approach your issue methodically and figure out what's really going on or it can get expensive quick.

 

I have 5100s on my ‘89. I love the ride. Personally, I wouldn’t consider them a “stiff” shock.

 

Its going to be tricky to match the height of the RE 3.5" spring as they really come out closer to 4.5". Metalcloak would be who I go to but again, cant say the lift will be the same.

https://metalcloak.com/tj-lj-wrangle...4-5-front.html

 

Changing shocks is not going to take your ride from "Every bump just feels rock hard and there is no shock absorption what so ever" to cushy. We need more information. Short arms or long arms? What types of joints on the arms? How much lift? What springs front and rear? What is your shackle angle? What load range tires do you have? What tire pressure do you run?

I have the RE 3.5" springs and can confirm they are one of the stiffest springs you can buy for these. They are much better after adding a heavy front bumper and winch.

FWIW, the Bilstein 5100s are a decent shock for the money, but don't expect them to transform the performance of the vehicle. Suspension geometry is much more important. Keeping the control arms as flat as possible will make the biggest difference.