Shock Absorbers

[brooklyn]

I have read most of the threads here on MUD and jeep threads to see what shocks people are running for a short wheel based 4x4 and have yet to find information that guides me to my next purchase for my 1968 FJ40.

Back Story - I have a 1968 FJ40, 2.5" OME medium lift, hard top, front winch, rear gas tank (soon to be installed), mainly driven in metro NYC (pot holes, expansion joints) with the occasional fire road "off-roading". The OME shocks that were installed 7+ years ago and need replacement. Original drive train.

Today, I called Slee Offroad and talked with a sales rep who said he doesn't specialize in FJ40s and would be hesitant to make a recommendation. However, he did say that he believed the OME Sport Shocks & Fox shock would give too harsh a ride for the short wheel based FJ40.

I have read about Bilstein 5100 and Ranchos RS9000XL adjustable ride shocks, but not enough to make a decision pro or con.

Bottom Line - looking for a reasonable non-jarring ride (have owned multiple CJ7s and FJ40s - so I know I won't get Cadillac or Lincoln Town Car comfort) that will work in a more metro setting with a tab bit of off road.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[Curt]

bilstein 5100.

 

[GHalll]

5100... I plan on putting them on most of my vehicles..

FJ40 Bilstein 5100 and 5150 shock part numbers

 

[Tancruiser]

I ran bilsteins on my fj45

 

[Downey]

The reason everyone is going to recommend Billys is because unlike most gas shocks that merely put gas pressure against the shock oil (translation= stiff ride), Bilstein puts the gas pressure against the valving to make the shocks "more" velocity sensitive (translation= softer ride until you try to slam the shock closed, then valving comes into play).

 

[ginmtb]

I wish I had done a little more research before purchasing my OMEs... ride seems pretty rough (although I don't have anything to compare to really). Short wheelbase - kidney shaking ride is the norm isn't it?

 

[CHCP]

Bilsteins on my 78 FJ40LV-KCJA

 

[BrianSanDiego]

I have the Rancho 9000XL shocks and like them, and the range of adjustability is plenty. I can't say if they work better or worse than the Bilsteins but I'm happy with the Ranchos. Also the in-cab controller is a handy feature when you want to stiffen up the ride on the fly, to help handling.

 

[brooklyn]

Based upon what I read and the comments in this thread this seems to the the best option.

Generally speaking, since I have a 2.5 " lift would I go with the shocks recommended for a 2" or 4" lift?

Here is what I am seeing online:
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set 1960-1982 Toyota Land Cruiser w/2" Lift
33-062518 33-185606 - set cost $320.00

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set 1960-1982 Toyota Land Cruiser w/4" Lift
BIL33-185552x2 BIL33-185606x2 - set cost $299.00

 

[iptman]

5100s here too. There's a thread somewhere on here with the part numbers for 0-2 inches of lift.

 

[Rigger]

Napa blues. I think they’re made by Monroe?

 

[Downey]

Napa blues. I think they’re made by Monroe?

Same as poo poo Ranchos, made by Gabriel in Canada.

 

[brooklyn]

As an update....I installed the Bilstien 33-062518 & 33-185606. I was replacing the OME shocks that were blown. After putting some mileage on the shocks, they are a great improvement when driving highway and street - less harsh of a ride.

Truck won't see any off-road until next year, but for those looking for improved street and highway ---- these worked for me.

Thanks to all those provided insight on the shocks...cheers.

 

[2countryhicks]

As an update....I installed the Bilstien 33-062518 & 33-185606. I was replacing the OME that were blown. After putting some mileage on the shocks, they are a great improvement when driving highway and street - less harsh of a ride.

Truck won't see any off-road until next year, but for those looking for improved street and highway ---- these worked for me.

Thanks to all those provided insight on the shocks...cheers.

Thanks for the info. Did these shocks work for you in the long run? Still happy with them? Are 33-185606 the rears, and 33-062518 the fronts?

 

[bikersmurf]

I’ve got no experience with RS-9000s. I’m disappointed in the RS-5000s on my truck. They have always sucked.

Sure the 9000s can be adjusted... but is their valving up to snuff?

I do have Bilsteins on my 9000 lb rig. They made a huge improvement in the ride quality and handling. With the OEM shocks, potholes would lead to the rig swinging wildly side to side... Bilstiens made that go away.