SHOCKS???

[Davidinaz21]

Good morning everyone. I'm starting my build on a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. I'm leaning towards the 3.5" Game Changer lift from Metal Cloak. I'm really undecided on what shocks I should get. I'm not rock crawling but I would like to not worry about obstacles I might come across. I do plan on some sort of canopy camper on the back. Anyway, can I get some thoughts and opinions on some shocks? Fox 2.5", Falcons, Bilstein, which ones would you guys choose and why? Please let me know. Thanks

 

[MMc]

I am a big fan of FOX and KING both are single tube and rebuildable, Both can be tuned for what you want to do. Shocks are like auto makers and tires, everybody has their favorite.

 

[Talon81]

I have the Fox 2.5" on my rig, and they are great. If you are not doing any serious rock crawling and more focusing on trails these are pretty solid. These are definitely made for trail running, not Baja speeds of course but the external reservoirs help keep them from stiffness when they heat up. Anyway my two cents, as everyone has their favorite setup.

 

[bgenlvtex]

I put a 2" Mopar lift on my JT which come with Fox 2.5, the truck has an ARE shell, and I pull a 2500ish lb trailer.

The Fox 2.5 are not enough shock front or rear for that, I'm not on the bump stops with regularity, but wheel end control is lacking, so this thread is relative to my interests. I'm sort of thinking to put air bags in and call it good.

 

[Autism Family Travels]

Shocks do not provide extra weight carrying capacity. Thats why the 2.5 don't make a difference. Springs take the weight, shocks control the weight. Your fox are fine. You need heavier rated springs for the JT. To the OP, have a look at teraflex with their falcon series of shocks. The best in the biz for trail systems IMO. Falcons provide amazing control for all driving situations. Contact TF and explain what you want to do, and they will have a great system. On my 2011 JK unlimited I had a complete teraflex setup, and it was AWESOME. handled great on all roads, smooth and comfortable. Off road I could travel at higher rates of speed than most SXS, and many times, I would be well ahead of my travelling partners (keeping in touch via CB).

 

[bgenlvtex]

Shocks do not provide extra weight carrying capacity. Thats why the 2.5 don't make a difference. Springs take the weight, shocks control the weight. Your fox are fine. You need heavier rated springs for the JT. To the OP, have a look at teraflex with their falcon series of shocks. The best in the biz for trail systems IMO. Falcons provide amazing control for all driving situations. Contact TF and explain what you want to do, and they will have a great system. On my 2011 JK unlimited I had a complete teraflex setup, and it was AWESOME. handled great on all roads, smooth and comfortable. Off road I could travel at higher rates of speed than most SXS, and many times, I would be well ahead of my travelling partners (keeping in touch via CB).

Springs are fine (see the bump stop part), the Fox 2.5 are not designed to tow, and they do not work well (unsurprisingly) in that application.

Personally I'm not looking for an "off road" shock, I'm looking for a shock that can be used off road with a bias toward better control of the wheel end in towing situations.

 

[Autism Family Travels]

Springs are fine (see the bump stop part), the Fox 2.5 are not designed to tow, and they do not work well (unsurprisingly) in that application.

Personally I'm not looking for an "off road" shock, I'm looking for a shock that can be used off road with a bias toward better control of the wheel end in towing situations.

Falcons will cure your issues. I misread. I thought it read you are on your stops alot.

 

[bgenlvtex]

Falcons will cure your issues. I misread. I thought it read you are on your stops alot.

I may have been unclear, but yes the Fox 2.5 lack adequate dampening for anything more than an unloaded vehicle. they didn't get soft, they started out soft.

Thanks for the reply

 

[jeepers29]

I too recommend the falcon shocks. They adjust for all conditions. I would also say take a look at the Teraflex 3" outback lift system. It is designed for heavy rigs/towing. I have had it on 2 jeeps now and lover the system. It is very nice on trails when loaded.

 

[MazeVX]

Good morning everyone. I'm starting my build on a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. I'm leaning towards the 3.5" Game Changer lift from Metal Cloak. I'm really undecided on what shocks I should get. I'm not rock crawling but I would like to not worry about obstacles I might come across. I do plan on some sort of canopy camper on the back. Anyway, can I get some thoughts and opinions on some shocks? Fox 2.5", Falcons, Bilstein, which ones would you guys choose and why? Please let me know. Thanks

At first, while metalcloak itself is an excellent choice, progressive and multi rate springs are not ideal for loaded vehicles or variable loading levels, linear springs work generally better under those circumstances.
As far as shocks go, look for Accutune, they usually sell fox and king. You tell them your vehicle setup/axle weight and choose a tier and they will tune your choosen shock for your needs.
2,5" generally spoken leave more room for tuning and generally can get more "plushness"
Falcons should be around 2,25" and are a good option if you are not interested in tuning but work great out of the box.

My personal choice would be a 2,5" Radflo individual tuned.

 

[Davidinaz21]

Good morning everyone. I'm starting my build on a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. I'm leaning towards the 3.5" Game Changer lift from Metal Cloak. I'm really undecided on what shocks I should get. I'm not rock crawling but I would like to not worry about obstacles I might come across. I do plan on some sort of canopy camper on the back. Anyway, can I get some thoughts and opinions on some shocks? Fox 2.5", Falcons, Bilstein, which ones would you guys choose and why? Please let me know. Thanks

At first, while metalcloak itself is an excellent choice, progressive and multi rate springs are not ideal for loaded vehicles or variable loading levels, linear springs work generally better under those circumstances.
As far as shocks go, look for Accutune, they usually sell fox and king. You tell them your vehicle setup/axle weight and choose a tier and they will tune your choosen shock for your needs.
2,5" generally spoken leave more room for tuning and generally can get more "plushness"
Falcons should be around 2,25" and are a good option if you are not interested in tuning but work great out of the box.

My personal choice would be a 2,5" Radflo individual tuned.

Thanks for all your knowledge.