Rubicon Shock Question
11-27-2011, 05:17 AM
#1
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Rubicon Shock Question
I've got about 62k on my Rubi, and she rides and drives perfectly.
I'm considering a spacer lift, with or without shocks. I like the ride/handling of the Rubi shocks, both on and off road.
If I go with a kit with shock extensions, I'm wondering how long I can expect the Rubi shocks to last before I have to replace them anyway. If they aren't expected to last much past 100k, then I might as well go with a kit with shocks.
The other thing bugging me is the shock extensions. They almost seem like a band-aid approach. Are they durable?
If the Rubi shocks last long enough, and no one has anything bad to say about the shock extensions, then that's probably the way I'll go.
I'm down to deciding between the Rubicon Express 2" system and The AEV system. The AEV comes with extended swaybar end links. Are those necessary? Maybe that's another thread.
FYI--For now, I'm sticking with the stock 32" Mud Terrain tires and wheels. If I upgrade, it would be to 33 inch Duratracs, but right now I'm leaning toward sticking with what I've got. A day in mud and goo yesterday increased my confidence in the Mud Terrains.
I'm considering a spacer lift, with or without shocks. I like the ride/handling of the Rubi shocks, both on and off road.
If I go with a kit with shock extensions, I'm wondering how long I can expect the Rubi shocks to last before I have to replace them anyway. If they aren't expected to last much past 100k, then I might as well go with a kit with shocks.
The other thing bugging me is the shock extensions. They almost seem like a band-aid approach. Are they durable?
If the Rubi shocks last long enough, and no one has anything bad to say about the shock extensions, then that's probably the way I'll go.
I'm down to deciding between the Rubicon Express 2" system and The AEV system. The AEV comes with extended swaybar end links. Are those necessary? Maybe that's another thread.
FYI--For now, I'm sticking with the stock 32" Mud Terrain tires and wheels. If I upgrade, it would be to 33 inch Duratracs, but right now I'm leaning toward sticking with what I've got. A day in mud and goo yesterday increased my confidence in the Mud Terrains.
Last edited by dmwil; 11-27-2011 at 05:27 AM.
11-27-2011, 06:21 AM
#2
JK Enthusiast
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Hey,
I ran the 2" RE spacer lift for a while on my rubi. It was a great starter for me and low budget too. I ran the stock shocks on it without any issues.
Can't remember using shock extensions..hmmm.
I did this to run 33" KM2s and change the look, in retrospect I would have just ran the tires with no lift.
If you do decide on new shocks why not just get longer ones and avoid the extensions?
The stock 32s are great, I love the duratracs. Wish they had come in 37's, lol.
Another thought, lots of threads on running larger tires without any lift, have you considered that?
Look at: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...3+stock+height
Remember the idea is to increase your ground clearance, from the ground to the bottom of the axle. Adding larger tires does this, not lifting the jeep up from the axles. The idea of the lift is to allow more room for larger tires. If you are looking at "only" going to 33's then the lift may not be a wise use of money.
Food for thought...
Good luck.
Brent
I ran the 2" RE spacer lift for a while on my rubi. It was a great starter for me and low budget too. I ran the stock shocks on it without any issues.
Can't remember using shock extensions..hmmm.
I did this to run 33" KM2s and change the look, in retrospect I would have just ran the tires with no lift.
If you do decide on new shocks why not just get longer ones and avoid the extensions?
The stock 32s are great, I love the duratracs. Wish they had come in 37's, lol.
Another thought, lots of threads on running larger tires without any lift, have you considered that?
Look at: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...3+stock+height
Remember the idea is to increase your ground clearance, from the ground to the bottom of the axle. Adding larger tires does this, not lifting the jeep up from the axles. The idea of the lift is to allow more room for larger tires. If you are looking at "only" going to 33's then the lift may not be a wise use of money.
Food for thought...
Good luck.
Brent
11-27-2011, 06:21 AM
#3
JK Junkie
You can score a new set of rubi shocks (take offs) for a $100. Or less. That's a great shock at a good price, score a set from a forum member off the for sale section, add the extensions and get a set of 34-35s tires. You'll be riding high for short money. If
You get a BB kit with shocks they will prob be dampeners.
You get a BB kit with shocks they will prob be dampeners.
11-27-2011, 06:29 AM
#4
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Doc Highway
Hey,
I ran the 2" RE spacer lift for a while on my rubi. It was a great starter for me and low budget too. I ran the stock shocks on it without any issues.
Can't remember using shock extensions..hmmm.
I did this to run 33" KM2s and change the look, in retrospect I would have just ran the tires with no lift.
If you do decide on new shocks why not just get longer ones and avoid the extensions?
The stock 32s are great, I love the duratracs. Wish they had come in 37's, lol.
Another thought, lots of threads on running larger tires without any lift, have you considered that?
Look at: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...3+stock+height
Remember the idea is to increase your ground clearance, from the ground to the bottom of the axle. Adding larger tires does this, not lifting the jeep up from the axles. The idea of the lift is to allow more room for larger tires. If you are looking at "only" going to 33's then the lift may not be a wise use of money.
Food for thought...
Good luck.
Brent
I ran the 2" RE spacer lift for a while on my rubi. It was a great starter for me and low budget too. I ran the stock shocks on it without any issues.
Can't remember using shock extensions..hmmm.
I did this to run 33" KM2s and change the look, in retrospect I would have just ran the tires with no lift.
If you do decide on new shocks why not just get longer ones and avoid the extensions?
The stock 32s are great, I love the duratracs. Wish they had come in 37's, lol.
Another thought, lots of threads on running larger tires without any lift, have you considered that?
Look at: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...3+stock+height
Remember the idea is to increase your ground clearance, from the ground to the bottom of the axle. Adding larger tires does this, not lifting the jeep up from the axles. The idea of the lift is to allow more room for larger tires. If you are looking at "only" going to 33's then the lift may not be a wise use of money.
Food for thought...
Good luck.
Brent
Last edited by dmwil; 11-27-2011 at 06:35 AM.
11-27-2011, 06:44 AM
#5
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by NH-JK
You can score a new set of rubi shocks (take offs) for a $100. Or less. That's a great shock at a good price, score a set from a forum member off the for sale section, add the extensions and get a set of 34-35s tires. You'll be riding high for short money. If
You get a BB kit with shocks they will prob be dampeners.
You get a BB kit with shocks they will prob be dampeners.
11-27-2011, 06:46 AM
#6
JK Enthusiast
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Now I follow what your thinking is. I did not find much difference in road handling with my spacer lift. Just remember most manufacturers suggest a flash so that your ESP isn't confused by new settings like tire size, ride height,etc. I did not find much difference in road handling when going to my 33" km2's either, but I did go to rims with more backspacing.
Just a thought, larger tires will increase your break over angle too. You must be getting close on new rubber with that mileage?
If not, then now that I understand what you are trying to achieve, go for it. It will be an economical way to achieve your goal and give you the option of larger tires at a later date.
Good luck.
Brent
PS - Once you unleash pandora's box it may be hard to get the lid back on. lol.
Just a thought, larger tires will increase your break over angle too. You must be getting close on new rubber with that mileage?
If not, then now that I understand what you are trying to achieve, go for it. It will be an economical way to achieve your goal and give you the option of larger tires at a later date.
Good luck.
Brent
PS - Once you unleash pandora's box it may be hard to get the lid back on. lol.
11-27-2011, 07:40 AM
#7
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Doc Highway
Now I follow what your thinking is. I did not find much difference in road handling with my spacer lift. Just remember most manufacturers suggest a flash so that your ESP isn't confused by new settings like tire size, ride height,etc. I did not find much difference in road handling when going to my 33" km2's either, but I did go to rims with more backspacing.
Just a thought, larger tires will increase your break over angle too. You must be getting close on new rubber with that mileage?
If not, then now that I understand what you are trying to achieve, go for it. It will be an economical way to achieve your goal and give you the option of larger tires at a later date.
Good luck.
Brent
PS - Once you unleash pandora's box it may be hard to get the lid back on. lol.
Just a thought, larger tires will increase your break over angle too. You must be getting close on new rubber with that mileage?
If not, then now that I understand what you are trying to achieve, go for it. It will be an economical way to achieve your goal and give you the option of larger tires at a later date.
Good luck.
Brent
PS - Once you unleash pandora's box it may be hard to get the lid back on. lol.
At that point, it will be hard not to go with 34 inch tires. How do you like the km2?
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11-27-2011, 06:34 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by dmwil
I've still got a rather surprising amount of tread left. I'm conservatively guessing another 15k in them. I didn't rotate the spare, either.
At that point, it will be hard not to go with 34 inch tires. How do you like the km2?