Shocks

[unlimitedrubicon]

What are the lengths for the front and rear Bilstein shocks (extended and compressed) that Nth recommends for the 6" lift? I have been looking and do not see them listed anywhere. Also, I have been wondering why the OME shocks are recommended for the 4.5" lift instead of a set of Bilsteins with the correct lengths? Are the OMEs better somehow?

Thank you,
Scott

[tjaybo]

I don't know about their recommendation but I put bilsteins on my tj and immediatly felt an improvement. I don't think I will ever buy anything else again.

[Jdemonto]

I don't know about their recommendation but I put bilsteins on my tj and immediatly felt an improvement. I don't think I will ever buy anything else again.

I run them on my 2.5" springs and they are great shocks, not sure about lengths.

Jason

[unlimitedrubicon]

For those interested here are the lengths and valving of the recommended shocks for the 6" long arm lift:

Bilstein TJ Long Arm
BE5-A940-H5 Front
16.97-28.44 126/47
BE5-A939-H5 Rear
15.37-25 163/68

I am still curious about the choice to use OME shocks for the 4.5" lift. For that application, what makes them the better / recommended choice?

Thank you

[AEV Jim]

The reason for the recommended shock lengths and the differing brands between the 4.5" and 6.0" NthTJLA systems is based mainly on ideal length, but also somewhat based on the 'typical user' for each system. The problem is that since neither Nth nor AEV has ever done our 'own shocks' for the TJLA systems, we're subject to what's available that meets the following requirements:
- fits the application (i.e. correct lengths, end configurations, etc.)
- has good tuning (i.e. rides well)
- has high level of reliability and quality reputation.

After much testing and evaluating, the Bilsteins were the choice for the 6" systems because the lengths are perfect and the tuning is very nice, plus they're a little more aggressive (i.e. stiffer) which seems to suit the wants of many of the customers going that 'large' with their TJ. But Bilstein doesn't have a similar set of p/n's that are ideal for the 4.5" system - they call for the same rears in that height (A939), but they're just plain too long for 4.5", plus their shorter front shocks have a very different tuning than the A940's, which we prefer. For this reason we recommend the OME's for the 4.5" system - not that they're a 'consolation prize', but because they're a great shock and the N66L/N67L have perfect lengths for the 4.5" height - and it turns out that they're slightly milder valving seems to satisfy nearly everybody and especially those that are deliberately doing the 4.5" system because they're trying to build a more all-around vehicle (not that the 6" system isn't this too - but perhaps they don't want to hike up into a rig that tall everyday).

BTW Rubicon Express monotube shocks are also very nice and have good lengths for both lift heights, plus they have a monotube+reservoir version that gives you amazing amounts of travel/flex, just know that since the rod diameter is larger on the reservoir versions, they have more positive fluid displacement - so the vehicle will feel a little more 'rolly polly' in the turns, though the actual handling limits will still be nearly the same.

Hope that helps ...
Jim

[unlimitedrubicon]

Thank you AEV_Jim, that is exactly the information I was looking for.