Newbie KJ shock ???

pookie · **Joined:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:06 am **Posts:** 48

First let me say that even though it is my wife's DD and only once been taken off road I am impressed with the Liberty. I am one TJ owner that sings the praises of teh KJ. But I need some help and before I get flamed I searched and didn't find my answer.

My wife's 02 is in need of new shocks real bad in the front, and I was going to replace the rears as well. I can't find any recommendations for replacement shocks that don't involve lifting the KJ. Like I said this is hers and I can think of only once when it has been off road. So does anyone have any suggestions for replacements for stock shocks? I don't mind if the handling were improved or whatever, but I'm just not looking to lift this thing.

Figured I would also share the one off road experience. We went to get a Christmas tree one year after a large fresh snow, at least 6 inches. Well there was a large parking lot at the bottom of the hill for the entrance to the tree farm, but I saw they were letting a Hummer go through the gate and up into the tree farm. This would have been the winter of 02 so Liberties weren't all over the place like they are now. Guy comes to the window looks at the Jeep and goes "Does that thing have 4wd" Me "Yep". "Do you think you can follow that guy?" Points to the Hummer and smirks. Me "Sure do see you later". And off we go. Had to wait on the hummer to cross a small ditch as it didn't want to get stuck. Little Libby wanted to pass that slow booger but there wasn't enough room.

Thanks

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:11 am

Old Man Emu is a really good brand for the front and rear shocks. Probably the most expensive, but they are also the best.

Rancho also makes shocks for the front and rear.

Rustys sells the rear OME shock, but I do not believe they sell the front separate. CLICKY

You should be able to get the OME fronts from All J's if you give them a call. They have both the Rancho rear shocks and front shocks. I may be wrong, but I wouldnt see a problem using the rancho rear RSX 17004's. They are just longer so it gives you more flex. CLICKY

Comparing a Libery to a hummer is sad. Those things cant do anything in the snow. They are so freakin heavy they just sink up in anything like that. :twisted:

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:19 am

Struts, not shocks in the front.

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=jee ... ch+Froogle

pookie · **Joined:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:06 am **Posts:** 48

Ha. shows how much I know about the Libby, I just assumed it had shocks like the Wrangler.

It is making alot of noise when going over speed bumps. Plus its also got 94K on the original shocks and struts. About time for a replace.

FastTRX · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:30 pm

pookie wrote:

Ha. shows how much I know about the Libby, I just assumed it had shocks like the Wrangler.

It is making alot of noise when going over speed bumps. Plus its also got 94K on the original shocks and struts. About time for a replace.

Take some silicone spray to the front swaybar bushings right below the radiator under the front bumper. These dry out quickly and makes the noise you are talking about. My KJ has almost 84K and while it may be due for new struts and shocks in the rear...it actually is pretty quiet after I lube the bushings about once a month. remember I drive my jeep alot.

Just a tip....you may end up getting the new stuts but discover the same noise you were hearing is still there...

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:10 pm

Jeger wrote:

Struts, not shocks in the front.

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=jee ... ch+Froogle

Very common mis-understanding.

Struts turn with the front wheels as they turn. This basically takes place of the upper balljoint.

Our libery uses a coilover-shock set-up. :wink:

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:31 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Jeger wrote:

Struts, not shocks in the front.

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=jee ... ch+Froogle

Very common mis-understanding.

Struts turn with the front wheels as they turn. This basically takes place of the upper balljoint.

Our libery uses a coilover-shock set-up. :wink:

So common that if you go into an auto parts store they will laugh at you if you tell them you want shocks for the front of your liberty. Everyone refers to them as struts and when you are shopping for them that is what you have to look for.

http://www.boulderbars.com/kjproducts.htm

http://www.rocky-road.com/kjome.html

I have never seen anyone sell them as coil overs. But Jeepster is right that is actually what they are.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:48 pm

Struts or Shocks: what this guy is asking about is new dampers for the Liberty.

I've done a little research on this as I will also not be lifting my Liberty. The two common replacements are the Monrone Reflex Shock / Strut and the standard KYB dampers. Of the two, I've been leaning towards the Monroe pieces just because my Jeep is driven every day and I haven't, yet, found too much bad information on them. Just make sure you don't get the sensatrac units. The reflex shocks are a bit different. As far as pricing goes: ~$45.00 for the rears (each) and ~92.00 for the fronts (each) on the internet

I didn't know if OME sold shocks for an unlifted liberty so I never checked them out.

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:00 pm

Arent all of the front shocks available for the liberty essentially the same length anyhow. I didnt think anyone had made a longer one for us yet. If they have please tell me which ones.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:33 pm

I'd be willing to sell my stock shocks, struts, and springs to you. They only have ~500 miles on them.

1stJeepKJ · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:35 pm

sleeve84028 wrote:

Struts or Shocks: what this guy is asking about is new dampers for the Liberty.

I've done a little research on this as I will also not be lifting my Liberty. The two common replacements are the Monrone Reflex Shock / Strut and the standard KYB dampers. Of the two, I've been leaning towards the Monroe pieces just because my Jeep is driven every day and I haven't, yet, found too much bad information on them. Just make sure you don't get the sensatrac units. The reflex shocks are a bit different. As far as pricing goes: ~$45.00 for the rears (each) and ~92.00 for the fronts (each) on the internet

I didn't know if OME sold shocks for an unlifted liberty so I never checked them out.

Shoot, if you can install a lift yourself and if you're gonna spend $300+ on new shocks might as well get the Rusty's 2.5" Coil Lift for $400+. IMHO the KJ rides a lot better than stock with the Rusty's lift. If I had it to do over I would go with the Rancho shocks in back instead of the Rusty's.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 07, 2007 7:04 pm

I understand that some people want to get lifts and such while I, for whatever reason, am planning on keeping my stock ride height. Even if I wanted a lift - it'd bea setup from OME.

Newbie KJ shock ???

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