Choosing A Good Set Of Offroad Shocks
The Jeep Wrangler TJ blends family comfort, sport, and off-road racing quite well. But, do you take your Jeep Wrangler TJ off-road more often? Then, an upgrade with the best shocks is a must-have for superior performance. Now, we have Jeep Wrangler TJ lift kits with varying heights.
Each of these kits works best for the 1997 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ models. They suck up all the vibrations from the springs. This way, they level your Jeep for a smooth ride over rough terrain.
Hence, selecting the right shocks for your drive can be tricky. Your driving conditions, ease of installation, durability, price, and branding come to play. What are the features of the leading shocks for Jeep TJ with 4 Lift?
The Best Shocks for Jeep TJ with 4 Lift
Teraflex 9550 VSS Twin-Tube Front and Rear Shocks for 3-4 in. Lift (07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK)
The Teraflex 950 VSS shocks are of heavy-duty twin-tube design with hydraulic fluid. As they weigh 23.1 pounds, these shocks lift your Jeep Wrangler 3 inches to 4 inches high. Hence, they work best on 2007-2018 TJ models with 34 to 35 inches tires. Still, the Wrangler TJ must have the Teraflex suspension.
The shock’s large outer tube protects the inner one from damage. It uses a velocity-sensitive valving that ends in better performance for off-road driving. A handy oil block and seal stops spillage.
The installation kit contains four shock absorbers and fitting hardware for a 3” – 4” lift.
Key Features
- The shocks have a triple-chrome plated rods, double-welded eyelets, and sturdy e-dipped finish. Its rubber bushings and bar pins fit a Jeep Wrangler TJ. All these components are durable and resistant to corrosion.
- It uses velocity-sensitive valving. This technique raises the shock's coping with more shakes from the suspension. It is compatible with Teraflex suspension systems.
- The bolt-on fitting needs no precise mechanical skill. It takes up to 2 hours to finish the installation.
- The shocks fit off-road 2007-2018 Wrangler TJ and JK models.
Pros
- High off-road performance
- Compatible with Teraflex’s suspension systems.
- The handy oil block and seal stops any oil spills
- It retails with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Ideal for an average ride
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Rubicon Express SK010734RXT 3.5″-4.5″ Twintube Shock for Jeep TJ/LJ
The Rubicon Express SK010734RXT 3.5″-4.5″ Shock for Jeep TJ/LJ is a custom shock for 1997 – 2006 Wrangler TJ models. Hence, it fits such models with 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches lift. These shocks outperform other suspension models that would struggle in the toughest terrain. In turn, it delivers a smooth ride for off-road driving.
These shocks carry extra hydraulic fluid than your ordinary suspensions. In turn, it guarantees smoother stops and damping. The shock’s shafts and rings are of the chrome finish. The coating keeps the shocks sturdy and corrosion-free for miles.
The shocks use factory hardware for mounting. Hence they are easy to install on your Wrangler TJ. Still, you ought to get its alignment reviewed by an expert before you drive off. This precaution ensures that you have the right wheel alignment.
Key Features
- The 24 pounds matte black shocks have 0.6785 inches chrome shafts and 1.625 inches pistons. They user sturdy double-welded rings to clear the ground for the Jeep Wrangler TJ 3” to 4.5” high.
- Its four twin-tube shocks use a nitrogen-charged gas chamber. Both the rear and front shocks have a coiled spring valve for a smooth ride.
- Its broad tubes carry extra oil, that is ideal for 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ models
Pros
- Superior performance irrespective of dents
- Enhances stops due to rebounds
- Results in a smooth ride in toughest terrains
- Carries extra hydraulic fluid than other suspensions
Cons
- Needs professional alignment
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Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Front Pair 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ w/3-4.5″ Lift LJ
The Fox 2.0 Performance Shock is efficient and consistent for a Jeep Wrangler TJ on off-road trims. These IFP mono tube shocks use a high-pressure nitrogen chamber. Plus, it keeps shock oil from foaming or spilling.
These shocks comprise of 2 front shocks for a 3” – 4.5” lift. Hence, they are a perfect replacement for the first shocks and aftermarket kits. Also, they ensure most comfort on the road while giving you better control off the road. While its bolt-on installation is straightforward, needing no modifications or upgrades.
There is a robust damping control in an aluminum body. This control minimizes friction sound or corrosion on your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
Key Features
- It is a rear internal floating piston mono tube design that lifts 4WD vehicles 3” to 4.5” inches.
- The shocks use reservoir clamps, nuts, rubber bushings, and washers. These robust parts improve control of Jeep Wrangler TJ models off-road ride.
- Its bolt installation allows for easy home fitting.
- It sells with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Smooth ride in hardest driving conditions
- Uses IFP with valving technology for race performance
- Noiseless performance using alloy s
- Robust construction that features corrosion resistant alloy steel shafts and aluminum body.
Cons
- Mounting plate retails as a separate unit
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Freedom Off-Road 1984-2001 Cherokee 4-6” Lift Extended Nitro Shocks
Lifting your Jeep Wrangler TJ 4” to 6” is now easier than before. For, these mono-tube shocks use a robust design. First, it features a pressurized nitrogen chamber that is corrosion resistant. Plus, a hardened chrome piston rod runs through a rugged alloy body with a silver coat finish.
The Freedom Off-Road shocks offer a perfect grip on aggressive tracks. Each part is efficient and consistent, turning to superior handling on and off the road.
This lift kit sells in a preassembled state. Hence, no need for further modifications or upgrades on your Jeep. Yet, due to the high lift, you’ll need to align your wheels after the installation.
Key Features
- It’s a set of two front and two rear mono tube, nitro-charged shocks with a power coat silver finish.
- The shocks deliver a smooth ride using its pressurized nitrogen gas chamber. In turn, it clears the ground of between 4” – 6” high.
- The kit installs with ease in any Jeep Wrangler 1997-2006 model.
- It retails with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Clears 4” to 6” off the ground
- Superior handling off-road
- Sturdy parts that are easy to install
- Fits Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997 to 2006 models
Cons
- It’s a non-adjustable design
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Skyjacker Black MAX Shocks Rear Pair 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler 4WD w/6-8″ Lift TJ
The Skyjacker Black MAX Shocks is a twin tube design that lifts any Jeep Wrangler TJ 97-06 model 6 to 8 inches high. Its foam cell technology that gets rid of any air-build up in the shocks.
The twin-tube shocks are of shafts with chrome plating and mounts with arc welding. They are corrosion resistant and prevent any fluid spillage.
The shocks mount in any direction, delivering optimal performance on tricky trails.
Key Features
- It’s a robust twin tube shock that uses foam cell technology. It holds extra fluid, minimizing air inside the shocks.
- The shocks have chrome-plated shafts, and arc welded mount ends. These parts are fade-free and corrosion-resistant, lasting for longer miles.
- Uses factory shock mounting bolts that fit in any direction.
Pros
- Sturdy twin-tube construction
- Holds extra fluid
- Mounts in either direction
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- The installation process requires a moderate mechanical skill
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TERAFLEX 0401304003 Falcon Tj Series 3 Piggyback Shocks
The TERAFLEX Piggyback Shocks consist of 4 mono-tube shocks of 6061-T6 aluminum form. These shocks create 3-4 inches lift off the ground clearance for your Wrangler. Its whole exterior has a salt spray to stop rust and corrosion over time.
The shocks hold more oil and gas charges than other suspensions for a 1997 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ. In turn, they cut overheating in the tubes. It's a control that improves the Jeep's performance over tough terrain.
The shocks are of custom made for the Jeep Wrangler TJ. They offer better handling, stability, and comfort both on and off-road.
Key Features
- It is a 36.5-pound, four full-body mono tube shocks. This design provides ground clearance for any Jeep Wrangler TJ 97-06 3” to 4” high.
- The shocks are of a sturdy 6061-T6 aluminum make. The interior has hard anodized pistons. Its exterior is salt-sprayed to prevent corrosion.
- The huge tubes hold extra oil and gas that cuts overheating. This way, the Jeep remains stable and comfortable on all driving conditions.
- The shocks need a moderate mechanical skill to install..
Pros
- Prevents heat build-up, stabilizing the Jeep off road
- Optimal damping traits
- It retails with a 3-years limited warranty
- Ideal for daily road commute and occasional racing performance
Cons
- Requires a moderate skill level to install
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SENSEN 6051 Full Set of Shocks for 97-06 Jeep Wrangler
The SENSEN 6051 is nitrogen gas charged bare struts that work well with 97-06 Jeep Wranglers. For, they use stringent OE standards to be compatible with most Jeep Wranglers. In turn, they maintain a safe ride with optimal performance.
Are you looking to restore your first ride? These robust, twin-tube shocks will lift your Wrangler back to its factory height. Yet, since these are bare struts, they retail without the necessary installation tools.
The kit includes a top mount, coil spring, bumper, insulators, bearing plate, and boot cover. All these parts are certified to meet OE specifications.
Key Features
- It’s bare struts that use a pressurized nitrogen gas chamber to stabilize your Jeep.
- The 30-pound twin-tube design clears the ground of up to 2 – 3 inches high.
- It installs on any 97-06 Jeep Wrangler model without needing a lift.
- The shocks retail with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Works well on moderate bumps
- ISO/TS 16949:2002 and ISO9001:2000 certified
- Better control and comfort on a bumpy ride
- Durable OE specific model that is great value for money
Cons
- These are bare struts only
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Rough Country 2.5″ Lift Kit Compatible w/ 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ LJ 6CYL Includes N3 Shocks Suspension System 653.20
It is now possible to drive in the same comfort on and off the road. That is, whether your Jeep Wrangler TJ is a weekend warrior or a low-profile daily commute. For, the Rough Country's 2.5″ Lift Kit will lift your Wrangler to 4 inches high. In turn, it cushions you from a bumpy ride and high obstacles.
The Rough Country 2.5″ Lift Kit has features that will transform the look and feel of your Jeep Wrangler TJ. First, its rear coil springs are factory-tuned for the best experience. Then, there is a piston rod seal that is on the coin springs, and another one reinforced with an 18mm chrome plate. Plus, the shocks use a certified military fluid for its 10 point variable valving.
The Rough Country's 2.5″ Lift Kit is ideal for home installation. It takes about 2 hours to get all the parts up on the Jeep.
Key Features
- These are 48.6 pounds monotube shocks with a silver coat finish.
- The premium N3 shocks feature rear and front coil springs that clear ground of up to 4 inches high.
- The shocks use a 10-point variable valving that helps in vibration dampening.
- Its bolt-on installation fits any 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ with a 3” to 6” lift.
Pros
- Ample ground clearance for 31 inches tires
- Uses factory-tuned lifted coil springs
- Easy to install
- Has a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Retail with no mounting brackets
- Jeep must have six cylinders engine
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Factors to Consider In Choosing the Right Shocks for Your Jeep Wrangler TJ
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Ground Clearance for Your Driving Conditions
A Jeep Wrangler is for extreme driving conditions. Yet, it may not be high enough to get through any obstacles on its way. Hence, you ought to consider what kind of obstructions you want to tackle with your wrangler. Then, pick shocks that work well in a particular lift kit.
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Types of Shock Absorbers For a Jeep Wrangler TJ
There are many types of shocks for different vehicles and suspensions as follows: –
Standard Shocks
- They fit most vehicles.
- The shocks come pre-installed in new cars.
- Standard shocks rarely last beyond 100,000 miles
Gas Shocks
- Gas shocks are ideal for small cars.
- They use nitrogen gas for comfort, control, and consistent performance.
Heavy Duty Shocks
- These shocks are a perfect fit for 4WDs, SUVs, and Jeep Wranglers.
- The shocks use bigger shafts and carry extra fluid for cushion and cooling.
Automatic Shocks
- Ideal for any luxury car
Air Shocks
- The shocks are ideal for motorcycles and lightweight trucks.
- They use pressurized air to adjust the car.
Overload Shocks
- Heavy load trucks.
- Have reinforced parts for durability, better control, and top performance.
The shocks are further classified according to function as follows: –
Twin Tube Shocks
- The shocks feature a piston, inner tube, and outer tube.
- They are common in small cars and trucks.
- Sell at an affordable price.
- They need reinforcement to perform on rough terrain.
- Heavy Duty Twin Tubes do not overheat or foam.
Oil-Filled Mono-tube Shocks
- It uses a single tube for balance.
- They do not need reinforcement to work on a Jeep Wrangler TJ.
- It mounts upside down to cut the un-sprung load.
- Its oil is tolerant to heat.
- They retail at a premium price.
Gas Filled Mono-tube Shocks
- The shocks use a pressurized nitrogen gas chamber.
- They also have an oil chamber.
- The gas prevents the oil from foaming.
- The shocks comply with strict guidelines on fading.
- It's an excellent choice for the Jeep Wrangler TJ.
External Reservoir Shocks
- The tubes connect to an oil reservoir via a hose.
- Each reservoir is at a strategic point on the car to enhance performance.
- The reservoir shocks are excellent for racing Jeep Wranglers TJ models.
- They sell at a premium price.
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Durability
The shocks you install in the Jeep Wrangler TJ ought to be of robust make. Typical features of a robust design include: –
- Chrome-plated rods
- Welded eyelets
- E-dipped finishing,
- Corrosion-resistant gas chambers
- Rugged alloy body
- Aluminum alloy body
- Silver coat finish
- Versatile, foam resistant fluid
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Price and Brand
Light shocks are cheaper than the heavy-duty ones. Indeed, a large truck needs similar heavy-duty shocks to stabilize the ride. Still, the price varies from one brand to another, depending on their target market. Here is a list of the famous brands that make superior shocks for Jeep Wrangler TJ: –
- Monroe Shocks and Struts
- Teraflex
- SENSEN Shocks and Struts
- Rubicon Express
- Rough Country
- Freedom OffRoad
- ACDelco
- Bilstein
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Ease of Installation
A Jeep Wrangler TJ is a compact off-road warrior. Hence, fitting shocks to this truck may need a moderate to difficult mechanical skill. But, other shocks retail with an easy to follow guide. It is better to take your Jeep for alignment by an expert before you drive off.
FAQs
How is a Jeep Wrangler TJ lift related to shock absorbers?
A. Shock absorbers absorb the vibrations due to a bumpy ride. Yet, it is most convenient to fix new shocks on your Jeep when carrying out the main lift. For, one has easy access to the suspensions. Again, a higher lift may need replacing your shocks. Indeed, most shock models are not adjustable to be compatible with the lift. For this reason, a lift kit includes the ideal shock absorbers for your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
Do I have to lift my Jeep Wrangler TJ?
A. Whereas your Jeep Wrangler TJ is a natural off-road beast, it may not be able to clear all obstacles on its way. No wonder, most Jeep owners find it almost natural to lift their wranglers. But, if you are new to the 4WD family, it’s prudent to take a step back and think of the pros and cons as follows: –
Lifting a Jeep requires a level of mechanical skills. The lifts you install alter your Jeep’s suspension. If not done in the right manner, you risk compromising your ride.
Your driving habits matter. If you take your wrangler off-road often, a budget lift will not do.
You ought to budget beyond the lift kit. For, you may need to add some bigger tires, extended brake lines, axles, and steering parts. All these extras mean more spending for you.
What are leveling kits?
As the name suggests, a leveling kit works to level the front and rear of your Jeep. It ensures all the parts are stable at the same level. Leveling is crucial in some instances. For example, you may have your winch or bumpers to heavier ones. All in all, these leveling kits range between front lift of 1 inch and a rear lift of 2 inches. Below are the pros and cons of a 1” to 2” lift: –
Pros
- Such lifts work best for 1 inch to 1.25 inches suspension lifts for Jeeps.
- There is no need to change the drive angle or use a slip yoke eliminator.
- They are ideal for tires of between 31 inches and 33 inches.
- It’s the most affordable lift for your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
- The lifts are easy to install.
- Such kits have ample room for placing skid plates.
Cons
- It provides minimal ground clearance.
- You may need a lift to mount the engine
- A future upgrade will need extra shifters, radiator brackets, and fuel filler necks.
What does a lift kit entail?
A typical lift kit can either be a suspension kit or a body kit. A body kit works to expand the length between the Jeep’s frame and body. In contrast, a suspension kit increases the space between the frame and the axle.
Which shocks are ideal for the various types of lifts?
Below is a summary of the types of shocks and their corresponding lift sizes: –
| Lift | Ideal Shocks |
| 0” – 2” | · Stock shocks
· Aftermarket leveling kits |
| 2” – 4” | · Aftermarket Mono Tube Shocks
· External Reservoir Shocks
|
| 5” – 8” | · Aftermarket Mono Tube Shocks
· External Reservoir Shocks · Coilover Shocks |
Conclusion
In the above guide, we’ve explained how the best shocks for Jeep TJ with 4 Lift ought to be. Such shocks work to provide ample ground clearance for your Jeep Wrangler TJ on and off-road. Pick a lift kit size that works best for you. It should match your driving conditions, preferred brand, budget, and ease of installation.
