[TomDK]

Hi..

Ended up getting the ORA +4" suspension including the N2.0 shocks.

But the shocks are just too soft. So now I'm considering upgrading to the RS9000XL shocks.

But how are these compared to the N2.0. At hardest setting, how much stiffer are they, than the N2.0 shock?

Thanks,
Tom

[Gwagensteve]

Probably about 65000%.

IMHO rs9000's are a gimmick- an average shock sold at an inflated price.
There is no specific part # for a jimny, as far as I know, so you are getting something valved for goodness knows what.
They are also very fat which will cause clearance problems, especially around the rear panhard rod.

You won't use the adjusters once they are set properly.

I used to recommend rancho, and I used them myself >10 years ago when long soft shocks were hard to get. There is no good reason to use them now.

From experience, buying a 9000 on dimensions rather than valving (which is proprietary and can't be obtained) is just a lucky dip- they might be fine, they might be too soft or too stiff, regardless of adjustment.

That's from my experience though, others may have more positive reviews. I did not use them on a jimny, but I have used them on sierras and my gwagen.

[Jezza86]

i find the procomp es3000's to be a really good ride. their stiff enough on dirt roads to prevent wobbles but soft enough to not break your spine. most importantly they are very predictable and handle corrugations really well. which i see as important because even the bitumen up here has corrugations.
they are by far superior to standard and OME 2" shocks, and you can buy all 4 from jimnybits for £163.90 all up with some shock boots to protect the chrome bits. shipping usualy takes 3-4 days in my expeirence from england to remote NT and if i was buying shocks again thats exactly what i would do.

as for the wider body shocks, if you get shock relocation brackets for the rear it eliminates the rubbing and castor issues on the rear diff from the lift.

[dank]

If you want a premium shock, then look to Radflo. If you can provide the specs we need, then they an valve them to suit your vehicle. A 2.0 body emulsion shock is the bottom end of the range and would probably suit a light car like a jimny. I run a 2.0 Emulsion shock on the back of the MN triton and they are a great shock.

They cost alot more than any regular twin tube shock like the procomps or ranchos which are basically the same shock with a different sticker. But then you get what you pay for.

[TomDK]

Getting Procomp ES3000 would be a step back, as they are softer than the N2.0 I have now.
Actually thought the RS9000XL would be a good upgrade to most shocks, as I've read good things about there before.

I know that Radflo, Fox, King etc. are far better shocks. But they are also much more expensive

Hoping for some more info.. hopefully from someone who has 9000XL shocks fitted

[TomDK]

Getting Procomp ES3000 would be a step back, as they are softer than the N2.0 I have now.
Actually thought the RS9000XL would be a good upgrade to most shocks, as I've read good things about there before.

I know that Radflo, Fox, King etc. are far better shocks. But they are also much more expensive

Hoping for some more info.. hopefully from someone who has 9000XL shocks fitted

[henno]

TomDK wrote:

hopefully from someone who has 9000XL shocks fitted

Yeah... someone like Steve, about three posts up.

[Gwagensteve]

You've missed the point henno. The op is looking for someone to tell them 9000's are awesome. I didn't do that, so they'll keep asking until someone does.

[Skippy]

What would you recommend gwagen? I'm not taking the piss, I have pro comp es3000's and I'm not happy with them. Could be the JB springs as well.

[TomDK]

No sorry.. That wasn't my point.
I may have misunderstood Steve. Thought he/you was talking in general terms about Rancho, and I don't know if the RS9000XL were made 10 years ago. I appreciate all answers I get in this thread

What would a decent choice of shocks be? Cheaper than Radflo would be nice.

I know it's not easy, because I use the Jimny for comps, and have fitted an ORA winch bumper, 8274 winch with Flamin fab twin-motor. So the front is pretty heavy.

Have also heard good things about Bilstein. Found these, http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.ph ... 77343.html which have the length I need. But as with the Ranchos, are valved for another vehicle.

Can Bilstein shocks be revalved?

[Gwagensteve]

There's no substantial difference between the rs9000 and the rs9000xl. The XL has more oil capacity to resist fade, but the principle of operation is the same- it's a foam shock with stiff piston valving and a foot valve that's adjustable over a wide range. They're a wonky idea, even wonkier when you're using one from the rear of a three tonne dodge pickup on the front of your jimny because it "fits" - I speak from experience when I say it's still possible to have terrible valving with a rancho, regardless of how adjustable it is. I even paid to have rs9000's dynoed in all
positions, which proved this.

I believe 5165 bilstein can be revalved (cheaper bilstein can't) Koni can also be revalved. I've had good experiences with both. At least you're not paying for a useless gimmick and a massively oversized shock with either one.

I've been on a prado with radflo in it and they are very, very good. Dank speaks the truth.

I would use 5125 bilstein if you are on a budget- apparently there are quite a few off the shelf valving specs available (more than lowrange carry), 5165 (check a local agent like quadrant can valve them- they might be a US only product, not German. 5125's are US made) or Koni if you have more budget.

You might find a Koni valved to spec is very close in price to a radflo though.

Steve.

[TomDK]

Thanks Steve

I live in Denmark where we don't have a lot options for getting shocks revalved, no matter what brand. There is an ARB dealer that can revalve OME LTR shocks, which also could be something to consider, but pretty expensive, and not sure I can get the dimensions I want.

Right now I'm looking a Radflo and Fox shocks, which are sold vavled to spec at a slightly higher cost than the Bilstein. So, perhaps that's the way to go.

http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-47908 ... shaft.html
http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-13417 ... -shock-5-8

These are probably the most interesting ATM, as they come with stud upper mounting.
http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-81213 ... shaft.html


Had a look a the 5125 shocks, but can't find any with stud as upper mounting, which would be preferable.

[Gwagensteve]

5125's are available stud top from memory.

I'm 100% sure you can get shocks revalved in your country. Look for Motorsport specialists- rally and circuit cars all have valving adjusted to suit.

Steve.

[TomDK]

I think I'll go for the 5165's. They come with stud top mount in the dimensions I need.
Found a list of all the 5125's, and none with stem top that match.

Now just need to save up a bit. I'll post some pics when I get the shocks fitted.