Shocks - RE monotubes vs bilstein 5100s

[Johnnie Walker]

At least for now, my XJ is my DD. Most of my wheeling is at the Ocean Dunes, since it is right down the street, and occasional other trails. I have some lift springs that I would like to install soon, but I need new shocks. I can get a pair of RE monotubes for 150$ shipped or a pair of Bilstein 5100s for about 160$ shipped. I figure if I am going to spend the money that little extra $$ isn't a huge deal. So, wondering which would be my best option? Someday, my XJ will probably have an LSx swap and more go-fast goodies. But for now, I just need something decently priced. Let me know what you all think. (=

P.S. I have searched some.. and I know everyone says Bilstein blah blah. Just would like some feedback from people that have run either or both.

 

[crazyjim]

Well neither shock is going to be a tremendous difference, but correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the RE Monotubes just a silver flavor of "White rockets"? I'd go with Bilstein either way, bigger piston, better built, probably firmer.

 

[markw]

Bilstein, make sure you get the right length for your lift though.

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

I've got the RE shocks, whichever the cheaper ones are (can't remember if its mono or twin tube). They're firm and get very hot when wheeling.

I'd go Bilstein, but pay a few bucks more for the 5150 at least.

 

[Kevin3151]

The valving is everything. Get the 5100 or the 5150 but make it tuned to the vehicle and its weight / spring rate etc.

 

[silverslk]

The valving is everything. Get the 5100 or the 5150 but make it tuned to the vehicle and its weight / spring rate etc.

x2

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Well, at this point I'm sure pretty much any shock is better than what I have now, and Yes, They are for 3-4" lift, and I have 3.5" coils going in, and possibly an extra set of coil spring isolators.

 

[tharlanjr]

I hate RE Monotubes...

I got a set when I ordered their 3.5 SF lift for my ZJ.

Blew 2 of them within a year driving in the city. I pulled into my parents driveway ad the two rear shocks were dripping their fluid.

Then the front drivers side lower mount broke right off. Came out from a store and noticed something hanging down, sure enough the holes where the shocks get bolted down were broken.

I went straight to a 4x shop and picked up some Bilsteins. Never had a problem and the ride was awesome...

 

[tharlanjr]

Oh and yea they get hot really fast. I had the rubber boots on them and after driving for a little I started to smell something and when I looked around I noticed the rubber was melting to the shaft... That was at the desert.

 

[Darky]

I hate RE Monotubes...

I got a set when I ordered their 3.5 SF lift for my ZJ.

Blew 2 of them within a year driving in the city. I pulled into my parents driveway ad the two rear shocks were dripping their fluid.

Then the front drivers side lower mount broke right off. Came out from a store and noticed something hanging down, sure enough the holes where the shocks get bolted down were broken.

I went straight to a 4x shop and picked up some Bilsteins. Never had a problem and the ride was awesome...

I'll second the not RE. Mine are all blown after about a year. They got maybe 3 trips before I noticed a complete lack of shock absorption. Then at some point within the past two weeks, the pass side front pulled the shaft from the eyelet. The eye is still bolted firmly to the axle. I didn't notice because they haven't been functional in quite a while.

I'm going to either Bilstein 7100 or Fox.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Does RE not offer a lifetime warranty? I see why you would want a shock to last longer, but given they will warranty it, should be okay. At the same price I have been leaning towards the Bilsteins anyways.
On the note of shocks.. How are the Rusty's shocks.. for 33$ a piece they dont seem too bad.

 

[Kevin3151]

Bilstein is coming out with a 5160 soon. Its an update to the 5150 with a bit different valving.

 

[Ryan93]

Bilstein is coming out with a 5160 soon. Its an update to the 5150 with a bit different valving.

orly?

 

[Skwerly]

I'm running Rusty's shocks. They work excellent for my needs, but I'm not a go-fast guy (very often ).

When I DO go fast, they get hotter than heck. But they've lasted 3 years with no troubles so...

 

[Darky]

Does RE not offer a lifetime warranty? I see why you would want a shock to last longer, but given they will warranty it, should be okay. At the same price I have been leaning towards the Bilsteins anyways.
On the note of shocks.. How are the Rusty's shocks.. for 33$ a piece they dont seem too bad.

They will cover leakage in certain situations and you have to send them in for them to decide whether or not to cover them.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

I'm running Rusty's shocks. They work excellent for my needs, but I'm not a go-fast guy (very often ).

When I DO go fast, they get hotter than heck. But they've lasted 3 years with no troubles so...

So, in theory, they should work alright? At this point the only time I "go fast" is on the freeway. When I do an LSx/LQ engine swap, then things may change.

 

[96XJ_4.0]

I got some Rancho rs5000s for 15$ from the j/y.