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.

 

[NorCalChris]

well ive never ran REs monotubes, but i know in the back of RE's shop they have two crates filled with returned shocks. Dont know why all those shocks were returned. Just take it FWIW. lol I do know some people who run the RE monos and have never heard any complaints, but they are mainly DD's

 

[Letterman]

I would buy shocks from someone that makes shocks.

 

[NorCalChris]

Yea, i believe Re shocks are made in mexico.

 

[Logans91XJ]

BILSTEIN 5100's They are made in Italy and they are built very well and I run them in my Jeep! I am very pleased with them.

 

[NorCalChris]

Yea, i believe Re shocks are made in mexico.

just checked a set of shocks i got from a buddy. RE's shocks are made in mexico, well, the ones at my house are anyways. useless info..... i know lol.

 

[rocknxj]

I installed my RE monotubes last week. Of the four that were delivered from the source, three were good and one was flat. Upon returning it to Rubicon Express, they had no idea how it could have been boxed up since it had no pressure whatsoever and the box had no indication of fluid leak.

I've driven two weeks on them and they do not appear any different than the cheap Rancho 5000 series I have on the other rig. I have not trail tested them yet, but for daily driving, I'd say go for something different.

This is a very green reply, as my limited exposure to these shocks should not be considered a valid test. I'm simply reporting my opinion after a couple hundred street miles.

 

[knucklehead 61]

i just installed new shorter pro comp shocks on the back of my rig after moving the lower mounts to the axle housing centerline to gain 4" more ground clearance.
got them at 4 wheel parts. they were under $35 each. as light as an XJ is i don't think you need much better shocks.
if your rig is lifted 5.5" i have my old set of 27" long pro comps for sale...

 

[Johnnie Walker]

It will only be 3.5" max. I am not too worried about the rear as much as the front.

 

[Mike1331]

i just installed new shorter pro comp shocks on the back of my rig after moving the lower mounts to the axle housing centerline to gain 4" more ground clearance.
got them at 4 wheel parts. they were under $35 each. as light as an XJ is i don't think you need much better shocks.
if your rig is lifted 5.5" i have my old set of 27" long pro comps for sale...

You've clearly never fealt a decent shock. Its a world of difference when you step it up to a shock thats is valved properly. I have personally never ran the bilstein 5100's but i've read a few things from peeps that work at bilstein and they claim the 5100 series is not built for off road abuse. Mainly street use for lifted trucks, i'd save another 100 and go with the 7100's or something thats valved to fit your dunning needs. Oceano dunes has some fun stuff and if that was my main area of play i'd step it up to an awesome shock, you won't look back.

And logan i'm pretty sure the bilsteins we get in cali are manu in poway cali.