Advice on shocks

[saf98tj]

Hi

I would like some advice on shocks. While looking at my front and rear suspension to adjust bump stops for my new 33's, I realized that the shocks that the PO put on the jeep are too long. They only extend out 1.75" when the jeep is level. After doing some research they are for a lift up to 4". Bump stops were never changed so they are both set at 5.25" to the jounce bumper cup. I am concerned with disconnecting and bottoming out the shocks and doing damage to the shocks,mounts etc.

I am new to this and want to do some more wheeling before I really decide on a long term plan for the jeep. I was hoping to just live with the 2"bb for now while I learn.

So I think my options are
1) buy a inexpensive set of stock shocks for now (Monroe or gabriel from local autoparts store). I will lose 2" of droop. Live with them until I have a better idea of what I want.
2.) buy a set of 2" lift shocks - Bilstein 5100s. This gives me the best balance of compression and droop. 3.5" to 4" in each direction. I checked the geometry of others but with my bar pin eliminator brackets, these seem to be the best compromise but somewhat pricey and will be too short if I decide to go bigger.
3,) buy a 2" spring kit with shocks included . BDS has a kit that I have read is pretty good. Most expensive option.

Any thoughts

Scott

[Kurt]

Quadratec has a shock look up tool on their website that's pretty handy.
Just put in the year of your TJ and how much lift it has and it'll list a whole variety of shock that will fit.
Might give you some ideas for shocks that'll fit.
http://www.quadratec.com/advisor/jeep_s ... p+Wrangler

[saf98tj]

I have already checked them out. The problem is maximizing the suspension travel with the 2" bb. Ideally the springs would be 2" longer so I wouldn't have to adjust the stops for spring compression. I also have bar pin eliminators which change the relative position of the shocks. The bilsteins seem to have the best compressed length and travel for my setup.

Is it better to have more droop or compression? I would think best would be equal in both directions.