Reviews for Bilstein Heavy Duty Gas Shock Set for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK with 0-2" Lift
I installed these two years ago on my 2014 Willys JKU, along with a Daystar 1-7/8 leveling kit, and 305/65-17 BFG A/T's. I've had a few sets of Rancho RS5000's on previous Jeeps...liked them well enough, and was going to go with them again, but the paint just doesn't hold up. They look great when they're new, but each set I've installed has started to rust through the paint within a year.
When I got this Jeep, it had the stock red shocks. Even my wife (totally not a mechanical person) noticed that the it felt "squishy" (her word, not mine!) compared to the previous Jeep with the Ranchos.
Decided to go with these based on a bit of research, and I'm glad I did. The ride is similar to the RS5000, which is to say definitely more firm than stock, but not "harsh" in any way. The ride is very comfortable, and wheel control is much better. The Jeep no longer gets unsettled if I hit bumps in the middle of a corner...it feels planted to the road, and big bumps are heard more than felt. I wasn't crazy about the yellow & baby blue color scheme, but it actually works with the Anvil paint and black wheels.
Yes, the front ones are a PITA to install, but as others have said, trim away the plastic trim and it's not too bad. No way to properly torque the top nut...I just tightened them until the rubber bushings were "squished"...not "smashed". I did have to compress the bushings slightly with a pry bar on the top washer to get the nut started...no big deal once you figure it out.
After two years of NJ winters, several weeks spent in the sand and salt on the beaches of the Outer Banks, and a Jamboree four-wheeling at AOAA, the paint still looks brand new, and I'm very happy with these shocks, whether I'm on my daily commute or climbing rocks.
A reasonable amount of money, well spent.
Installed these along with the Quadratec leveling kit. The rear shocks are easy to replace, but the front are a different story. I recommend using some PB blaster on the front top nuts. I actually broke the passenger side stud off, when trying to remove. Like other posts, I cut away the plastic from the wheel well to access the nut. Once removed, the install is easy. Like other reviewers said, the boot rides up like some have pictures here. I did not find this troublesome though. After the install, I just cut the tie strap on the bottom, pulled the boot down and reinstalled a black zip tie I happened to have in the tool box. I would say the ride is slightly stiffer (hardly noticeable), but in a good way, the Bilstein shock makes the Jeep feel more in control when going over bumps. With the stock shocks, the Jeep felt a little soft, but the Bilstein, makes it feel very stable.
Great product, ez install, made a huge difference in the ride !!
Smooth ride easy to install a lot better then the stock shocks.
Added these to my 2015 Willys JK, not lifted. Easy install of the rear shocks. Just used penetrating oil the day before on the bolts. No issues. Only tip is to slide the blue shock boot up about 1.5 inches on the shock body. Otherwise is gets squashed on a non-lifted jeep.
Bilstein shocks are one of the best in my opinion. I've used them for years on all types of vehicles. You get what you pay for with this product. Quadratec does a great job of stocking and shipping this product among many others. Other providers sell the same items, but Quadratec has the items in stock with good shipping. Plus you get a Jeep decal magnet. Pretty cool.
Made a night and day difference compared to factory shocks. My 2013 only has 27000 miles but the old shocks were absolute garbage. Paired this with the Bilstein 5100 steering stabilizer and it greatly improved the handling and much firmer secure ride.
Amazing how much shock performance goes unnoticed, that is until you put a new set on. These really firmed up the ride. Love ‘em!
Installed on 14 Jeep with 2" lift feel great,smooth.
Best. It's liked wonderfully.