Springs support and allow a 4x4 to flex, butwithout shocks you'll just rattle down the trail like a sketched-out junkie. The fact is that shocks slow the rate that your vehicle bounces over your axles as well as the rate the axle bounces over the dirt and rocks. Unfortunately not all shocks are created equal, and depending on your vehicle's weight, your daily drive to work, or the trails you hit, you'll be looking for something different from your shock absorbers. Luckily there are a few companies making adjustable shocks, and we tested out a set of 12-position shocks from Walker Evans Racing on our cheap little Suzuki. At around $1,000 for four shocks-you may wonder who in their right mind would want this upgrade-but if you wheel and daily drive your 4x4, quality shocks can make the difference in a wobbly slinky on wheels and a controlled ride that reacts like any other auto on the street. Plus, if you tow your Jeep or 'Zuki behind your motorhome, then you should definitely invest in a set since you'll be able to cruise any trail or holiday resort in comfort. W.E. Racing offers shocks for lifted Jeep TJs, YJs, CJs, and Cherokees (XJs) as well as lifted late-model Dodges, Chevys, and generic 6-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, and 14-inch lengths. We found that the 6-inch and Dodge sizes worked for our spring-over lifted Zuki, and allowed us to just bolt them in.
Our parts store shocks fit...
Our parts store shocks fit just fine, but the ride was simply horrible, and felt more like driving a bowl of jellied worms than a 4x4. Our Walker Evans shocks came with a top pin and horizontal bolt just like we needed and they were installed in minutes. To determine what size shocks you need, remove your existing shocks and measure the distance between your shock mounts with your 4x4 at full stuff and full droop.
The Walker Evans nitrogen-charged...
The Walker Evans nitrogen-charged shocks have a floating piston in the reservoir, and 2-inch aluminum bodies with hard chromed shafts. They come with special seals that reduce oil leaks with slight deflection as well as reducing seal drag for easy movement. The 12- or 16-position valves adjust the reservoir orifice to adjust the ride quality, and they are fitted with a safety bypass so that it won't blow out seals when abused on the hardest setting. We found minimal body roll on the hardest setting, but with such a short-wheelbase vehicle, we run it softer to keep our fillings intact.
In the rear we used the generic...
In the rear we used the generic 6-inch-travel shock, but had to use bushings for the 16mm (5/8-inch) mounting pins. We installed our shocks with these clamps, but billet reservoir brackets are available. Be sure to mount the reservoir where it won't get hit by the frame or bumpstops at full compression.