When should you Change your Shocks of Jeep Wrangler?
The need for changing the shocks of a jeep depends upon how long do shocks last on a jeep Wrangler. The lifetime of shocks in a jeep depends upon many factors, the prime being how well you drive it and the terrain it faces. The actual number of times cannot be mentioned when your shocks would last.
An average life span of shock absorbers and shocks is about 5 to 6 years if you drive it on a smooth Road without any rough terrain. But expecting the shocks to last more than ten years is also very unacceptable. However, if the jeep is exposed to extreme terrains and bumpy rides, its shocks would not last long.
The purpose for which you use your vehicle also determines how long your shocks would last. If the vehicle is used for lifting heavy weights on extreme terrains, then the shocks would be short-spanned. If you use the jeep for riding purposes only, then the lifespan of shocks would be better and longer.
The way how you drive also predicts how long the shock absorbers would work perfectly. If you perform rash driving and pull the brakes abruptly, changing the gears randomly, it would adversely affect your shock absorbers. If you drive smoothly having the vehicle in control properly, the shock absorbers will not deteriorate easily.
Types of shocks depending upon the purpose
Shocks are an essential component of your jeep. They are designed to make them absorb the excess energy spring generates. Good quality shocks installed in your vehicle ensures a safe drive, and whenever there is a bump, it maintains the balance of the jeep and protects you and the jeep from any harm.
There are different kinds of shocks available that are used for different purposes to help you choose the best kind of shocks for your jeep Wrangler that would last longer.
The budget boost shocks
The suspension kit named 'budget boost' has the best range of spaces, spring, and extensions for Jeep shocks. The extensions are present to bring an increase in the length of shock so that they provide a shock to travel longer. It increases the height of springs and provides a clearance area. These shocks have different extensions and impressions to accommodate the height of the spring.
For a jeep that is fully loaded, the shocks should be used, ranging from mid to high level in the lift. The shaft of the shocks is longer, and they have maximum compression to be fixed with the longer springs. It ensures that your jeep can easily carry heavy loads and maintains its proper functioning without damaging the Jeep body.
The shocks for the heavy trail are those designed under the two-by-four shock range. They have a hydraulic fluid cylinder that moves the fluid within the shock body to disrupt any heat created in shock. This makes the shock long-lasting and protects it from being damaged due to excess heat accumulation.
A coilover shock
An expensive kind of lift is a Coilover; this is the best for the high-level shift. It has the perfect shock and spring and is a self-contained unit, so it does not need any additional springs for its proper working. It provides excellent control over the shops, and the length of suspension travel is increased.
It aids in increasing the articulation ability of the jeep and is highly reliable. Sometimes there are some adaptors with the coilover shock that are easily attached to the mounting points of a jeep. However, the installation of these shocks requires some modifications in the spring mounts. So, if you want a shock with the highest level, then having a coilover is a perfect choice.
Hydraulic and gas shocks
Based on operation, there are two exclusive types of shock absorbers. These are hydraulic shock absorbers and gas-charged shock absorbers. The hydraulic shock absorber is a hydraulic fluid in it, which is circulated throughout the body of shock to maintain proper functioning and to remove the excess heat from it. It prevents heat accumulation in the shock, which adversely affects its functioning.
There is no need to replace the shocks annually if they are in proper working order. To check if the shocks are working properly, you need to remove them. Both gas-charged and hydraulic shocks are designed so that they resist being extremely compressed or extended. If a hydraulic shock is working properly, it would not be compressed completely.
Similarly, if the gas-charged shock is working properly, it is compressed and extended to its fullest extent. So, by pushing or pulling the shocks manually, you can check whether they should be replaced or not. The exact distance which is mentioned by most of the people at shocks needs to be changed every 50000 miles is not true in most cases. Better check the shocks before spending money on new shocks.
What to look for before changing the shocks of a jeep wrangler?
How long do shocks last on a jeep Wrangler depends on how well you use your vehicle and the checks you perform on the shocks. If you have been replacing your shocks repeatedly after every 50 thousand miles, then you should need to check when exactly is the perfect time for it and stop wasting money on shocks anymore.
Abrupt reactions with the steering and normally pulling off brakes and changing gears have a bad effect on your shock absorbers, increasing the risk of accidents. Sometimes the shocks need little service rather than being replaced altogether.
Tearing in shock wiring or low-quality wiring can also cause your shock absorbers not to work properly. In this case, you would change the wiring, not the shock absorbers themselves. In some cases, the metallic and rubber portion between the connections are worn off, which creates an abnormal movement of suspension and vibration, which causes the overall wiring system of shocks to be damaged.
So instead of changing the shocks every time, you must look for these little problems that would give you the exact idea of how long shocks last on a jeep wrangler.