Repalcement struts recommendation

[FLYCAV]

I've been reading threads both here and on "the other forum" for hours and really haven't got a definitive answer.

I have the 2" Rough Country lift and am getting ready to order a set of Monroe Sensa-Trac laod leveling shocks (F150 version model 58643) for the rear end. I need new struts as well (I can't believe I have 128,000 miles on the original shocks and struts). For this set up I'm wondering:

1. What brand/part# strut would you guys recommend?
2. Any vendor you'd recommend?

[07JeepXK]

Old Man Emu Sturts for sure. Contact Jon at thesteelarmadillo.com

Part number:N188S

[FLYCAV]

Old Man Emu Sturts for sure. Contact Jon at thesteelarmadillo.com

Part number:N188S

Thanks. Just placed my order. Glad to support a forum member/sponser.

[07JeepXK]

You will be happy with those struts. Way better than oem or bilstein struts.

[Matt]

Good call ordering the OME's!

Since you're going to have everything apart, i'd also recommend replacing the spring isolators and upper strut mounts. They're all wear items and probably don't have much (if any) life left with 120k+ miles.

Aaaaaaand just another suggestion... if you're going to take it all apart, why not get the OME HD springs as well, build the entire strut assembly and swap the whole thing in while removing the front RC spacers? (thats what i did )

[LWM]

Thanks. Just placed my order. Glad to support a forum member/sponser.

Thanks, I will call the warehouse Monday and get them on their way too you.

[FLYCAV]

Good call ordering the OME's!

Since you're going to have everything apart, i'd also recommend replacing the spring isolators and upper strut mounts. They're all wear items and probably don't have much (if any) life left with 120k+ miles.

Aaaaaaand just another suggestion... if you're going to take it all apart, why not get the OME HD springs as well, build the entire strut assembly and swap the whole thing in while removing the front RC spacers? (thats what i did )

Good call on the upper strut mounts and isolators. I sould have done that when I put the RC spacers on in the first place.

While it's apart I was planning on replacing all the ball joints. I'm guessing the lower CA bushings could probably use replacing too. I'll most likely have to take the whole front end apart anyway since I can't get the strut saddle mounting bolt out of the bushing. Maybe if I can get it on my workbench, I might have better luck than fighting with it under the XK.

I've also seen people changing out their whole upper control arms. Is that because it's almost as cheap as changing out the bushings? I know I just got done putting on new LCA's on our spare car, a 2002 Civic because they only cost $40 each and included the bushings. New bushings would have been about half that but I would have spent the time getting the old ones out.

I think I need to hold off ont he OME HD springs for now though....I need an excuse to take it apart later

[paroxysym]

Can Jon beat kolaks price on 4 bilstein HDs?

[LWM]

Can Jon beat kolaks price on 4 bilstein HDs?

Give me the part number and I will give you the best price possible.

[JumpmasterRT]

Sorry for bringing up an old thread but I've blown both the Bilstien HD struts and one of the shocks in just over a year. I'm really hard on my XK (50k miles in a year) and I've had issues with the lift install from day one.

The Ford Load leveling shocks add some length and requires the gas tank shield mod correct? How does the OME strut you guys are recommending compare for length to the F-150 Shock?

I'm also going to replace the springs because I'm still running stock and I think they're through.

Basically what I'm asking is what's the toughest shock/strut/spring combo that will stand up to ridiculous wear and tear for heavy loads (90+ lbs) but still maintain a decent highway ride?

I'm very irritated with the shop who installed the lift in the first place and now I have the perfect opportunity to correct a bunch of issues and I want to do it with the right parts time.