Choosing The Right Length Jeep Wrangler JK Shocks
While fine-tuning the shocks on our Go Fast Fox Jeep JK, we noticed many people are choosing the wrong shock lengths and leaving a lot of travel unused. It’s common to select Fox JK shocks based on lift height, but while lift height is a good starting point, it often leads to selecting shocks that are too short. To maximize wheel travel, it’s best to use the longest Fox Jeep JK Wrangler shock that won’t hit the bump stop. Therefore, the shock’s collapsed length is the key factor in determining which Fox shocks are ideal for your JK. The maximum collapsed length depends on the length of the bump stop spacers you’re using.
To properly measure for Fox shocks, start by installing the shortest bump stop spacers that prevent tire rubbing on the fenders and keep the steering and drag link from contacting the oil pan. At ride height, measure from the top of the bump stop spacer to the metal bump stop mount. Then, measure from the bottom of the upper shock mount to the center of the lower shock mount. For front JK shocks, subtract 0.70″ from the shock length to account for the stem bushings. The difference between these measurements gives you the minimum collapsed length for your shocks. Choose shocks with a collapsed length shorter than this measurement.
For those who prefer an easier approach, we’ve put together a shortcut guide below (select Fox shocks with a bump stop spacer height smaller than your current bump stop spacers). Make sure that 40–60% of the shock travel is in the upward direction. By following our method, you’ll get the most travel possible for optimal off-road performance.
Shop for pre-tuned shocks for your Jeep Wrangler JK here.
| SKU | Lift Height | Side | Shock | Extended Length | Collapsed Length | Travel | OEM FRONT | Min Spacer Height | Make | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOX-985-26-015 | 1.5-3.5" | Front | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir, CD Adjustable | 24.8 | 15.2 | 9.6 | 14.35 | 0.9 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-985-26-016 | 1.5-3.5" | Rear | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir, CD Adjustable | 24.45 | 14.85 | 9.6 | 14.55 | 0.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-985-24-015 | 1.5-3.5" | Front | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir | 24.8 | 15.2 | 9.6 | 14.35 | 0.9 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-985-24-016 | 1.5-3.5" | Rear | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir | 24.45 | 14.85 | 9.6 | 14.55 | 0.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-985-26-011 | 4-6" | Front | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir, CD Adjustable | 28.3 | 16.7 | 11.6 | 14.35 | 2.4 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-985-26-012 | 4-6" | Rear | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir, CD Adjustable | 28.45 | 16.85 | 11.6 | 14.55 | 2.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-985-24-011 | 4-6" | Front | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir | 28.3 | 16.7 | 11.6 | 14.35 | 2.4 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-985-24-012 | 4-6" | Rear | Fox 2.0 Performance Series, Remote Reservoir | 28.45 | 16.85 | 11.6 | 14.55 | 2.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| KRS-25001-180 | 0-2" | Front | King Shocks JK 07+ Front 2.5 Dia. Piggy Hose Reservoir For 0-2.0_ Lifts | 25.902 | 15.831 | 10.071 | 14.35 | 1.48 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| KRS-25001-181 | 0-2" | Rear | King Shocks JK 07+ Rear 2.5 Dia. Piggy Hose Reservoir For 0-2.0_ Lifts | 26.28 | 16.188 | 10.092 | 14.55 | 1.64 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-06-068 | 2.5-4.0" | Front | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Internal Bypass, Reservoir, DSC Adjustable | 25.97 | 15.61 | 10.36 | 14.35 | 1.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-06-069 | 2.5-4" | Rear | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Internal Bypass, Reservoir, DSC Adjustable | 27.86 | 17.12 | 10.74 | 14.55 | 2.6 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-02-068 | 2.5-4.0" | Front | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Internal Bypass, Reservoir | 25.97 | 15.61 | 10.36 | 14.35 | 1.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-02-069 | 2.5-4" | Rear | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Internal Bypass, Reservoir | 27.86 | 17.12 | 10.74 | 14.55 | 2.6 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-26-015 | 2.5-4.0" | Front | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir, DSC Adjustable | 26.05 | 15.93 | 10.12 | 14.35 | 1.6 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-26-016 | 2.5-4.0" | Rear | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir, DSC Adjustable | 28.04 | 17.2 | 10.84 | 14.55 | 2.7 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-24-015 | 2.5-4.0" | Front | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir | 26.05 | 15.93 | 10.12 | 14.35 | 1.6 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-24-016 | 2.5-4.0" | Rear | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir | 28.04 | 17.2 | 10.84 | 14.55 | 2.7 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| KRS-25001-223 | 3-5" | Front | King Shocks JK 07+ Front 2.5 Dia. Piggy Hose Reservoir For 3-5_ Lifts | 27.27 | 16.893 | 10.377 | 14.35 | 2.54 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| KRS-25001-224 | 3-5" | Rear | King Shocks JK 07+ Rear 2.5 Dia. Piggy Hose Reservoir For 3-5_ Lifts | 28.14 | 17.263 | 10.877 | 14.55 | 2.71 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| KRS-25001-285 | 6" | Rear | King Shocks JK 07+ Rear 2.5 Dia. Piggy Hose Reservoir For 6_ Lifts | 32.28 | 19.563 | 12.717 | 14.55 | 5.01 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| KRS-25001-284 | 6" | Front | King Shocks JK 07+ Front 2.5 Dia. Piggy Hose Reservoir For 6_ Lifts | 31.043 | 18.65 | 12.393 | 14.35 | 4.30 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-26-017 | 4-6" | Front | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir, DSC Adjustable | 28.85 | 17.33 | 11.52 | 14.35 | 3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-26-018 | 4-6" | Rear | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir, DSC Adjustable | 29.24 | 17.8 | 11.44 | 14.55 | 3.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-24-017 | 4-6" | Front | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir | 28.85 | 17.33 | 11.52 | 14.35 | 3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
| FOX-883-24-018 | 4-6" | Rear | Fox 2.5 Factory Series, Reservoir | 29.24 | 17.8 | 11.44 | 14.55 | 3.3 | Jeep | Wrangler JK | 2007-2016 |
Nice article. Question: Synergy and MetalCloak make brackets to raise the shock mount on the rear axle. around 3″. Wouldn’t that create an impossibly short compressed height?
Question: can shock extenders be used to increase the compressed length to make the shock a better fit? Or does it weaken the system too much?
Yes, raising the lower mounting position of a shock would limit your up travel/shaft showing at ride height. I believe those brackets are designed to work with their upper shock relocation mount as well. More or less designed to move shock up higher on axle and frame for more clearance.
Not sure what you mean by “Shock Extenders”, but it’s always a good idea to use the correct length shock for the application.
I currently have Metalcloak springs. I’ve always stuck with Metalcloak’s Rocksport shocks because they’re valved properly for the springs. Is that just marketing? Could I get higher performing springs from Accutune that work better with my coils?
Higher performing shocks for the coils? Yes. We will help you choose the best shock for your needs, and custom valve them accordingly. We take into consideration the lift height, vehicles weight and how the vehicle will be driven mostly.
Hi i have jeep jk 2018 with 40 inch tire, and teraflex 6 inch lift kits.. and fox shocks 2.0 with reservoirs dsc.. but i had a very bad ride to much bumpy.. i was wandering if you’re company can help me with my problem… i want a soft ride while off roading.. like baja racing hehehe… at the same time i can load it with camping gear once or twice a year with my 3 kids and wife… i dont mind cost as long i get what i want..
Hey Stephen, we can certainly help. Please give our sales team a call to discuss options moving forward.424-377-0808