Broken Skyjacker Hydro 7000 Shock...

fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
On my way home last night I heard a dragging noise from the back of my JK. I found that my Skyjacker Hydro 7000 was still bolted on at the bottom; however, the top was dragging on the street. I removed the shock this morning and took a picture of the cause: The top mounting bar snapped at the bolt

Skyjacker Hydro 7000 - Bolt.jpg

I will have to purchase another shock, see picture below, so I have a couple questions:
1. Will a new shock come with that mounting bar?
2. If not, what exactly is it called so that I can purchase one?
3. Since I have to replace one shock, should I replace them all with something else? It's been a while since I've been off road and life is pretty hectic at the moment so I don't foresee that changing much right now...

Skyjacker Hydro 7000 - Top.jpg
 
fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
FrankenJeeper said:
I believe that little bar is called a bar pin, mine broke not long after getting my JK and I bought and installed "bar pin eliminators" from JKS. I believe I paid about 50$ for them, but if you manage to break one of those you need to stop while your ahead.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...out&ppcfon=1&gclid=CNmtg4W6kbgCFQsV7AodgmIAXQ


2010 JKU Sport
1977 CJ5

Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
Click to expand...

Awesome, thanks FrankenJeeper! They cost more than the shock, but seem worth it. I really appreciate the link and info :beer: :rock:
 
FrankenJeeper

FrankenJeeper

New member
Anytime brother. They are pricey, but in my opinion they're worth it. I don't have any complaints out of them.


2010 JKU Sport
1977 CJ5

Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
 
wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
Unfortunately, what you've got are basic old school hydro shocks that probably isn't even valved for your application and even if you did replace it with a new one, the odds of you breaking a bar pin again will be pretty good. How you're driving your Jeep is clearly showing that it's too much for the shock to handle. Sure, you could install a BPE but, I might consider saving your money and save up for a better set of shocks. Something more along the lines of a good monotube shock like a Rancho 7000 MT or Bilstein 5100. Just a suggestion.
 
fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
OverlanderJK said:
How old are the shocks? I would call skyjacker and get them warrantied.
Click to expand...

HB Jeep installed the lift, as they often do on at least one Jeep on the lot, so it was put on in 2008. I will contact Skyjacker but my thoughts were that they are probably too old. Should I contact the dealer since they put them on brand new?
 
OverlanderJK

OverlanderJK

Resident Smartass
fatboy1271 said:
HB Jeep installed the lift, as they often do on at least one Jeep on the lot, so it was put on in 2008. I will contact Skyjacker but my thoughts were that they are probably too old. Should I contact the dealer since they put them on brand new?
Click to expand...

Did realize your rig was 5 years old. I would just replace the shocks with new/better ones.
 
wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
Holy cow, 5 years old?? Seriously, you just need new shocks. These are parts that see a lot of movement and use and need to be replaced as a part of normal maintenance just like brake pads or tires.
 
fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
wayoflife said:
Unfortunately, what you've got are basic old school hydro shocks that probably isn't even valved for your application and even if you did replace it with a new one, the odds of you breaking a bar pin again will be pretty good. How you're driving your Jeep is clearly showing that it's too much for the shock to handle. Sure, you could install a BPE but, I might consider saving your money and save up for a better set of shocks. Something more along the lines of a good monotube shock like a Rancho 7000 MT or Bilstein 5100. Just a suggestion.
Click to expand...

What I find odd is that the last time I went out on a run was about three years ago on the Main Divide with JK-Forum (pic below). So unfortunately right now I only drive the streets and work is 10 minutes from my home. I do hit one dip in the road where I should slow down slightly, and maybe that's the cause, but it doesn't seem to me that my driving habits are worse then being off road.

That being said, I'm getting married on the 19th and want to start taking my wife out on runs this fall. I know she'll hate the dirt but love the outdoors/views! Therefore, I am willing to spend more money for better shocks.
Can I replace just the rear for now with better shocks and deal with the fronts later?
Are the links below correct and which do you actually prefer?
Do the new shocks come with the Bar Pin? Otherwise I'll get the BPE because I have a broken Bar Pin that is unusable.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...ck.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=3306&t_pn=RANRS7330
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=3306&t_pn=BIL24-146715

Thanks for the suggestion and also for being a part of the trip below (I believe you had organized it)!!!

Main Divide.jpg
 
wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
fatboy1271 said:
What I find odd is that the last time I went out on a run was about three years ago on the Main Divide with JK-Forum (pic below). So unfortunately right now I only drive the streets and work is 10 minutes from my home. I do hit one dip in the road where I should slow down slightly, and maybe that's the cause, but it doesn't seem to me that my driving habits are worse then being off road.

That being said, I'm getting married on the 19th and want to start taking my wife out on runs this fall. I know she'll hate the dirt but love the outdoors/views! Therefore, I am willing to spend more money for better shocks.
Can I replace just the rear for now with better shocks and deal with the fronts later?
Are the links below correct and which do you actually prefer?
Do the new shocks come with the Bar Pin? Otherwise I'll get the BPE because I have a broken Bar Pin that is unusable.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...ck.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=3306&t_pn=RANRS7330
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=3306&t_pn=BIL24-146715

Thanks for the suggestion and also for being a part of the trip below (I believe you had organized it)!!!

View attachment 38384
Click to expand...

You don't have to go wheeling to have a wearable part go bad. Time alone will cause things like seals to crack and fail. Even regular cars need to have their struts replaced as a part of routine maintenance.

New shocks made for the JK will come with new bar pins and there really is no need to get BPE's. The Rancho shocks are new and so I have no experience running them but, they should work out well and, if you check their website, they might even have a rebate (often do) to make it all the more worth your while. I have run Bilstein 5100's and can tell you that they work well too.
 
fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
wayoflife said:
You don't have to go wheeling to have a wearable part go bad. Time alone will cause things like seals to crack and fail. Even regular cars need to have their struts replaced as a part of routine maintenance.

New shocks made for the JK will come with new bar pins and there really is no need to get BPE's. The Rancho shocks are new and so I have no experience running them but, they should work out well and, if you check their website, they might even have a rebate (often do) to make it all the more worth your while. I have run Bilstein 5100's and can tell you that they work well too.
Click to expand...

Awesome! Thanks for all the info and for making me laugh with the "Holy Cow." :cheesy:
 
fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
New Bilstein 5100 Installation

I received my Bilstein 5100s. I tried putting them on last night and had issues. I attached the top Bar Pin and I am able to compress the shock to just about the proper length; however, I cannot get the bottom to "slide" into place. According to the instructions on 4 Wheel Parts I do not have the correct equipment:

"Installation of shock absorbers requires special tools and expert knowledge. Accordingly, installation of all BILSTEIN products must be performed by a qualified suspension specialist. Always use a chassis hoist for the installation of BILSTEIN products..."

Any tricks that can be passed along so that I don't have to pay for installation?
 
cozdude

cozdude

Guy with a Red 2-Door
fatboy1271 said:
I received my Bilstein 5100s. I tried putting them on last night and had issues. I attached the top Bar Pin and I am able to compress the shock to just about the proper length; however, I cannot get the bottom to "slide" into place. According to the instructions on 4 Wheel Parts I do not have the correct equipment:

"Installation of shock absorbers requires special tools and expert knowledge. Accordingly, installation of all BILSTEIN products must be performed by a qualified suspension specialist. Always use a chassis hoist for the installation of BILSTEIN products..."

Any tricks that can be passed along so that I don't have to pay for installation?
Click to expand...

you have to bend out the bottom brackets a little to get them to fit. just had to do this when installing mine last weekend
 
fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
cozdude said:
you have to bend out the bottom brackets a little to get them to fit. just had to do this when installing mine last weekend
Click to expand...

Thanks cozdude. I did notice how tight it was on the bottom and that very may well be what I need to get them in! :beer: :rock:
 
cozdude

cozdude

Guy with a Red 2-Door
fatboy1271 said:
Thanks cozdude. I did notice how tight it was on the bottom and that very may well be what I need to get them in! :beer: :rock:
Click to expand...

yep no problem! just take your time and bend each side a little at a time to make sure they dont break
 
fatboy1271

fatboy1271

New member
cozdude said:
just an adjustable wrench honestly. just did it little bit on each side at a time.
Click to expand...

Hey Cozdude, would you be able to take a picture? I really don't want to "break" anything and not being able to install a simple shock is really annoying me...
 
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