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CJ-5 shock selection is application work, not a universal upgrade. The model ran from 1955 through 1983, and a modified suspension needs measured mounting, compressed length, extended length and travel—not a stock-height catalogue guess. The products below identify published applications or dimensions; confirm axle, position, year and lift with the maker before ordering.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rancho RS5000X RS55113 | $70–$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Rancho RS5000X RS5113 | $70–$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Rancho RS5000X RS55119 | $70–$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Rancho RS5000X RS5119 | $70–$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Rancho RSX 18.13/11.88 Eye/Eye Front Shock | $90–$140 | Amazon |
| 6 | Rancho RS5000 18/11.75 Eye/Eye Shock | $65–$105 | Amazon |
| 7 | Bilstein B8 5125 33-185606 | $100–$140 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Gabriel Guardian 81096 Front Shock | $35–$60 | Amazon |
| 9 | Rancho RS9000XL 2.5-Inch-Lift CJ Kit | $700–$1,000 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Rancho RS5000X RS55113
A Rancho RS5000-series eye/eye shock listed in Rancho’s CJ suspension catalogue; use only with the catalogue’s stated front/rear and lift application.
- eye/eye mounting
- Rancho RS5000 series
- CJ catalogue application
- published CJ listing
- common replacement line
- position and lift must be confirmed
Rancho RS5000X RS5113
A separate RS5000-series CJ listing; it is not interchangeable with every CJ-5 shock simply because the vehicle name appears in a search.
- Rancho RS5000 series
- CJ catalogue listing
- single shock
- separate part number
- catalogue-based route
- verify mounts and travel
Rancho RS5000X RS55119
Rancho’s older CJ catalogue identifies RS55119 for specified 1976–81 CJ suspension applications; use the exact lift notes, not the year range alone.
- 1976–81 CJ catalogue context
- single shock
- Rancho part number
- specific listed number
- lift context published
- catalogue warns about application differences
Rancho RS5000X RS5119
A related Rancho CJ part number in the 1976–81 catalogue. It is a distinct shock listing and requires the corresponding bump-stop and lift notes.
- 1976–81 catalogue context
- single shock
- Rancho part number
- separate application option
- published fitment notes
- not a blanket stock replacement
Rancho RSX 18.13/11.88 Eye/Eye Front Shock
Quadratec lists this self-adjusting RSX front eye/eye shock for 1973–81 CJ-5 applications, with 18.13-inch extended and 11.88-inch compressed lengths.
- front application
- 18.13 in extended
- 11.88 in compressed
- published dimensions
- specific 1973–81 listing
- single shock, not a four-piece set
Rancho RS5000 18/11.75 Eye/Eye Shock
Quadratec lists this 18-inch extended, 11.75-inch compressed RS5000 shock for 1955–83 CJ-5 applications; confirm whether the catalogue places it at your axle and ride height.
- 18 in extended
- 11.75 in compressed
- eye/eye mounts
- covers wide published CJ range
- dimensions stated
- mount position still matters
Bilstein B8 5125 33-185606
A Bilstein B8 5125 shock listed by ShockWarehouse for CJ5 applications including 1976–83; select it by its complete application and measured travel.
- Bilstein B8 5125
- part 33-185606
- 1976–83 CJ5 listing
- specific part number
- published CJ fitment
- not presented as a universal lift shock
Gabriel Guardian 81096 Front Shock
A front-position Gabriel Guardian shock with CJ5 fitment shown for late CJ applications; buy a matching rear part separately after checking the catalogue.
- front position
- Gabriel Guardian
- part 81096
- explicit front designation
- separate replacement option
- not a complete set
Rancho RS9000XL 2.5-Inch-Lift CJ Kit
A Quadratec kit for 1976–81 CJ models with a 2.5-inch lift; contents are front and rear RS9000XL shocks plus an RS5000 steering damper and bracket.
- 1976–81 CJ
- 2.5-inch lift application
- four shocks plus damper kit
- set contents published
- adjustable shock line
- not for stock height
Buying tips
- Measure at ride height and at full compression/droop before choosing a lifted-CJ shock.
- Front and rear part numbers can differ; a steering stabilizer is not a suspension shock.
- Do not use a shock’s extended length alone—bottoming or topping out can damage mounts.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.