RE has monotube shocks with available remote reservoir for the Jeep CJ, TJ, YJ, ZJ, and Fords. They're designed specifically for each application to deliver maximum control, while not compromising ride comfort for extended trips over the roughest terrain. The shocks use a 46mm sintered metal velocity-sensitive piston for more consistent performance. Nitro steel piston rods do not chip or peel. They use a Vinton seal and low-friction piston-rod bearing for long life, and are fully serviceable and tunable. Shocks come with a powdercoated finish, polyurethane bushings, and robotic welds for greater consistency. They're made in the USA to boot. Information: Rubicon Express, 877/367-7824, www.rubiconexpress.com.
The Trail Master SSV (Speed Smart Valving) shock offers speed-sensitive valving for a softer ride on-road, and more control when the going gets rough. The SSV uses a twin-tube design with double-welded mounting eyes and stems. Shock diameter is 2 3/8 inches. A heavy-duty 14mm carbon steel piston rod is protected by a black urethane boot. It's available in applications for stock-height or lifted trucks, and the shocks are valved specifically for the application. Information: Trail Master, www.trailmastersuspension.com.
The new Platinum Series monotube gas shocks are designed to take extreme off-pavement performance to the highest levels. The shock uses a 2-inch steel cylinder bore honed to plus-or-minus 0.001 inch. The shaft is 7/8-inch, micro-polished steel and has heat-treated stainless steel valving for high temperature and high-pressure operation. The piston is made from 7075 alloy with a high-temperature wiper seal. It's available up to 50 inches in length for long-travel applications, with or without external reservoir, and in dual bypass configurations. Information: Skyjacker, 318/388-0816, www.skyjacker.com.
Walker Evans makes high-performance shocks for rockcrawlers, trucks, snowmobiles, SUVs, and sand cars. The 500 series of truck shocks features a 5/8-inch shaft, aluminum body, and are available with or without a remote reservoir in lengths up to 35.5 inches when extended, to fit suspensions with up to 14 inches of travel. Many options are available, depending on the application. Information: Walker Evans Racing, 888/933-7223, www.walkerevansracing.com.
The James Duff 8120 shock is designed for long-travel, high-articulation suspensions. The shock is available for fitments up to 15 inches of travel, but at a lower cost than most racing shocks. The twin-tube shock has double-welded ends, a hardened-chromed piston rod, and a corrosion-resistant baked white finish. It uses a narrower eye loop and an extremely flexible rubber bushing that will twist in all directions, so the shock resists binding. It's available for early Broncos, among other Ford applications. Information: James Duff, 360/683-2160, www.jamesduff.com.
Tokico originally developed the twin-tube, low-pressure gas design beginning in the mid-'70s. The new Tokico Trek Master R/T shock uses sophisticated oil-flow management to provide improved ride quality, better braking, better cornering, and minimal pitch and dive. The Trek Master uses a multistage variable aperture piston and sandwich valve system, with a new base valve design that provides a four-stage, dual blow-off compression cycle. The valving is combined with a low mechanical-drag rod guide and piston seal design for as much as 65-percent less mechanical drag than other shocks. Information: Tokico, 310/898-3080, www.tokicogasshocks.com.