Skyjacker B8549 Black MAX Front Shock Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ Cherokee XJ 6-9in Lift

Vehicle Fitment

• 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ (4WD, All Trims: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, X) - Front, 6-9 in. Lift
• 2004-2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited TJ / LJ (4WD) - Front, 6-9 in. Lift
• 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ (4WD, Gas) - Front, 6-8 in. Lift
• 1985-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ (2WD / RWD, Gas) - Front, 6-8 in. Lift
• 1985-1987 Jeep Cherokee XJ (4WD & RWD, Diesel) - Front, 6-8 in. Lift

Fitment Notes

• Fits front position only - for rear shocks on the Cherokee XJ at comparable lift heights, see Skyjacker B8563
• Designed for 6-9 in. of front suspension lift on the Wrangler TJ/LJ; designed for 6-8 in. of front lift on the Cherokee XJ
• Upper mount is a Stem (S1) style; lower mount is Bar Pin (BP4) - verify compatibility with your lift kit hardware before ordering
• Does not fit Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987-1995) or Wrangler JK (2007-2018) - separate Skyjacker part numbers apply
• Does not fit Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ, WJ, WK) - different front suspension geometry
• Sold individually - purchase two (2) for a complete front axle replacement
• Reuses factory shock mounting hardware; no additional brackets required

Features

• Advanced foam-cell technology uses a Low-Pro foam insert that compresses during oil expansion, maintaining consistent damping performance across the full operating temperature range
• Foam-cell design eliminates air inside the shock body, allowing mounting in any direction without performance degradation or cavitation
• Vehicle-specific multi-stage StableSteer valving maximizes tire-to-road contact for improved stability, handling, and traction on- and off-road
• Increased fluid capacity for maximum heat dissipation during sustained trail, rock-crawling, or off-road driving at high-lift configurations
• 360° arc-welded end mounts deliver superior structural strength and long-term durability under extreme flex and articulation demands
• 180° directional mounting allows flexible installation orientation to suit TJ and XJ high-lift setups
• Chrome-plated hardened shock shaft resists pitting and corrosion, extending seal life and overall shock service life
• Sintered iron piston and heavy-duty compression head minimize internal wear for an extended service life
• Twin-tube construction with DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing maintains tight tolerances for consistent damping output
• Durable corrosion-resistant black coating over heavy-duty steel shock body
• Black polyurethane bushings at both mounts provide rattle-free, precise fitment
• Backed by Skyjacker's Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship

Specifications

• Part Number: B8549
• Position: Front (Driver Side or Passenger Side)
• Extended Length: 28.75 in. (730.25 mm)
• Collapsed Length: 16.56 in. (420.62 mm)
• Stroke: 12.19 in. (309.63 mm)
• Internal Design: Twin-Tube
• Gas Charged: No (Hydraulic / Foam-Cell)
• Adjustable Valving: No
• Upper Mount Type: Stem (S1)
• Lower Mount Type: Bar Pin (BP4)
• Bushing Material: Polyurethane
• Bushing Color: Black
• Shaft Finish: Chrome-Plated
• Body Finish: Black Powder Coat
• Lift Height Compatibility: 6-9 in. Front Lift (TJ/LJ); 6-8 in. Front Lift (Cherokee XJ)
• Weight: 6.5 lbs.
• Quantity: Sold Individually (1 per pack)

Included Components

• 1x Skyjacker B8549 Black MAX Front Shock Absorber
• 1x Black Protective Dust Boot

Product Description

The Skyjacker B8549 Black MAX Twin-Tube Shock Absorber is a long-travel front shock purpose-built for the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ, 2004-2006 Wrangler Unlimited LJ, and 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ running aggressive suspension lift heights of 6 inches and above. With an extended length of 28.75 inches and a 12.19-inch stroke, this is one of Skyjacker's longest Black MAX front shock offerings - engineered specifically for the additional travel demands of 6-9 inch lift kits on the TJ platform and 6-8 inch lifts on the Cherokee XJ. It is built around Skyjacker's Advanced Foam-Cell technology, featuring a Low-Pro foam insert that compensates for oil expansion under heat and hard use. This sustains consistent damping output throughout the operating temperature range and eliminates air from the hydraulic fluid, preventing fade and cavitation during extended trail sessions.

Internally, the B8549 uses vehicle-specific multi-stage StableSteer valving calibrated to the front suspension geometry and travel requirements of the TJ and XJ platforms at these extreme lift heights. This delivers controlled articulation on technical terrain while maintaining stable, predictable handling on road. The stem upper mount (S1) and bar pin lower mount (BP4) are dimensionally matched to the factory and aftermarket shock towers used in Skyjacker's own high-lift TJ and XJ kits, making this a direct bolt-on installation using existing hardware. The chrome-plated hardened shaft resists corrosion and pitting, while the 360° arc-welded end mounts and sintered iron piston are built for the structural demands of extreme-lift off-road use. DOM twin-tube construction maintains precise internal clearances for consistent, repeatable damping.

This shock is sold individually - purchase two for a complete front axle upgrade. It is specific to 6 inches and above of front suspension lift and is not correct for 4-5 inch or lower configurations on these platforms; refer to Skyjacker B8518 (TJ, 1-3 in.) or B8528 (TJ/XJ, 3.5-5 in.) for those applications. For the Cherokee XJ at comparable lift heights, the companion rear shock is Skyjacker B8563. The B8549 does not fit the Wrangler YJ, Wrangler JK, or any Grand Cherokee platform. It is backed by Skyjacker's Limited Lifetime Warranty for the original retail purchaser, covering defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the purchaser owns the vehicle.