Zone Offroad ZON7980 Nitro Rear Shock for 84-01 Cherokee XJ & 97-06 Wrangler TJ

Vehicle Fitment

• 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ), All Trims, 2WD/4WD, Gas & Diesel - Rear, 3" Lift
• 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler (TJ / LJ Unlimited), All Trims incl. Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, 2WD/4WD, Gas & Diesel - Rear, 3"-4" Lift

Fitment Notes

• This is a rear shock absorber - designed for the rear axle position on both the Cherokee XJ and Wrangler TJ/LJ.
• Cherokee XJ fitment: designed for use with 3" rear lift applications.
• Wrangler TJ/LJ fitment: designed for use with 3"-4" rear lift applications.
• The TJ Unlimited (LJ, 2004-2006) shares the same rear suspension mounting as the standard TJ and is included in the 1997-2006 fitment range.
• Compatible with both 2WD and 4WD drivetrain configurations on all listed models.
• Compatible with all engine options available on the Cherokee XJ and Wrangler TJ/LJ including 2.5L I4, 4.0L I6, and 2.5L diesel where applicable.
• Shock absorbers are sold individually - order 2 for a complete rear axle replacement.
• Bushings and sleeves are included with each shock for direct replacement installation.

Features

• Twin-tube, nitrogen-charged design delivers consistent damping performance on- and off-road, maintaining control over rough terrain while retaining a comfortable daily driving character.
• 10-stage velocity-sensitive valving automatically adjusts damping rate in real time based on the speed and intensity of suspension movement, providing optimal control across a wide range of driving conditions.
• Fully displaced valving design provides an improved range on both compression and extension strokes, maximizing suspension travel and on-trail performance.
• Nitrogen gas charge at 50 psi prevents aeration and fluid foaming inside the shock during aggressive use, ensuring consistent response and eliminating shock fade.
• 1-3/8" Fluon-banded piston reduces internal friction and wear, maintaining smooth, accurate damping throughout the life of the shock.
• Heavy-duty 14mm (5/8") hard-chromed alloy steel shaft resists corrosion, rock chips, and surface damage during off-road use.
• Steel alloy body with dual-welded ends provides structural strength and long-term durability under sustained off-road stress.
• Matte black powdercoat finish resists rust and corrosion for long-lasting appearance in all weather conditions.
• Direct bolt-on installation with all necessary bushings and sleeves included - no drilling, cutting, or modification required.
• Backed by Zone Offroad's Shield Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Specifications

• Part Number: ZON7980
• Shock Type: Twin-tube, nitrogen gas charged
• Position: Rear
• Extended Length: 22.95 inches
• Collapsed Length: 14.65 inches
• Travel: 8.28 inches
• Body Diameter: 2 inches
• Shaft Diameter: 5/8" (14mm), heavy chromed alloy steel
• Piston Size: 1-3/8" Fluon-banded
• Upper Mount Type: BP18 (Bar Pin, 18mm)
• Lower Mount Type: EB1 (Eyelet with bushing)
• Nitrogen Gas Pressure: 50 psi
• Valving Stages: 10-stage velocity-sensitive
• Adjustable Damping: No
• Finish: Matte black powdercoat
• Reservoir: No
• Shock Boots Included: No
• Quantity: 1 shock absorber per purchase
• Estimated Install Time: 30 minutes per shock
• Difficulty Level: Easy (basic hand tools required)
• Warranty: Zone Offroad Shield Limited Lifetime Warranty

Included Components

• 1x Zone Nitro Series rear shock absorber (ZON7980)
• 1x Mounting bushing set (upper and lower)
• 1x Mounting sleeve set

Product Description

The Zone Offroad ZON7980 is a vehicle-specific Nitro Series rear shock absorber engineered for the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) at 3" of rear lift and the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ and LJ Unlimited at 3"-4" of rear lift. Sized at 22.95" extended and 14.65" collapsed with 8.28" of travel, the ZON7980 fills the critical gap between a lifted ride height and a shock that can actually control the suspension throughout its full range of motion. Using a factory-length or OEM shock on a lifted XJ or TJ results in a shock that runs out of travel before the suspension does, sacrificing articulation, control, and ride quality. The ZON7980 is built to the correct extended length for these lift heights, ensuring the suspension can reach full droop without bottoming out the shock.

The Nitro Series twin-tube design pressurizes the shock body with 50 psi of nitrogen gas, which prevents oil aeration and foaming during sustained off-road use - a common failure mode of standard hydraulic shocks on the trail. The 10-stage velocity-sensitive valving reacts in real time to the speed of suspension movement, providing lighter damping over small road imperfections and firmer control during harder hits and high-speed terrain changes. The 1-3/8" Fluon-banded piston minimizes internal friction and maintains consistent damping feel throughout the life of the unit, while the 14mm heavy-chromed steel shaft handles the abrasion and rock strikes inherent to XJ and TJ off-road use.

Installation is a direct bolt-on replacement - the included bushings and sleeves bolt directly into the factory shock mounts on both the XJ's leaf-spring rear suspension and the TJ's coil-spring rear suspension without any modification. Shocks are sold individually, so order two for a complete rear axle set. For owners of the TJ Unlimited (LJ), the same fitment applies - the rear suspension mounting points are identical to the standard TJ through the end of production in 2006. Backed by Zone Offroad's Shield Limited Lifetime Warranty, the ZON7980 is a proven, affordable performance upgrade for any lifted XJ or TJ build.