Twin Tube Damping Built for Jeep Trucks and SUVs That Work Every Day
The Skyjacker B8516 Black Max shock absorber replaces a tired factory or aftermarket shock with a twin tube unit built around foam cell technology, arc welded end mounts, and vehicle specific valving. It is designed as a direct bolt in replacement for stock ride height or mild lift applications, giving drivers predictable control whether the truck is empty, loaded, or towing.
Key Features
- Twin tube hydraulic design with advanced foam cell technology that compresses under heat to prevent oil aeration and fade
- Vehicle specific multi stage valving tuned for a controlled, stable ride
- 360 degree arc welded end mounts rated for extreme off road stress
- 180 degree directional mounting allowed by the foam cell design
- Chrome plated shaft resists pitting and corrosion
- Sintered iron piston for consistent damping over the life of the shock
- Black dust boot included to protect the shaft from debris
Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984-1993 | Jeep | Cherokee | Base |
| 1991-1992 | Jeep | Cherokee | Briarwood |
| 1985-1988 | Jeep | Cherokee | Chief |
| 1996 | Jeep | Cherokee | Classic |
| 1998-2001 | Jeep | Cherokee | Classic |
| 1993-1997 | Jeep | Cherokee | Country |
| 1985-1992 | Jeep | Cherokee | Laredo |
| 1987-1992 | Jeep | Cherokee | Limited |
| 1985-1990 | Jeep | Cherokee | Pioneer |
| 1994-2001 | Jeep | Cherokee | SE |
| 1989-2001 | Jeep | Cherokee | Sport |
| 1987-1992 | Jeep | Comanche | Base |
| 1987-1988 | Jeep | Comanche | Chief |
| 1986 | Jeep | Comanche | Custom |
| 1988-1992 | Jeep | Comanche | Eliminator |
| 1987-1988 | Jeep | Comanche | Laredo |
| 1986 | Jeep | Comanche | X |
| 1986 | Jeep | Comanche | XLS |
| 1998 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | 5.9 Limited |
| 1993 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Base |
| 1993-2004 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Laredo |
| 1993-2004 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Limited |
| 1995 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Orvis |
| 1997 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Orvis |
| 1994-1995 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | SE |
| 2004 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Special Edition |
| 2002 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Sport |
| 1997-1998 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | TSi |
| 2006 | Jeep | Wrangler | 65th Anniversary Edition |
| 2003-2006 | Jeep | Wrangler | Rubicon |
| 1997-2004 | Jeep | Wrangler | Sahara |
| 1997-2006 | Jeep | Wrangler | Sport |
| 2004-2006 | Jeep | Wrangler | Unlimited |
| 2005-2006 | Jeep | Wrangler | Unlimited Rubicon |
| 2002-2006 | Jeep | Wrangler | X |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | B8516 |
| Position | Front |
| Shock Stroke | 9.21 in. |
| Extended Length | 22.75 in. |
| Collapsed Length | 13.54 in. |
| Body Material | Steel |
| Shaft Finish | Chrome plated |
| Piston Type | Sintered iron |
| Boot Included | Yes, black dust boot |
| Sold As | Each |
| UPC | 803696238463 |
What's Included
- 1 Skyjacker Black Max shock absorber
- Black dust boot, pre-installed
- Limited lifetime warranty coverage
About Skyjacker
Skyjacker Suspensions has engineered lift kits, shocks, and suspension components in West Monroe, Louisiana since 1970. The Black Max line was developed to give daily driven trucks and Jeeps a durable, twin tube shock that holds up to towing, hauling, and trail use while keeping factory ride quality manageable at stock height or with a modest lift.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B8516?The B8516 is a Skyjacker Black Max twin tube shock absorber built with foam cell technology and vehicle specific valving. It ships with a black dust boot and mounts in either direction thanks to its foam cell internal design.
Is this shock a direct bolt in replacement?Yes, it uses the factory mounting locations and hardware pattern for the listed applications, so no drilling or modification is required.
Will this shock work with a lift kit installed?This shock is valved for stock ride height to mild lift applications. Check your lift height against the listed extended and collapsed lengths before ordering.
Can this shock be mounted in any direction?Yes, the foam cell design eliminates internal air, which allows 180 degree directional mounting without affecting performance.
Do I need to replace both shocks at the same time?Replacing shocks in pairs (both fronts or both rears) is recommended so damping stays even side to side.
What warranty comes with this shock?Skyjacker backs the Black Max series with a limited lifetime warranty to the original retail purchaser, with reduced terms for commercial and racing use.
Does the B8516 include mounting hardware?The shock includes the boot and body as shown. Reuse factory mounting hardware unless it shows wear, in which case replace with OE spec bolts.
How do I know if this is the front or rear shock for my vehicle?This listing is the front position shock. Check the fitment table above and your vehicle's suspension layout before ordering the matching pair.
Can I use this shock for towing or off road driving?Yes, the increased fluid capacity and multi stage valving are designed to control body motion under everyday towing, hauling, and off road loads.
Install Instructions
- Raise and safely support the vehicle, then remove the wheel if needed for clearance
- Support the axle or control arm to relieve shock load before removing the old shock
- Remove the upper and lower shock mounting hardware and take out the factory shock
- Compress the new Black Max shock and position it between the upper and lower mounts
- Install new or factory mounting hardware and torque to the vehicle manufacturer specification
- Repeat on the opposite side, always replacing shocks in pairs for even damping
- Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle
- Cycle the suspension through full travel and check for clearance before road testing
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including chromium, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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