Shock question...

2000 Jeep XJ, 163k miles, 4.0 4x4.

One of my shocks seems to be making more noise than all the others. Its as if I can hear the shock compressing but only at lower speeds and smaller bumps...

The shocks a brand new (<150 Road driven miles) RC N2.0 Shocks. No leaks or visible damage at all.
I know they're not the best shocks but I was on a tight budget.

Does this sound normal? What should I check?

Thanks in advance guys!

Nope, doesn't sound normal.
What I'd check is dismount the suspect shock. Make sure it doesn't move even an inch without real effort - either compression or extension. Any easy motion = bad shock.

hmm, ok, I'm pretty limited with tools. Luckily its the front shock so it'll be easy to pop off that top bolt and test it out.

Would jacking my jeeps front wheels off the ground using anything but the front axle relieve enough pressure of the front shock enough to test it?