Forgetting price - what are the BEST 4WD shocks

Submitted: Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 15:29
ThreadID: 104871 Views:37562 Replies:25 FollowUps:29
This Thread has been Archived
I want people to answer honestly here. Forget the price. That's my issue.

What shock absorber do readers think is the BEST for the 4WD?

It's a 100 series, 4.2TD auto. No major lifts or suspension upgrades apart from the necessary control arm etc reinforcing.

Please I don't want to know what is popular. That is totally irrelevant. And I don't want to know what people don't have trouble with etc. We currently run Bilsteins. The bank is still open so we have options on a replacement set for our desert drives next year. Naturally it will be a complete set. Maybe different at the front from the rear. Don't want fancy gimmicks like able to adjust the heights unless it is paramount to the performance. Done with rock climbing years ago, and as my wife just interjected, "iin the Kingswood at that".

Have fun and pretend you are asking Santa.

Phil
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Dave(NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 16:51

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 16:51
Koni 90 series raids,
I have these on a Patrol that is heavy all the time, Just get them to adjust to suit your cars weight.
Cheers Dave
GU RULES!!

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 520378

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:22

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:22
Thanks Dave

Duly noted

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800824

Follow Up By: Member - Keith P (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 20:46

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 20:46
Another heads up on the Konis.
Completely transformed my Patrol into something that is now nice to sit in and drive on rough roads.
Pretty exy ....but well worth it IMO.

Cheers Keith
Nothin is ever the same once I own it ...........

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

1
FollowupID: 800838

Reply By: The Bantam - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 16:57

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 16:57
Ya realy going to have a long hard look to find anything better than bilstien.

Bilstien are a company that actually make shock absorbers and have done so for decades.

They have built high end shockies for motor sport for decades.

So may of the brands of shock absorbers are badge engineered product that you have not a clue who made or designed them.

Bilstien have the factories and the research facilities to make realy good shock absorbers.

Along with the likes of Koni and a few others.

there are also a couple of proper suspension manufacturers who have the resources to design and test shock absorbers, but subcontract out their manufacturer.

Ther rest are just people who sell shock absorbers...and some of these run under brands that where previously manufacturers, but have not been for some time.

consider that in your deliberations.

cheers
AnswerID: 520379

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:37

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:37
That's why we got Bilsteins in the first place.

One member has mentioned a few other motor sport manufacturers.

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800827

Reply By: AlbyNSW - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:04

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:04
Similar answer to what tyre is best, depends on how you drive, where you drive and how you personally like the vehicle to handle.
The best shock for corrugated offroad use is not the best for blacktop use, likewise if you are looking for big articulation there is going to be a different favorite again
It is all compromise based on what you can live with.
AnswerID: 520381

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:26

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:26
Hi Alby

Our thirst for artiiculation and rock c;imbing was satisfied back in the days of the Kinswood. That's why I said "desert drives" and "done with rock climbing".

Thanks

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800825

Reply By: Will 76 Series - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:09

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:09
Phill,

I have had Old Man Emu, Tough Dogs and now Koni's. They are fitted on a LC 76 series and are excellent shocks. I would not recommend the other two brands.
As stated already Koni or Bilstiens.
A mate of mine has Ridepro fitted to his 100 Series and also highly recommends them.
I recently did the simpson with another vehicle that had tough dogs fitted and had only done 30,000km and we had to make some bushes to replace his that didn't make the trip.

Regards Will
AnswerID: 520382

Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 20:25

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 20:25
Agree with you Will regarding Tough Dogs needing to replace the rubbers on a regular basis.

Dunc.

Dunc
Make sure you give back more than you take

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 800836

Reply By: passionfruit - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:31

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:31
Koni............
AnswerID: 520383

Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 09:24

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 09:24
X 2, worth the $$$, Kanga.
Tempus Fugit

Kanga.

Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

1
FollowupID: 800859

Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:49

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:49
G'day Phil,

I'm no expert in shocks but I can refer you to a comprehensive treatise on Koni shock absorbers prepared by Mick Hutton.

Mick, together with his wife Connie Sue Beadell, operates Beadell Tours and spends 5 to 6 months of every year touring the outback including off-track expeditions. I cannot think of anyone more experienced than he in matters of reliability of 4WD vehicles.

I can tell you that I will not continue to use Top Dog after one of mine totally failed after 6,000km and Top Dog would not recognise a warranty claim. I had fitted a new full set and had simultaneously purchased a set of four as spares. Eight (8) purchased and they would not even discuss the matter! My next replacements will be Koni's.

Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 520384

Reply By: Member - eighty matey - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:03

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:03
G'day Phil,

I have an 80 series Landcruiser diesel.
I travel about 50000 kms a year woith travel and work.

Travel is usually dirt road touring with bitumen to get there close to fully loaded. Other times is playing on Newnes Plateau, Watagans or similar.

Work is carrying bricklaying tools and towing a trailer often loaded.
I've had Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport Shock Absorbers and OME Springs - mediums front and 2nd heaviest in the rear.

This setup has been excellent for the last 150000 kms. Never failed me and actually saved my hide a couple of times on outback roads.

That's my thoughts.

Steve
AnswerID: 520385

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:01

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:01
Our good mate at Mt Dare also uses the OME nitro sports. And just got more for another of his vehicles.

Just saying.

Thanks Steve

Phil
1
FollowupID: 800839

Reply By: olcoolone - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:19

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:19
Seeing money is no issue I would recommend Ohlins, Fox, DMS (Drummond Motor Sport), Proflex or Reiger.... you can't go wrong.

If you want second best Bilstien or Koni.

But suspension is like most things, are you going to see the benefit of expensive suspension over the likes of EFS, Lovell or ARB.

Why don't you get the Bilstiens rebuilt?

BTW adjustable spring seats is the best way of setting up suspension from corner to corner so it's not a gimmick, again would you benefit from it with the type of driving you do...... probably not.
AnswerID: 520387

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:35

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:35
Good words to ponder mate. Like I said the bank is still open.

The Bilsteins have already been rebuilt once. I think that's enough.

We shall see.

Phil
1
FollowupID: 800826

Reply By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:45

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 18:45
Sorry for taking a long time to get back. Watched the race in Surfers. Why do they let them get away with driving off the track and basically straight over the corners. Anyway that's OT.

I started responding to all and stopped after a few.

It seems that Bilsteing and Koni are mentioned the most so far and then we have a single mention of some popular racing company brands that I have heard of but not looked at yet.

Interesting, even though it is early, but few mentions of "popular" brands. That was what I thought would happen. Maybe taking the money parameter out of the equation was a good idea. We should not get performance guidance which is what I want.

Dinner to be cooked.

So far so good. Thanks all.

Question: We are told that Bilstein are shock absorber specialists. Would you say that Koni is also?

Phil
AnswerID: 520389

Reply By: Dave(NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 19:22

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 19:22
google's your friend.
http://www.koni.com/us-na-redirect/
GU RULES!!

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 520391

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 19:33

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 19:33
Thanks dave.

The thing about just going to Google is that if we always used Google we would never have these conversations How boring. Thank god I don't live in the Borg society.

But thanks mate. I did read your reference and I now see why they are mentioned above. Seems like Koni and Bilstein are major shock absorber specialists.

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800834

Reply By: Member - RobnJane(VIC) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 19:38

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 19:38
G'day Phil,

We also have had very good experience with Koni shock absorbers (car and trailer).
To your question as to whether Koni are a shock absorber specialist I would say definately, yes.
In another life I was involved in an organisation where we needed to adapt shock absorbers to various (heavy) vehicles due to the different operating conditions found in parts of Australia. On many occasions we sought Toperformances' (Koni Distributor)help in identifying the solution. This involved providing them vehicle details, spring rates, current shock absorber performance details, operating weights and conditions experienced etc, and with assistance from their supplying factory and local input they provided us with shock absorbers that worked.
Plenty more to such a story but I trust this confirms to you thay are a product supported by very specific engineering input.

Rgds,

Rob.
RobnJane

Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 520392

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 20:45

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 20:45
Hi Rob

I got the same idea from that lik that Dave gave.

More for Koni then.

Still running neck and neck with Bilstein.

Thanks

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800837

Reply By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:06

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:06
Here's another that I was referred to in a PM. Kings shock absorbers. I am not really after adjustable ones. They go on and that's it.

It's bad enough to have to get out of the car to adjust the tyre pressures as it is. I have in the past driven vehicles where you could do this on the run.

They are directed to 4WD racing mainly but what do you brains trust think?

Link: King Shock absorbers

Phil
AnswerID: 520401

Reply By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:29

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:29
Are these the Koni's that those above who emntioned Koni are talking about?

Item 1: Limited detail and from seller user id: climaxsuspension

Koni Heavy Track model from a UK seller.

Phil
AnswerID: 520405

Follow Up By: Dave(NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 10:53

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 10:53
Phil,
If you get a chance ring Climax and have a talk to them as what Koni's will suit your car as there are a few different set ups.
You can get 82s, 88s, or 90s
It will depend on your car setup and weight.
My 90s were done by Climax in Port Macquarie about 2 years ago and I'm very happy with them.
Cheers Dave.
GU RULES!!

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

1
FollowupID: 800863

Reply By: The Bantam - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:45

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:45
Koni and Bilstien have always running kneck and kneck.

Bilstien have always been considered the leaders is gas shock absorber technology, while in the past Koni where the oil technology leaders...but koni have made both for over 20 years now.

The biggest difference between the two, that has always been the case is.

Bilstien have always had the edge in control, perhaps at the cost of comfort.

Koni have always had the edge on comfort, they have been the ones who did the work valving and damping rates, may be at the slight cost of control.

I remember being told that the Danish royal family, had connections with Koni.....and they are a bunch of rev heads that like their comfort.

It is almost a matter of national pride that Danish princes all needed stern talking too about speeding from time to time.

Its been a long time since I have owned a vehicle with Koni shocks.....but I remember they did live up to their reputation of comfort.

cheers
AnswerID: 520406

Reply By: allein m - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:49

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 21:49
I have read in a form that the WA Police use the Koni shocks in there troopys
AnswerID: 520407

Follow Up By: The Rambler( W.A.) - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 22:30

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 22:30
I don't know why anybody would replace the original TRoopy shocks with anything else but the standard troopy Toyota shocks unless they want to do some fancy lift in the suspension.Ihave driven Troopys for years on very serious off road conditions and have never had a shocky fail on me.I just replaced the original shocks on my current Troopy after 12 years of hard driving.They have been replaced with Toyota shocks.
1
FollowupID: 800845

Reply By: roger t4 - Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 23:52

Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 at 23:52
G`day Phil,
I`m surprised nobody has mentioned the difference between the koni`s & billi`s, though you probably know they built quite differently to arrive at each of their high stature in the 4wd world. You have the best mono-tubes now. If you go with Koni`s you`ll have the best twin-tubes. I ran Billi`s on my 100 series and couldn`t fault them but next time I`m going to try the Koni`s, just for the sake of trying something different. I ran koni`s on my old street car and they were perfect for such a heavy bus but I`m yet to try them offroad. No doubt Koni couldn`t wish for a better plug than that by Mick Hutton.

Cheers Rog
AnswerID: 520411

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 07:22

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 07:22
Thanks

Now why would a twin tube shock absorber be better than a single? Ahhh!! That is the queston? Better to have . . . shhh

Lets see what your post prompts.

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800855

Reply By: Robin Miller - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 08:20

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 08:20
You don't measures shocks by some of the posts above reasons.

Kings off road racing shocks are simply the best - you will see them on many comp vehicles and are both fully rebuildable and fully definable with large remote resoviours and with the maximum travel for any given mounting length.
Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 520414

Reply By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 08:31

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 08:31
Fox or Kings
.
Time is an illusion produced by the passage of history
.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message
Moderator

AnswerID: 520418

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:30

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:30
Fox? Looks like a Google. Never heard of them.

Thanks Bonz.
0
FollowupID: 800870

Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 17:42

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 17:42
try www.ridefox.com/?
.
Time is an illusion produced by the passage of history
.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message
Moderator

1
FollowupID: 800902

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 18:05

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 18:05
Thanks Bonz. They may be unsuitable because of a complexity rule I have. The simpler the better. I am even questioning the dual tube shocks. And a very good reason I will not be upgrading the car. You could be stuck by just a simple sensor fault and the newer the car the more the electronics.

What I saw of the Fox ones was the need for a second chamber or reservoir.

They may be outside my parameters. Sure could be excellent shocks. I do not deny that but we travel a lot on our own and I am no longer able to do much more than change an air cleaner. And I wouldn't have the faintest with all this electronics stuff. What about that V8 race car. There was a problem with the computer/ECU etc. The starter motor would turn over. he was stuck on the race line. Couldn't even put it in gear and turn the starter to get out of the way. Not the bush but an example of what I do not want.

Thanks mate

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800909

Reply By: roger t4 - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 08:56

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 08:56
G`day again,
That`s fair enough Robin but Phil`s original post implied he wanted to keep it simple. While no one would argue offroad racing shocks "aren`t" the best at what they do, they`re not simple when a remote canister becomes involved. And even though we were advised to forget about price, I don`t think Phil would find the cost of these things forgettable. There was an interesting comparison done by the Australian 4WD Action crew, last year I think. Bruce Garland was the test driver and all the popular brands were installed onto the vehicle, (not at the same time) while he was kept in the dark as to their names. I know he chose Tough Dogs as the winner, I think Billi`s & Koni`s came second & third. It was an interesting read, maybe Phil should check it out if he hasn`t already.

Cheers Rog
AnswerID: 520420

Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:21

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:21
I recall reading that comparo as well
I think tough dog were the winner based on performance and value for money
0
FollowupID: 800868

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:23

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:23
Hi Roger

While I preferred not to bring cost into it is because I put performance first. And about all I knew were the basic Tuff Dogs OME, Billstein, Koni etc shock absorbers. I wanted to know what is "out there". You never know; I may end up with an Aldi special. I seriously doubt that but you should get the picture.

We get inundated with the "popular" brands but never hear about these up market killer type shock absorbers. When we got our kitchen redone as soon as the word "popular" was used we tended to go another way. Popular does not mean the best for us. So I am trying to look "beyond the "popular" brands.

Thanks also Robin

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800869

Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 17:58

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 17:58
Must say I wonder how Phils resolve would hold against the "Regardles of cost " critrea with 3 grand shocks Roger.

We have 5 sets of Patrol shocks and swap'em around a bit and it gives you a pretty good feel for whats going on.

When off to trackless parts of the world we don't use Kings because of the weight despite performance.

We actually use shocks not mentioned in all the preceeding posts which are known as ROX Shocks , and carry spares.

This is because they have more heat dissaption and also a better ratio of open / closed lengths than almost all others.

Shocks characteristics also play a part , for example I note a few use Tough dogs - and I have liked their adjustability however there compression / Rebound force ratios are to similar and so don't control the wheels as well as say ROX.

But at least the Tough dogs have survived - we also have Ironman / OME and of course standard Nissan that have all died early.







Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

1
FollowupID: 800908

Reply By: Echucan Bob - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 09:23

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 09:23
Phil,

when I got a 2" lift on the Disco 2 I was advised to get Bilsteins and King Springs. The car certainly rode well on the bitumen. However, on the first significant trip of corrugated tracks (west from Alice to Yuendumu, then Nyrripi, across to Kintore, then down the SBJT) saw the most comprehensive equipment failure I have ever experienced.

The section of the SBJT just to the south of Kintore is pretty bad, and I drove fairly slowly as I have done many times before without issues, and no-one else in the group had issues. But before long I was alerted to smoke coming from under the bonnet. On inspection, both Billies were smokin'. With little option other than to slow down even further I drove on. Before long, one of the Billies had let go completely, and was no longer absorbing shocks. Possibly because of increased front axle travel, the other side let go too. In these conditions the front of the vehicle, completely undamped, was bouncing wildly.

Because of where we were, I could either park the vehicle or press on. We decided to find a place to camp and ponder what to do in the morning. Suddenly, one of the Billies disintegrated and got itself jammed sideways through spring against the tyre. Our choice of camping site had been made.

My conclusion about the Billies is that while they may be a fine shock on the bitumen, they cannot tolerate corrugations, and are prone to excessive heat build up and catastrophic failure.

I have since done the same trip again with adjustable Tough Dogs. At least they got me back home.

This occurred at about the same time as Mercedes Benz did a publicity transit of the CSR, and all of their vehicles were afflicted with shocker failure. Maybe it says something about the corrugations and sand dunes in Europe!

Bob
AnswerID: 520422

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:04

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:04
Bob

This is very much like when someone says Monday is the best day of the week and then lays out a treatise showing why he is right. Then along comes his mate and says that Saturday is the best day and does the same.

We already have Billsteins that have done more than 200,000 Kms. No issue at all. And the greater majority of that mileage has been on all manner of off road terrains including rocky mountainous tracks, long badly corrugated country roads/tracks and naturally those lovely heavily undulated desert tracks.

First time we went on corrugations I stopped every now and then and felt them. Warmish a bit that was the worst. Even the meter long continuous undulations in the Simpson, did not unduly heat them up. Just the opposite of your experience.

Why did you change from the standard factory Disco models. Could it be that you did not trust the standard Disco ones. And that is no doubt why the Mercs broke. Just about all of us change for the same reason.

Now seeing that I did not have an issue with Billsteins you may ask why this thread. Ours just need either a rebuild which, we are not in favour of, or new replacements. As usual I am also on the lookout for a better system. I may not find one but you never know if you don't ask.

What does SBJT stand for? I bet that I will work that out as soon as I press the submit button

Thanks for the post mate. I note your preference.

Cheers

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800864

Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:09

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:09
According to Google it stands for "Southern Baptist Journal of Theology".
Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

1
FollowupID: 800865

Follow Up By: The Explorer - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:19

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:19
Hi - Butting in :)

SBJT = Sandy Blight Junction Track ....though it is shown on all the maps I have as the Sandy Blight Junction Road i.e. abbreviation should probably be SBJR...but no big deal.
Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message
Moderator

1
FollowupID: 800867

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:43

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:43
Allan Love it mate! Good old authoritative Google. Just my point exactly.

Not long back I went up BGT on the way to Dargo. Who knows what that is. If you are local or have been there then shut up.

Echucan Bob: Not trying to take the mickey out of you but using abbreviations can be a trap. Thanks mate. Never been that way.

Greg: your'e right mate. Detail can stuff them up also.

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800871

Follow Up By: Echucan Bob - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 15:49

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 15:49
Phil

I put the Billies on because the LR originals were not suitable for a two inch lift. As far as I know they were still working when replaced. They had completed this very trip, and other similar trips without drama. I was very happy to have the Billies fitted because I was aware they had a good reputation. Shockers had never been an issue for me, I just expected them to work without letting me down.

By reporting this event as factually as I can I am not seeking to inject my personal preference or opinion, or cause offence to people who have chosen Billies.

Re the abbreviation, I thought that in that part of the world, SBJT would be understood as well as CSR, GCR, GRR etc Its just that typing Sandy Blight Junction Track or Road takes me a long time.

Bob

Bob
0
FollowupID: 800895

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 17:11

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 17:11
Bob No worries. We all have our preferences. I am in the ACT. The track is not in this part of the world. I know more about the Gipsland tracks and couldn't fit it there. Not too much sand tracks up that way.

Just watched to afternoons V*'s race. I really don't understand why they get up set when they break something on the curbs. Maybe a few bales of hay or solid rubbers would keep them off them. Then again penalise them for going off the side of the road. Very strange.

Catchya Thanks for the input mate

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800898

Reply By: Member - bbuzz (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 10:06

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 10:06
Strange that no-one mentioned Lovell's Gas.

I had them on a Prado for 60,000k with no problems. They had HD standard Lovell's springs with them. The ride was firm but you got used to it.

I am thinking that Lovell's must have an affiliation with a manufacturer?

bill
Bill B

Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 520427

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:48

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:48
Weren't they on the BMC cars made at Zetland? Something in the bck of the old brain is tugging away at the name.

Maybe they don't make suitable 4WD type shock absorbers. I may have a look later. The name is in the list.

Thanks

Phil
0
FollowupID: 800872

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:53

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 11:53
My wife remembered the name. They were in Humebush back in the 60's. Her Dad got some springs for their mini that they used rallies like the Redex Trials etc. Do you realise that my wife is a lifetime member of the Mini Car Club of Australia. Yep and friends with people like Evan Green and Ivan Stebbard.Well used to be. Not worried about her around cars.

But we know nothing about any shock absorbers. Like I said I will look later

Cheers
0
FollowupID: 800873

Reply By: Member - Alastair D (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 12:51

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 12:51
Phil,
I have a 2004 100 series auto t/d with a 50mm lift and other suspension mods for touring. I spent a lot of time (and $) fiddling with things before I got the right compromise for on/off road. I ended up with Bilsteins all round after trying 2 other brands, OME and ?. The Bilsteins have been excellent and I have not experienced failure or overheating even on bad corrugations. I had the Bilsteins altered after about 3 months to firm them up a bit and since then I have been very happy.
cheers
AnswerID: 520433

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 14:06

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 14:06
Thanks for the input Alastair
0
FollowupID: 800889

Reply By: TheMightyMoose - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 18:24

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 18:24
Phil
Go to LCOOL forum and search in there for responses by DAZ - should answer your question.
Hard for any one individual to say what is best for a particular vehicle given none of us have tried every shockie available. So the answers you've received are generally biased by the individual's experiences and don't necessarily answer your question. Not everyone has experienced the driving you want the shockies for. Suggest you find out which of the members/posters on here actually are experienced in desert travel and see what they use and recommend.
The above mentioned DAZ probably has more experience with shockies than most given his involvement in the industry.
Shockies - not an easy one. Bit like tyres and batteries and most things 4WD related. Good luck with your research and decision.
AnswerID: 520459

Reply By: roger t4 - Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 22:06

Sunday, Oct 27, 2013 at 22:06
Hey Robin,
I`ve seen those Rox shocks advertised in the mags I think, but never followed them up. After your description of them , maybe I should. Like Phil said, it`s good to take the plunge away from "popular" if indeed they prove to be as good ,if not better. Unfortunately my pocket always has the last say. Going by your last post you seem to know your shocks, are you in the game?

Cheers Rog
AnswerID: 520482

Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Monday, Oct 28, 2013 at 19:29

Monday, Oct 28, 2013 at 19:29
Not in that game Rog , we have some GU patrols and a lot of wheels shocks etc including one that uses parts in extremes like 4x4 events.

The Rox shocks can be got at around 650 bucks a set whereas Kings cost that for a single. They have outperformed all of the other standard type shocks we have.
I can only speak for the patrol/cruiser ones which are valved for our conditions.

You will find that a lot in the know like guys at Patrol a part etc use /reccomend them because they maximize wheel travel and work well on your standard 2 inch lift (with leveling packers or bump stops- as they are designed for 3-4 inch lift).
Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 800997

Reply By: scruffy - Monday, Oct 28, 2013 at 14:25

Monday, Oct 28, 2013 at 14:25
Well I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Dobinsons shocks. Had them on a 80 series and some Land Rovers and could not fault them. Just my 2 cents worth. Bob
AnswerID: 520515

Sponsored Links