Long travel shock absorbers.
Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 18:42
ThreadID:
50644
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3
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Rossco td105
Hi all,
Haven't been able to find any definative answers in previous threads...
I am looking to upgrade the OME nitro-charger long travel shocks on my 100 series cruiser. These shocks (current set-up) have served me
well on the last couple of vehicles, but have proved wanting now that my wife and I are getting into more serious long distance touring ( though they regain damping ability once they have cooled down!).
These shocks fade after a half a day travel on corrugated roads.
The info out there seems to be:
Avoid foam cell shocks as they will not recover after HEAVY use?
Avoid twin tube over mono-tube designs as they will combat overheating more readily on extended corrugations.?
Remote oil reservoir shocks give the best reliability over extended corrugation driving?
Can any one offer advice on longer travel shocks that they have actually fitted to their vehicle for long distance travel?
I have discovered FOX do a shock that can be adapted to fit my vehicle (quite expensive), OME LTR's (although suitable in application) don't do a long travel version to suit and tough dog do a 45mm adjustable shock, though can't find info regarding whether it is a oil or foam construction shock. Any other options?
Thanks for any assistance,
Ross.
Reply By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 19:24
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 19:24
I have Durashock Sports (2" lift) and they have done about 90,000 k's including some of the roughest roads including Anne Beadell, Simpson,
Kalumburu Road, WA side of the Tanami etc., and they have been flawless performers with no fade noticed and despite taking a hammering show no signs of damage.
Durashock overview
I can't remember exactly what they cost now, but they were quite a bit less expensive than the big brands.
AnswerID:
267049
Follow Up By: Rossco td105 - Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:41
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:41
Cheers for the reply,
What vehicle do you use these shocks on? The web site only has limited info on it...
They seem pretty similar to the Nitrochargers I currently use, which do a pretty good job up to a point. Once the cruiser is fully loaded, I think I am asking too much of them. Just looking for an upgrade that will function over a lot of corrugations in a fully loaded vehicle.
Ross
FollowupID:
529448
Follow Up By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:50
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:50
Well I am using them on the same vehicle as yours with 2" lift -
well actually it is a bit mroe than 2". (A live axle hzj105).
They are a pretty new product - perhaps 12 months old now, but I have done a lot of k's on them.
I am frequently running "fully" loaded - five persons and their gear, sometimes more; Longranger
tank, dual batteries, rear bar with dual
wheels, front steel bar with winch, trailer ... and frequently doing long days - like WA side of Tanami Track without stopping except for the call of nature;
Oodnadatta Track C-P to Mt-Dare in a sitting, Finke Road Mt Dare to
Chambers Pillar...
Generally I am sitting on 80-85 ks where that makes sense - mind you on the Finke Road last time was weekend after the FDR and it was fast going at 30 clicks.
Of course I keep the tyre pressures down low...
Cheers
Andrew.
FollowupID:
529452
Follow Up By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:53
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:53
They are designed to be rebuilt, but can't be adjusted on the car.
FollowupID:
529453
Follow Up By: Rossco td105 - Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 22:13
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 22:13
Thanks for the further info,
Will have to look into these a bit further.
Ross
FollowupID:
529458
Reply By: TD100 - Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 19:25
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 19:25
hi rossco,i have a 100s IFS with maximum front lift,4"rear lift using koni adjustable shocks and have not had a problem with them,they have been half way around australia and on some very ordinary corrugated roads and they did not fade,i personally dont and wont use anything else in my 4WDs.cheers Paul
AnswerID:
267050
Follow Up By: Rossco td105 - Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:47
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 at 21:47
Thanks for the info,
Lots of people on this site use and recommend the Koni's, just looking for the WA distributor on the web now so I can query the technical info.
Are your shocks adjustable on the vehicle? (from what I can see they have to be removed from the car to change the damping rate as they wear).
For the price difference do you feel it is worth being able to rebuild them, considering the price of a replacement competitors shock?
Ross.
FollowupID:
529451
Follow Up By: TD100 - Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 at 20:04
Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 at 20:04
Rossco,yes i have adjusted
mine in the vehicle,not all that hard,as for being rebuildable i guess it is good,the rebuild kits if required are about the $70 mark and as yet not required a kit yet,not that i did on any of the other 4WDs i have had them in.cheers Paul
FollowupID:
529638
Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 at 06:40
Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 at 06:40
I believe Tough Dog big
bore shockers are the go !
Bit dear ,, but
well worth it !
if you cant afford them, then have a look at Ride Pro, but the Canadian ones ( not Chinese )
Cheers
Bucky
AnswerID:
267122