shock absorbers

What is a quick way (if such a thing exists) of testing whether you need to replace chockies?
Or
How do you know when they need replacing?
Thanks
Glen

You need to take them off the vehicle. Test them by hand ie push them closed and see how they extend open again on their own accord.

How they feel on compression will give you a fair idea whether thy have lost gas/oil.

And how much you expect to spend? ;)

If you have standard shocks, then changing them won't get rid of a harsh ride......sometimes the opposite......if anything standard shocks are usually on the soft side to give a nice ride on the blacktop !!

The Patrol is a truck.....and the harsh ride may be normal ???

I think some aftermarket shocks are a bit too hard !!!! A shock is exactly that.....to take out the shock of the spring going up and down.........not to "stiffen" up the spring.....thats what stiffer springs are for !!!!

Hi Bill, I have a 1999 patrol cab chassis 4.2l diesel, with coil springs.
I changed my shockies and coils almost immediately. I put on ARB stuff, springs were progressive heavy duty springs, and shockies were LTR ARB shockies, they have a seperate canister for the nitrogen gas and the workshop can work out what pressure you would require. Another good thing with the shockies is that they are servicable and not throwaway. Price wise expensive to start off but you save in the long term. Just recently I also put airbags in the rear shockies and performs well. Even when you get airborne by mistake and about to cream your pants very soft landing because of the progressive compression of the springs. I you want more info send us a email hrk84@hotmail.com and can call you if you like regards Ric

Well excuse me Wizard ...All i did was ask a question, you didnt need to answer if you are so pushed for time
Thanks to all the others

Wizard1
I don't think Dobinsons are going to tell Bill if they have any problems, That's why people ask on forums.
Cheers Dave...