blown out Bilsteins

[Lance]

OK, I get the idea. I was thinking bump stops were a normal part of the package, not so?

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by Lance

... I'll see if I can figure it out how to post. It sure seems to me that there should be a bumper stop. Thanks again, for staying with me on this, feels like things are making sense.

@Lance: Pictures certainly help the talented members here diagnose issues - I'd be happy to post some on your behalf if you e-mail them to me. Sent you a PM If you're interested.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Lance

OK, I get the idea. I was thinking bump stops were a normal part of the package, not so?

Well.....they should be.....


There are 2 things that you need to achieve here....at a very high level....


1. The shock travel needs to exceed the axle travel .....at least a little bit


2. The installed length of the shock will be correct when the shock doesn't bottom out or top out at either end of the axle/suspension travel.


I had a similar issue on my van..I ended up going to longer shocks (needed more travel) and I had to fabricate a new lower shock mount that was about 3/4" lower. My top mount wasn't moveable.....


..also remember that bump stops will compress a bit when hit ......so shocks shouldn't bottom until the stops are compressed a little..it's a little fuzzy but take your best guess.

[Lance]

I get the picture, shocks shouldn't top or bottom out. Did you install stops to your van?

A truck camper friend just told me about a bumper stop replacement called Sumo Springs. https://www.truckcamperadventure.com...amper-news_129

Ever heard of them?

[Lance]

Thanks Twoentrix, I PMed you...

[Lance]

Boywonder, I sent you some pics via your phone.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Lance

I get the picture, shocks shouldn't top or bottom out. Did you install stops to your van?

A truck camper friend just told me about a bumper stop replacement called Sumo Springs. https://www.truckcamperadventure.com...amper-news_129

Ever heard of them?

My van was converted by Advanced 4X4 in UT; they installed dorman bump stops.


I haven't heard of the Sumo Springs....but there are plenty to choose from around.

[boywonder]

Here are a couple of pics from Lance's van...

[boywonder]

..at first glance, they look long.....


Get the axle at full droop then unbolt the lower shock mount and see how much more shaft travel you've got........or if you know the travel from the part no. just measure how much shaft you have showing and subtract.


I had this exact issue last year and both my lower shock mounts broke off in Prescott coming down a fire road...Removed both shocks and drove back to CA....wasn't as bad as it sounds.

[boywonder]

Maybe installing some bump stops will fix your issue....they will need to be 2-2.5" long or so.....since your numbers above indicate that axle travel is about 1.5" more than shock travel.


That's going to be the most straightforward fix if your shocks are a reasonable length at full droop. If your shocks have a fair bit more travel at full droop then shorter shocks are the answer.


..and obviously those shocks are toast...you'll see just how bad they are when you remove them.