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Old 08-31-2011, 05:19 PM   #1
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Shockingly, another thread...

So during my abridged Lake Powell trip, my rear shock kind of ripped off the mount:


The operating theory is that my shocks are/were too long. Once cracked the mount may have stressed and propagated the weld crack. Or it may have ripped all at once. This is what I have/had:
  • Rancho RS999048 shock.
    Compressed length: 16.750"
    Extended length: 26.750"
    Travel: 10.000"

This is what the Page mechanic suggested:
  • Rancho RS999044 shock.
    Compressed length: 15.750"
    Extended length: 24.750"
    Travel: 9.000"


Here are the actual measurements (shocks removed):
Resting Rear (Eye to Post): 20 ½"
Bumpstop Clearance: 4 ¼"
Stretched Rear (E to P): 23"+
SR Bumpstop: 7.5"
Compressed Rear (E to P): 16 3/8"
CR Bumpstop: 3/4 - 5/16" remaining clearance

So... in a simple twist I'm already bottoming out on the old rear shock. The fronts were definitely the limiting factor on compression. My take is the wrong shocks were installed and instead of fixing it they let me drive away, figuring it would never actually be used. I've since ditched that shop for other reasons...

For the rear I am looking for an F350 front shock with 4" of lift- the Rancho RS999044, however I don't want Rancho's again as I felt like they needed a setting above 9...

For the front I need to determine if I should go ahead and replace the too-long shocks or live with it for the time being.



For the record: 2005 6.0L SMB4x4 w/ Deavers 34" Nitto AT (305/70/17)

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Old 08-31-2011, 08:13 PM   #2
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

Didn't Deaver change to the correct shock when they did the springs?
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Old 08-31-2011, 08:40 PM   #3
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
Didn't Deaver change to the correct shock when they did the springs?
That is another expense on top of the spring replacement. I am assuming he didn't "spring" for it. They use Bilsteins.
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Old 08-31-2011, 09:41 PM   #4
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

Deaver shipped me the springs, neither shocks nor installation was included. They never said anything about having shocks for the package. I paid a place to put the springs on and then another "knowledgeable" offroad shop for the Rancho shocks and installation. You're making me feel like I got ripped off on more than the shocks...
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Old 09-01-2011, 12:02 AM   #5
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

Why not switch to Bilsteins while fixing this?

Any evidence on the shock of it bottoming out? (beyond the broken bracket)
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Old 09-01-2011, 07:40 AM   #6
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

Quote:
Originally Posted by ANZAC
Why not switch to Bilsteins while fixing this?
I guess I wasn't clear, I was asking for what shocks to change to... I know it's like tire threads there is a ton of info already...

Quote:
Any evidence on the shock of it bottoming out? (beyond the broken bracket)
Actually, no, the other shock I pulled out looks brand new save for the washer which looks like it was scrounged from a sunken battleship.

The guy who repaired the mount (EW Welding in Page, AZ) was not impressed with the existing welds, but he didn't elaborate as he was under the van with a hammer at the time.
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Old 09-01-2011, 01:07 PM   #7
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

My van is an '84 so I can't give you the apples to apples that other people can; however I can say that Bilstein part #1106-H1 (or 24-184663) has a travel range of 14.09" - 23.03" and is applicable for heavy duty / Rv type applications. These are of the cheaper HD flavor (blue and yellow), eye bottom and post top. This travel range happens to fit both the front and rear of my rig and has made a notable difference compared to the Pro Comp ES3000's that were on previously.
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Old 09-01-2011, 01:31 PM   #8
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

I don't know if the rear shocks were just a swap out from OME to Bilsteins but the front mounts were completely changed to accept the new Bilsteins. I's possible some fabbing was done at the back axle as well. A phone call would get the answer
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Old 09-06-2011, 09:51 AM   #9
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

Talked to Jeff at Deaver. The Bilstiens they use are custom 7100s valved for the Sportsmobiles. Here's the deal:

In front, with SMB4x4 the U-bolt plate requires modification to increase the shock travel to fit their (Deaver's custom Bilstien). Since this requires removal and shipping of the already modified (by SMB) plate, modification was not part of my Deaver package. Removal at this point ... not happening. Probably not in the future either... can't help but feeling like I paid a lot for just the springs in retrospect.

In rear, the 7100 bolt up however at $205 ea. plus shipping the fact that the extended length (Jeff grabbed one and measured) is 22 3/4" and the compressed length is 15 1/4" doesn't fit my real world measurements. These are stocked for the SMB package, meaning they ship immediately, however also that there is no other shock body/length available. His suggestion of adding a limiting strap didn't go over well with me, but I'm not up on 7100 shock sizes so I didn't have any point to argue from.

So I'm back to square one- or rather:
A) find my own 7100 solution for the rear
B) live with the Rancho9000 listed above that is the perfect size

I guess it depends on if I can find a 16"/24" 7100 body and figure out the valving and ends before I get too close to the Imogene trip. Anybody familiar with the 7100 to make a recommendation?
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Old 09-06-2011, 10:06 AM   #10
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Re: Shockingly, another thread...

Jage,

Here's the place that hooked me up on my shocks for my Bronco. Very small outfit (which can be good or bad), but they realy know their stuff, though their knowledge of SMBs will likely be non-existant.

They also rebuild and repair shocks, and do custom valving. They frequently have used shocks available as well. IIRC, the owner's name is Lee.

http://www.raceshock.com/


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