Shock absorber (Damper) question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 88
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Shock absorber (Damper) question
Hello all, I have a 1988 F150. Does anyone know anyone who still makes NORMAL hydraulic non-gas charged shocks (dampers). I cannot stand gas charged shocks. Basically any shock that has a strap on it prior to installation I am not interested in. I miss the soft ride of good old hydraulic shocks. Many people disagree with me on this point (friends etc) but to me the English term of Damper is the correct use of the part. It (the shock) should do nothing more than "dampen" the movement of the suspension. Gas shocks are already opposing any movement before the suspension even moves. Don't believe me then try to install a gas shock AFTER taking the strap off. I have seen many vehicles that actually sit higher after gas shock installation. I will stop my rant.... I would indeed like to hear from anyone who has purchased any shocks recently that give a soft ride. I need a soft ride for medical reasons (I have a bad back and neck) and every jolt goes right through me if you know what I mean..... Thanks so much 
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
I believe an 88 F150 would have come factory with the same type of shock my 95 did, which was gas charged. I don't think any of these trucks came with oil shocks. I do agree to a point though that some gas shocks are say too far too stiff. I had Rancho RSX shocks on my truck for a while. It rode link a brick. I know have the yellow Monroe Gas Magnum shocks. The truck rides nice with them. I would not recommend using non gas shocks on a vehicle that came factory with gas shocks. It could adversely affect handling, especially while hauling or towing. I would say that Monroe Sensatrack may be your best bet.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
The reason they went to gas charged is to reduce or eliminate aeration of the oil in the shock (or damper if you prefer). Monroe sensa-tracs ride softer in the middle of the range and get stiffer towards the ends if the stroke to prevent bottoming. They might be close to what you want.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Not that I'm trying to change your mind, but Bashby is right on with his reasoning.
Dampers have problems with cavitation as fluid moves through the orifices and change the energy into heat.
In a closed system if there is pressure on one side of the piston, there must be -less- pressure on the other side.
If the system starts at -zero- pressure you will have negative pressure and bubbles will form.
Then the moving piston churns those bubbles into a frothy emulsion.
Hydraulics work because fluid is incompressible and once the fluid becomes aerated damping disappears.
Keeping the whole system under pressure helps resolve this.
Dampers have problems with cavitation as fluid moves through the orifices and change the energy into heat.
In a closed system if there is pressure on one side of the piston, there must be -less- pressure on the other side.
If the system starts at -zero- pressure you will have negative pressure and bubbles will form.
Then the moving piston churns those bubbles into a frothy emulsion.
Hydraulics work because fluid is incompressible and once the fluid becomes aerated damping disappears.
Keeping the whole system under pressure helps resolve this.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Carolinas Region
Check out the monroe sensa-trac's. They are not firm at all, ever, but when new appear to function like a damper should. I've heard lots of people tell me how they dont last - so take that for what it is worth. When I looked around I didnt think there was much available from any company that was better for a non lifted / non offroad truck.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Does your truck have the quad shock setup on front? If so completely remove the secondary set(shorter ones), and I believe they are still gas charged but I'd second the Monroes mentioned above for smooth ride.
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