Longer rear leafs

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Mar 5, 2017 | 11:11 AM

#31

IMASAP

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 1,715

Likes: 60

From: Central NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo

the kyb monomax only comes in a stock length and why I reconnected them to the non lifted guys.

This is just an idea for anyone a little taller than stock, as I put KYB Monomax's on my excursion which is 5" over stock on Pro Comp (22210) srrings. I purchased the KYBs for an F series application, as I got a smokin' price on them on Amazon. I had purchased one of the mini spring pack kits but never used it. I added a few of the short 'leafs' to the top of the Pro Comps, and used a longer center bolt through the whole thing. Then used the longer U bolts that came with the mini spring pack. This raised the lower shock mount up about an inch and a half, putting the shocks back to about the static length they would be on an F series. I've been running my Monomax's this way for a couple years ( actually running dual front KYBs ) with good results.

I realize doing it this way would add cost to anyone that didn't have an unused mini spring pack just sitting around, but I'm confident there are other ways to run a stock length KYB for anyone with fair mechanical abilities.

As always.... YMMV.

Mar 5, 2017 | 11:12 AM

#32

pirate4x4_camo

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 8,259

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From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blakshukvw

I've since spoken to Rocky Mountain Suspension and their salesman had good things to say about the stealth series too. They both explained the plating on the piston rod that's exposed that resist nicks and scratches that could compromise the shock. This plating is supposed to be better than the chrome on the bilstein.

Neither told me fabtech make them themselves. If that is true I'd feel better about trying them. My concern was they were just a painted kyb or Monroe and I'm not the least bit interested in that crap.

the shaft on the stealth shock is nitrocarborized. The main Benifit of nitrocarborizng over hard chrome plating is that it cost less. Me thinks Fabtech did it because it is a dark grey color which lends itself to the fashion of the "stealth" branding.

Mar 5, 2017 | 11:20 AM

#33

Blakshukvw

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 646

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From: Blue Springs, mo

Interesting. That makes sense but that's not their explanation for it. They're specifically making that claim about it being better than chrome plating. Sounds fishy. I'm not arguing your point because you probably right. The next question would be are they correct in its superior abrasion qualities?
This crap makes me think they're more concerned with form than function. I'm not so much. I don't care what color the shocks are. I'm more interested in how they perform.

Mar 5, 2017 | 11:33 AM

#34

pirate4x4_camo

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 8,259

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From: Northern California

Fabtech makes some legit products for sure but there is no denying they are very much into the SoCal truck fashion.

Mar 5, 2017 | 11:42 AM

#35

Blakshukvw

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Joined: Jul 2016

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From: Blue Springs, mo

Well maybe I'll try the stealth and if they're not what i expect I'll replace them with bilstein or something else later.

So you're not convinced about the spring swap, it seems. Hey, I'm not yet either. I just want to get the best ride while lifting it and I only want to do it once. I'm just considering all options.

Mar 5, 2017 | 11:49 AM

#36

pirate4x4_camo

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 8,259

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From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blakshukvw

not totally fishy. Each has its advantages in different applications.
Think gun barrels. 1 manufacture swears by nitrocarorizing the other swears by hard chrome.

in shocks the issue isn't wear it is nick resistance, hard chrome wins that one.
look at unlimited desert race shocks that cost Many thousands of dollars and see what shafts they use.

Mar 5, 2017 | 03:02 PM

#37

pirate4x4_camo

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 8,259

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From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blakshukvw

its no that im not convinced, i Just dont think you need the additional travel. As long as you are only doing a 6" lift i think you Will get the same ride from the stock spring hanger location. Get the ride you want from your shock choice. A Fox, King or Walker evans shock with adjustable compression clickers is where i would put My money.
As long as the Springs you get are the correct spring rate your ride Will be great once you get the shock valving dialed in

Mar 5, 2017 | 05:55 PM

#38

hasteranger

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 5,250

Likes: 11

From: West Virginia

The stock spring isn't ideal. It's short for packaging reasons. Ford realized this and has lenghtened it twice since. The more lift you have over stock, the more you would benefit from a longer spring. Around 6" is where leaf springs stop functioning so well as springs...

I'm sold on the theory which is why I jumped. Just haven't had time to do the swap since. Buying a house with a garage and replacing the wife's car soon which means I'll have a dd and can park the ex so I'll get it done in the next few months and report back.