when do you change shocks??
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Bedford, Va
I just changed the shocks on my 1994 E-150 conversion van with a wheelchair lift. The existing shocks were not originals and I don't know when they were installed. I bought the van with 116K and it handled speed bumps pretty well, bounce 1 time in reaction to the bump. I installed a full set of Gabriel ProGuard that is rated as an OEM replacement. The ride improved in that I could "feel" more of the road through the steering wheel. I suppose the smallest wheel movement was feeling some resistance from the shocks. It probably wasn't enough difference to justify the cost but I had no history on the van and wanted to have a "starting point".
Factoid of the day: The springs on a vehicle don't hold the body up, the springs push the tires down.
Factoid of the day: The springs on a vehicle don't hold the body up, the springs push the tires down.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 487
Likes: 2
From: Chicago
Shocks should be rated according to the capability designed into the vehicle. The factory did this, but the aftermarket wants to save money too. If the part fits physically, they probably don't care to make a part with valving unique to the load the vehicle is rated for.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 5
From: N Ca.
My bilsteins will be here any day. Those and the Hellwig ( front and rear) sway bars should make a difference.
Both are going on and I'm almost at 200k.
I'm pulling the stock shocks and sway bar off.
I just wish I could drop it 2" to make it handle even better.
Both are going on and I'm almost at 200k.
I'm pulling the stock shocks and sway bar off.
I just wish I could drop it 2" to make it handle even better.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Bedford, Va
When you consider the components of unsprung mass and sprung mass, the difference is quite clear. In general, it’s best to have a high ratio of sprung-to-unsprung weight. A higher proportion of sprung weight can then push down on the wheels and tires with more force, keeping them in contact with the pavement or whatever surface they are traveling across.
courtesy of Machine Design.
courtesy of Machine Design.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 1
From: Fayetteville, TN
i agree, I didn't make myself clear when I was saying why aftermarket companies may use the same shock for different models when the manufacturer has spec'd different shocks. What happens is the shock can overheat and lose it's dampening ability if designed for a smaller capacity vehicle or be a much stiffer ride if designed for a larger capacity vehicle
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 5
From: N Ca.
don't waste your breath.....
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
When you consider the components of unsprung mass and sprung mass, the difference is quite clear. In general, it’s best to have a high ratio of sprung-to-unsprung weight. A higher proportion of sprung weight can then push down on the wheels and tires with more force, keeping them in contact with the pavement or whatever surface they are traveling across.
courtesy of Machine Design.
courtesy of Machine Design.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 5
From: N Ca.
and
air pressure changes spring rate
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
98econo....so for my camper van, not sure of its weight, but what shocks would you suggest? heavy duty? bilsteins? i was looking on the R/A site for parts list, and may was there quite a few options, quite over whelming.
On good speed bumps the front and rear get an easy 2-2.5 bounce.
I also saw where the top bolts of the shocks are located...oh man!!1
fab
On good speed bumps the front and rear get an easy 2-2.5 bounce.
I also saw where the top bolts of the shocks are located...oh man!!1
fab