What shocks do I need?
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Elder User
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What shocks do I need?
Well it looks like I need all new shocks. Once I am done with installing my system my X will weigh about 9,500 lbs. That’s about 2,500 lbs. over stock. So I am guessing I need a very hard shock. Is this true? If so what ones should I get? Would it be a better option to replace the rear shocks with those air bags that go in the shock mounts to help reduce the load on the springs? Or should I keep shocks in the back?
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Washington State
The function of shocks and airbags are completely different.
Shocks control spring oscillations by converting the kinetic energy to heat via fluid.
Airbags serve to support weight and do not function (or aren't designed to function) as a device in which absorbs & dissapates spring oscillations.
With that wieght you'll more than likely want to add airbags. Bilsteins are a firm (more dampening) shock. They may be a good choice for you. Although, it is sometimes hard to argue with adjustable shocks (Rancho has some). You can adjust them to your liking or for various "activities" you and your Excursion may enjoy together.
Shocks control spring oscillations by converting the kinetic energy to heat via fluid.
Airbags serve to support weight and do not function (or aren't designed to function) as a device in which absorbs & dissapates spring oscillations.
With that wieght you'll more than likely want to add airbags. Bilsteins are a firm (more dampening) shock. They may be a good choice for you. Although, it is sometimes hard to argue with adjustable shocks (Rancho has some). You can adjust them to your liking or for various "activities" you and your Excursion may enjoy together.
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SPL Monsta is right on. You should look at bags potentially for what you are saying. I would also possibly consider upgrading rear springs if the wieght is sitting only in the rear and not distributed throughout the truck. AS for dampening or adjustable I personaly think the adjustable shocks will provide you better results for various conditions.
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80% of the weight will be between the axles. The remaining 20% will also be between the axles, but very close to the rear axle. However 100% of the weight will be behind the b pillar so there will be more stress on the rear axle then on the front axle.
I know what air bags and shocks do. I have seen air bags that go in place of shocks for rear axles. They mount to the hardware that the shocks mount to. Some people call it an "adjustable air shock". But its not really because it just pushes up on the body like a normal air bag. It does not resist the vehicle from moving up after you hit a bump like a normal shock does. They are a nice alternative to normal air bags that go next to the spring because they are very easy to install and require no modifications. That’s why I was attracted to them. I was just wondering if they would be a good choice or if I should keep my shocks in the back.
I know what air bags and shocks do. I have seen air bags that go in place of shocks for rear axles. They mount to the hardware that the shocks mount to. Some people call it an "adjustable air shock". But its not really because it just pushes up on the body like a normal air bag. It does not resist the vehicle from moving up after you hit a bump like a normal shock does. They are a nice alternative to normal air bags that go next to the spring because they are very easy to install and require no modifications. That’s why I was attracted to them. I was just wondering if they would be a good choice or if I should keep my shocks in the back.
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Yes they should be the same and fit right in for you. You will need to put soemthing in the rear to level the truck then. F250 springs should raise you 2wd 2in and 4wd 4inches. F350 springs would raise it 6inches. You could add a block to the rear to level also.
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Well if I add a 4" taller springs in the front and 6" taller springs in the back wont I start having very severe binding issues with the drivetrain being that the drive line will be at a much steeper angle and the control arms and everything will be at a more extreme angle?
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