Shock Absorbers - When to replace?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2009
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Shock Absorbers - When to replace?
Hey folks...
So I have a question, one that I've never found an answer to that I've liked. How do I know when to replace my shock absorbers?
The vehicle is a 1998 Expy, 5.4 4x4 with 133k miles. It was originally equipped with the air ride suspension but about a year ago I tore that P.O.S. out and replaced with with springs and coil-overs. I doubt those absorbers have ever been changed but I'm not really sure what to look for to tell if they need replacing. Yeah, I've tried the bounce tests but with those large springs on the back, you can pretty much forget that.
Well.. hmm... thoughts?
-- Jess
So I have a question, one that I've never found an answer to that I've liked. How do I know when to replace my shock absorbers?
The vehicle is a 1998 Expy, 5.4 4x4 with 133k miles. It was originally equipped with the air ride suspension but about a year ago I tore that P.O.S. out and replaced with with springs and coil-overs. I doubt those absorbers have ever been changed but I'm not really sure what to look for to tell if they need replacing. Yeah, I've tried the bounce tests but with those large springs on the back, you can pretty much forget that.
Well.. hmm... thoughts?
-- Jess
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: ATX
Not a whole lot of effective ways o telling without yanking them off the truck. Moat of the time shocks may pass the bounce test but they are still worn out. The reasoning is that the seals controlling the. 1st stage valving (the finite movements as you are going down the road) tend to wear out first. If those absorbers have that many miles on them it is a pretty sure bet they need replacing.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
Just did my wifes 97 Expy last week, at 123,000 the stock motorcrafts were shot including the rubber where the shock mounts, beat. Notice a better ride and less noise, worked for me. Local Advanced Auto, all 4 Monroes shipped for 97.00 to my door, everybody is happy.
