Curious if anyone running a high end nitrogen filled shock like a Radflo, Icon, or Fox noticed a change in ride height (particularly concerned about the rear) when making the switch from a standard shock absorber? I know that the shock shouldn't have anything to do with ride height, but I also know these shocks typically run 200psi of nitrogen and it seems to me it would do something.
Did Your Fancy Shocks Change Ride Height?
- Thread starter kbahus
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At the typical 175-200 psi nitrogen pressure and given most if not all the units for 100's are <1" shafts...spring rate trumps whatever static lift you'd derive from the shock. Having said that a 2.0" diameter shock with the typical 5/8" diameter shock will have less lift effect than say a 2.5" shock with a 7/8"-1" diameter shaft at a given psi.
But to be fair its been too many years since I removed the former OME shocks and went to the mono style.
But to be fair its been too many years since I removed the former OME shocks and went to the mono style.
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I have Icon 2.5" all around and didn't see any measured ride height changes when I switched from OME shocks.
I'll have to defer to @spressomon on that one. I put in 864 springs to help my "saggy rear end", but haven't toyed with the nitrogen charge.
Technically its the function of the spring to carry the weight/mass. The concern I have with the lower OEM rear shock mount is it is a single shear design. Whereas the mounts on my rig are custom and very stout double shear. I have extensively run my 2.5" Radflo rear shocks to 400psi for increased rear suspension lift (then OME868 springs) when I had my former Kimberley Kamper in tow (~350lb tongue weight; 2800lb trailer GVW).
Internal coil spring airbags would be another option for varying the rear suspension lift/carrying capabilities. I also used them extensively but didn't care for how they limited articulation and also decreased the effective shock damping when I ran them at ~25psi (rear suspension felt very "bouncy"/overly sprung). Whereas increasing the nitrogen pressure in my rear Radflo remotes also gained me an adequate bump in compression damping to better control the increased mass from the trailer/tongue without the downside performance I experienced using airbags.
YMMV.
at stock pressure I see no appreciable ride height change from my 2.5 Radflo's.
On / off topic - any recommendations for a pressure gauge / Fill adapter for the shocks? 0-300 PSI range
On / off topic - any recommendations for a pressure gauge / Fill adapter for the shocks? 0-300 PSI range
A little further off topic, can you fill them with "regular" compressed air? Regular compressed air is about 80% nitrogen. I assume you probably wouldn't want to because it would be hard to get completely dry air out of a portable compressor. And what are you using to reach 300 psi?
I would stick with nitrogen since it's compressibility and tolerance to temperature is stable.
My radflos are currently set from factory (200 psi). I dont need to go higher I was simply specifying the desired range of a gauge on a fill adapter.
My radflos are currently set from factory (200 psi). I dont need to go higher I was simply specifying the desired range of a gauge on a fill adapter.
^ Small nitrogen tank, gauge & regulator set up from any welding store. Set the pressure at the accessory side gauge on the tank and fill. I also have the zero loss fitting/hose assembly but more often than not I just give the shock a couple of very quick inflations from the Schrader chuck (non locking style).
Obviously whatever system you use you want to be sure the hose, connectors, etc., are rated for the max pressure you are working with.
Nitrogen is cheap...you may/may not experience a problem with atmosphere but given what most of these shocks cost just get a nitrogen tank set-up and lose the risk (moisture potential).
Obviously whatever system you use you want to be sure the hose, connectors, etc., are rated for the max pressure you are working with.
Nitrogen is cheap...you may/may not experience a problem with atmosphere but given what most of these shocks cost just get a nitrogen tank set-up and lose the risk (moisture potential).