Fox coilovers, what about it? (1 Viewer)

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I sent a couple of mails to Radflo and Fox asking some tech infos about Air Shocks, including an opinion about their compatibility with my car's weight.

(P.S. Radflo staff is very smart: they answered immediatly saying that the technician was not available but he will answer to my questions as soon as possible)

Francesco
 
I am pretty sure that the weight of your rig will exceed the capacity for a 2" airshock. If you go that route, you will need to look at a 2.5" unit.
 
We get the best out of the 2.5" fox coil overs with remote res, using dual [2] coil rates, by which you work out the combined rate of the 2 together as your primary rate, and when the slider comes up against the stop, you go to your secondary spring rate, which is the heavier spring , in the right location, on the shock. We normally set them up so they have one third up travel and 2/3rds down travel with around 40mm or 1 1/2" of higher spring rate before the bump stop.

Ideally you want a triple valve stack, for a heavier, dual purpose truck, and we normally get the best travel using 12" front and rear stroke units in Fox, with something that will drive ok on road, without being to radical in suspension set up, but will flex well.

And dont think fiddling with gas pressures will allow tuning, as although it may make very minute changes, is a band aid approach.

Mountings arent difficult, and when planned out correctly, can be robust, and look the part as well, without booty fab pipe hoops etc.

Sure the Fox cost more, and can be fiddly to get right first time, but they work.
 
I know that this could be a non-sense way of thinking, but overthere a set of 2.5 Fox with dual spring would cost not less than 3000 $, that's absolutely too much for my wallet...:frown:

Infact I like Air Shocks also beacouse they are simple and cheap; by the way, Radflo's technician answered to my email (Fox still didn't do it...) saying that they have Air Shocks, they are adjustable and its possible to support them also with a coil spring; he also said that "coil spings are more predictable than air shocks".:confused:

I replied asking if regular air shocks from 2.0 series are heavy enought for my car, by now I'm waiting for his answer.:rolleyes:

Francesco
 
Air shocks are cheap, but not good for a truck that sees a lot of road time or is heavy..

Chances are you won't be happy with Air shocks.

2.5" coilover is a waste for you. They cost more and have a lesser selection of springs.

Dual rate is the only way to go. There is not a "combined" rate as much.. the inital rate is based onthe weaker spring.

Go price some 2" emulsion and remote res coilovers, dual rate kit and springs. Then igure it out from there.

You can also just run a coil spring..
 
Coilovers' problem is that both Fox and Radflo (and all similar brands, I guess) sell the CO without the spring, so it is another cost that I have to add.

One of the advanteges of Air Shocks is that I don't need any coil; by the way, I can't find in any catalogue (Fox and Radflo) the 2.5" Air Shocks, are you sure that they are available?

I'll wait for their answer to my tech question and than I'll ask an estimate for 2 res coilover and 2.5 Air Shock.

One last thing: do you know if they can give me also the springs for the coilovers? In that case, would they be fine or wolud be better for me to buy springs in another place?

Francesco
 
I thought you have no option to get 2" coil overs and dual coil kit ( 8 coils ) for all corners .. for cheap ....

I you see Air shocks in your heavy rig .. aren't the best way ( not imposible of course )

So wy not go with the standard route with coils and nice rated shocks, arms and etc .. to get the flex that you want !
 
Yes, the inital rate is typically around 1/2 the rate of the weaker spring (depending on the magnitude of the difference between the lighter and heavier springs it can be greater or less than half).

A tender coil is also typically necessary with low amounts of uptravel.
 
I don't want to split hairs but if both spring are the same, the rate will be exactly half of one individual, so if one is stronger than the other the combined rate can only increase. Damn sometimes I miss my math youth :D
That still doesn't tell us if Francesco forsees a lot of high-speed or racing in his futures tho.
I renew my vote for c/o and that's from a dude who will put airbags on his hilux :doh:
 
No you are correct.. It never goes below 1/2 the lesser spring rate.

Don't know what I was thinkin..
 
No Denis, I don't see any fast riding and desert chellenges in my future...not at all...:cool:

Everybody's speaking about dual rate springs (and I'm sure that they are the best solution), but a single spring coilover would be so bad...? Just asking...:rolleyes:
In case of dual spring of course I'll depend on you to understand how to calculate heavyness and tenderness of each spring.

Just to know, can you tell me what is the price of a dual spring for coilovers overthere? The fact that neither Fox and Radflo give springs for their coilovers complicates all things...:doh:

Francesco
 
Figure $60 to $80 per spring.

In the longer shocks, 2 (or 3) springs are necessary.

I have yet to see a single spring long enough for a 16" travel shock.
If they have them, they would be dam expensive..
 
Got it...;)

Not far from where there's one of the main handmade springs producer of my area, I think I'll ask him.

And now, another one of my neverending questions! ;p I saw that from the axle to the frame there not so much space (specially in the front) and 16"/18" CO have huuuge dimensions; any suggestion to fit them (possibily without devastating the chassis!!! )??

Francesco
 
Mace, I asked to coil's producer that I was talking about and he said that the cost will be about 150 each! Adding to that he said that he's not sure about the results and probably he will have to make several attempts before finding the right setting.

Now I'm seriously oriented towards Air Shocks, without any spring...

Francesco
 
Radflo's techincian just answered me saying that their Air Shocks would be fine for my applications.

When I told you FJ's weight I forgot to deduct the weight of axles and wheels, that obviously don't lay in the springs; so the sprung weoght is about 2900/3000 lbs, more or less 800 lbs on each front shock and 600 for each rear shock.

Anyway I'm pretty comforted now and I think I'll decide upon Air Shocks.

Francesco
 
You do have to consider axle weight when setting up a good suspension.

Think extension..

Also, what is wrong with just plain coils and a quality shock?
 
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