My 2 cents on pro-comp shocks for those shopping around

[mtthmpsn]

My first post in a while since the FJ's been running fine and no mods lately, except for today when I added 1 leaf spring back to the rears which made ALL the difference in the world. Let me explain:

1. Close to 2 years ago, I bought my '77 FJ40
2. Shortly after, installed a 2 1/2" pro-comp lift kit with shocks because it was rather cheap and my stock suspension was shot.
3. Still a very rough, back-breaking ride.
4. Took 2 leaf springs off each wheel (don't recall which leaves) - Ride was slightly better, but still intolerable.
5. Replaced the shocks with el cheapo models from O'reilly's. The difference was felt right away. Considerably better, but still not a great ride - figured that's just how FJ's ride.
6. Rode it like that for over a year, until yesterday when I found my old leaves in the garage and put ONE leaf back on each of the rears since they seemed to sag a little.
7. The difference is UNBELIEVABLE! It rides like I think it always should have. Not Cadillac soft, but how I think a 4-wheel drive vehicle should feel.

Anyhow, the MORAL to my story:

Pro-comp shocks are awful (at least the four I got)
Pro-comp springs appear to do the job.
Don't take off more than 1 spring to soften up your ride. Check the shocks first.

Just wanted to share. Please let me know if anyone had a similar experience. - Matt

 

[dgangle]

What was your shackle angle after the lift, once lift broke in and after replacing the leaf spring?

 

[rabid]

I had the pro comps a while back, bent one front one, broke another, and the shock did suck.

Just my experience.

 

[hillcountrycruiser]

mtthmpsn---were you running the gas shocks-5000's--or the hydros--es3000?

I have the hydros and they are great, controlled, but not stiff. I would imagine that the gas ones would be very stiff.

 

[mtthmpsn]

I think I the set came with the ES3000's. It was whatever was the cheapest I think. I've heard of others having good experiences with the pro-comps. Maybe it was just the combination of the springs and shocks. Also, I don't have a hard top or a back seat which would lighten up the back (maybe not the typical FJ setup).

A good point made on the shackle angle. I'm sure it wasn't ideal after removing the leaves, but I am kinda a novice, so wasn't really paying attention. The rear body height difference is definitely noticable with the leaves added back.

Thanks for the feedback. - Matt

 

[dgangle]

A good point made on the shackle angle. I'm sure it wasn't ideal after removing the leaves, but I am kinda a novice, so wasn't really paying attention. The rear body height difference is definitely noticable with the leaves added back.

The shackle angle would be less than ideal as you say (at or approaching vertical) with all the leaves in it, or stiffest.

Here's mine with 2 of the 7 original leafs removed (shortest ones) and the rear hanger moved forward approx 1.125".

The ride is somewhat more tollerable now but before the angle was verticle and it rode like an empty dump truck...


Here's a good link describing it all.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=163305&highlight=shackle+angle

 

[Downey]

The big juicy problem is there is a company in Canada called Gabriel who makes a make-pretend 9 stage valving shock that is suppose to be velocity sensitive. Problem is these shocks don't know anything about stages 2 through 8, and it takes pratically zero bump to get them to jump from stage 1 to stage 9. Everyone who has them says; "they beat me to death on the highway". If they bet you to death on the highway, they're going to knock you absolutely silly in off road terrain. So who sells these poo-poo shocks you ask: Pratically the whole Off Road Industry (I'll not name names). When you read "Nine Stage Valving" , don't walk away, run!!!!

 

[mtthmpsn]

Thanks for the pic and link. I'm going to take a closer look at my shackles tonight. 7 leaves seems like one or two more than my procomp setup came with initially. I think it may have had 5 in the back, 6 in the front, but I may be wrong. 7 leaves would give you a little more room to play with leaf removal.

In response to the 9-valve shocks, let's name some names. I value all opinions, and I didn't think this site was sponsored by anybody. Now you got me afraid the Procomp po-po are coming for me.

 

[dgangle]

Rancho, I do believe and yes, there are sponsors (advertisers) that along with donations and buying stars to pay the bills.

Hey Sickles, what are some good shocks then?

 

[1Fine40]

Lots of listers like Bilsteins.............YMMV

Cheers!

 

[DSRTRDR]

yup, love my Bilsteins - I could notice the difference right away

from LMT4x4

 

[Downey]

Rancho, I do believe and yes, there are sponsors (advertisers) that along with donations and buying stars to pay the bills.

Hey Sickles, what are some good shocks then?

I am extremely partial to Billies and Doetsch-Tech MV-12's. I sold Rancho's back in the days when everyone demanded them by name (Amazing what two page spread 4 color advertising can do for you). Now days Ranchos are just old school shocks that somebody hasen't removed yet.

 

[Cruiserpoor]

same experience with pro comp. I bought my first lift when I was 16 in 1996. It came with the ES3000's. They sucked. I have broken two front springs and bent a third. I kept buying new ones... I didn't know any better being a stupid high school student. Anyway, that was my experience with pro comp's stuff.

 

[PabloCruise]

I like my Doetsch Techs...