Shock question for guys with cable lockers...

[VTCruiser]

What shocks are you guys running? I have about 3" of lift (closer to 4" in the rear) and I got a set of 10" travel pro comp es9000s (EXP-924509 at summit), but the body diameter is too large, so I can't install the lower end of the right shock because it interferes with the locker mechanism. What extended shocks will fit?

 

[Dirtgypsy]

maybe look at bilsteins. they mount with the body up top and the piston down low.

clint

 

[lehiguy]

maybe look at bilsteins. they mount with the body up top and the piston down low.

clint

This might be the answer, might not. What happens when you bottom out? The Bilstiens are on the skinny side, but watch carefully. You might be able to mount your other shocks upsidedown, ask a knowlegeable rep.

 

[VTCruiser]

I was hoping for a slightly cheaper option than bilsteins, and lehiguy brings up a good point that when I bottom out I'd risk the shock body coming down and hitting the linkage.

"This end down" is stamped on the body end of the pro comps so i don't know about flipping them upside down.

I think I need something with a smaller body diameter.

 

[Dynosoar]

I modded my bottom mount to move the mounting point about 1.5" toward the front of the truck. I have plenty of clearance now.

Dynosoar

 

[Overlord]

I ended up modifying the MAF u-bolt flip kit bottom mount. I can take some pics if need be.

 

[CDN_Cruzer]

I am running OME's with my cable lockers and have no interference problems.

 

[lehiguy]

I run some Billies that I have custom valved myself. I didn't care for the stock valving in any of the Billies I have tried. The low speed dampening is great but they are almost universaly over dampned on high speed; meaning they don't allow fast enough movement on square edged holes, rocks, roots, etc. and transfer the jolt into the rig. I no longer have that problem. But I digress. My favorite off-the-shelf shock of all time would be the Skyjacker Softride Nitros. Excellent dampening rates for a wagon. The Hydros suck. The price is good too, maybe they would work for you. I had less than favorable experience with ProComp, but I never tried the model you have.

 

[VTCruiser]

pics of the modifications would be great guys, thanks.

I am running OME's with my cable lockers and have no interference problems.

Any idea what the body diameter of the OME's are?

 

[CruisinFJ60]

I was hoping for a slightly cheaper option than bilsteins, and lehiguy brings up a good point that when I bottom out I'd risk the shock body coming down and hitting the linkage.

"This end down" is stamped on the body end of the pro comps so i don't know about flipping them upside down.

I think I need something with a smaller body diameter.

you can flip the non gas charged ranchos no problem... however it will make them less firm. if you even care about that.

I have known people to run the ranchos upside down when brand new (as they ar enormally really stiff anyway) for a smoother ride then once they begin to wear out flip em right side up and they ride like they did brand new upside down. kinda like getting 2 shocks for the price of 1.

 

[VTCruiser]

you guys that modified your mounts...how did it affect the shock alignment with respect to the top mount top mount?

 

[kevinmrowland]

Hey Ghen,
The issue is not the shock, it is the mount.
The HJ should have a U-bolt plate with a longer mount arm on the passenger side, 62s also have this longer arm, you can just swap one of those two plates in and be all set. The one thing to watch with the 62 is that it will be US spec with the rubber spring isolators, that means that the guide hole in the center is larger than the ones on the HJ, just make sure it all fits snug (basically, if you pay attention to what you are doing I am sure you can figure it out).

 

[BlueHZT60]

I modded my bottom mount to move the mounting point about 1.5" toward the front of the truck. I have plenty of clearance now.

Dynosoar

DITTO - has worked for years - make it beefy - it is the first thing after the bolt head to hit on the rocks.

 

[VTCruiser]

Hey Ghen,
The issue is not the shock, it is the mount.
The HJ should have a U-bolt plate with a longer mount arm on the passenger side, 62s also have this longer arm, you can just swap one of those two plates in and be all set. The one thing to watch with the 62 is that it will be US spec with the rubber spring isolators, that means that the guide hole in the center is larger than the ones on the HJ, just make sure it all fits snug (basically, if you pay attention to what you are doing I am sure you can figure it out).

interesting, I'll take a look. thanks (again) for the heads up.

 

[VTCruiser]

Well the HJ does have the 62 style plates, but the shock mounts are too rusted. I probably lost an 1/8" of diameter after flaking off the rust. I have a set coming from cruiserparts.