Shocks - too hard or too soft?

[Jim_Phillips]

I have an ongoing battle to improve the ride in my 60. I have changed the springs but the ride is still choppy. If I hit a bump the vehicle bounces rather than absorbing it, then it bounces a couple of more times before settling down. I have ProComp shocks which I initially thought must be too hard. But now I'm thinking they might be too soft which is why the vehicle continues to bounce after the bump?? I am thinking of changing to OME shocks but am worried they won't solve the problem. Maybe I should change the shackles and bushes??

Are the symptoms I describe symptomatic of shocks that are too hard / too soft or some other problem..

Jim

 

[Kaderabek]

It's never going to be a Cadillac.... I ran Pro Comps for a while on my 55, liked them just fine, not bouncy. I run OME on my lifted 62 now, no bouncing at all. Not too harsh either. How old are your Pro Comps? Might just be worn out. I'd get some new shocks and swap out your bushings. I doubt your shackles have anything to do with this. Maybe go with adjustable Rancho 9000s, dial 'em in where you want them. I ran them on my SOA 55, soft around town, stiff on the trail/loaded down. Sweet.

TJK

 

[bjowett]

Jim, your dampers are too soft. I would recomend you try a Koni damper, as you will be able to adjust the rebound vavling to your liking. The lack of rebound control on your current dampers allows the vehicle to continue bouncing/cycling after the bump.

http://www.koni.de/_produkte/4x4/afram.html

Although for some reason they do not list a rear damper for the 60 series from 85 - 89, I'm sure there is something that will fit the bill quite well... maybe from the 70 series? You are lucky to get the full range of Koni 4x4 products in the UK, something that will soon change for us over here.

Some info -

30 series are mono tube high pressure 3 position rebound.
80/82 series are twin tube hydraulic with rebound adjustment.
8240 series are twin tube w/ gas and adjustment.

 

[Jim_Phillips]

Thanks for the tips. Adjustable sounds like a good idea - I'll go with Koni or Rancho.. whichever fits and is available.

Cheers, Jim (Let's hope this works)

 

[bjowett]

Koni makes most of Rancho's line look like toys. Koni stuff is top notch!

 

[desert55cruiser]

"Avatar"

Off topic.....


The name of the "little" guy that you show on your Avater is called "TUFFY". Could tell you an interesting story about him but not here.

On topic. Use Koni. Been using them since waaaayy back when. The best !! Larry

 

[Jim_Phillips]

Koni Uk tell me they don't do an extra long shock for my 2inch lift - would standard ones do I wonder? No prices for them yet.

Rancho are available from a 4x4 stockist 2 miles from me - £89.90 each ($153 US) - I can get OME for £55 ($93) each - will OME improve the ride even without the adjustable feature? Don't really want to spend $600 on them.

Tell me about Tuffy - please...Jim

 

[casey]

My FJ60 has also has a bouncy ride running BDS springs and medium OME shocks. I don't really have anything to compare it to but I was expecting better ride quality. The suspension has less than 10k miles on it now and seems to be getting a little better. I'll probably try some adjustable shocks when the OME's are done.

casey
87FJ60 H55F