shocks

Is there any advantage (stability on the trail) of having 2 shocks at each wheel? I have seen some jeeps with them and wondered?

I have a 73 with 4" body and 3-4" shackle lift (stock leafs) with 35's.

 

35s are pretty tame nowadays- you shouldn't need 8 shocks! I personally wouldn't over complicate things. I've been on trails with Jeeps having remote reservoir shocks, with mixed reviews on how they liked them. Been on trails with Jeeps with 42+s and they still only had 4 shocks. Quality makes a huge difference. I originally bought Deutsch shocks (for the rock rig) and had a lot of bounce at ledges. Went to Edelbrock and the bounce was greatly diminished. I'd be interested in hearing what someone thinks who runs dual shock set-ups, why they went to it and if they like it. Did you ask any of the folks you met on the trail? What kind of Jeeps?

 

I would think dual shocks would make the suspension ride even rougher then it did before.

 

I have just seen pictures, mostly guys in CA with CJ7's.

 

I have always thought that double shocks were meant solely to split up the work being done between the two (softer) shocks--less work by each shock meaning less heat and less fade resulting in greater control. Unless you're into high-speed trail riding and jumps, I don't see where you would gain much.

 

One correct shock should be good.

 

Shocks don't provide any stability, they dampen oscillations in the suspension. There is absolutely no need for quad shocks on a trail rig unless you're planning on high speed desert or dune running.

 

I think it depends on the angle of the shock, if they are at a 45% angle they only do 1/2 the work of a shock at a 90% (or vertical) angle, that means the two would do the work of the one at half the travel, less heat, less length (or travel) they tuck under the body better......on my old jeep I did use the 2- 45% shocks front and rear....on the new one I think I'm going with the single high quality shock at a vertical angle! And that's the question....what consitutes a good shock???

Dale

 

One thing I noticed is that if the top of the shock is mounted leaning towards the shackle end of the spring, it is more effective than a shock that the top is leaning towards the fixed end of the spring. That is if you have arched springs.

 

I've had excellent results with Bilstein and Edelbrocks. I noticed a huge difference in hop with the Bilsteins over Deutsch. In a general sense I'd stick with well known and well regarded brands...kind of like ketchup. You'd pay the extra quarter for "Heinz" over "Great Value", right? Its time consuming but I called the tech line of the four brands I liked from catalogs and asked their recommendations for my application (lift, jeep usage, weight, etc). A scrap yard will weigh your Jeep for you (and you can get $1.60 for the old rusty rim cluttering your garage).

 

Not only the top of the shock mounted at a slight angle, but the shock itself mounted on the shackle side of the axle also!

Dale