shocks

I took the shocks off the Jalopy for the heck of it. Now it feels like the frame and body are floating on the axles and the frame doesn't flex as bad. Should I keep them off since this is a strictly off road vehicle or do they help in gaining traction? I took it for a test ride and it didn't seem any different in the traction dept., but I can only go on a few easier trails due to snow.

 

I'd put them back on. They dampen the motion of the suspension, nut just up and down but also side to side (body roll). You could get into a situation where the suspension starts oscillating so bad you could lose steering control. Can't control the vehicle when the tires are in the air. If the shocks are really stiff you may want to try some adjustable shocks or ones valved lighter.

 

bring on the death wobbles. I would change shocks what are the ones you have now?

 

I have no idea. They've been painted over and are probably some cheapos that the PO put on it. What kind would you guys recommend getting?

 

Adjustables would be optimum but $. I like my Rancho's but many people feel they are too stiff. Can't comment on other brands except for Pro-comp. Every vehicle I've driven with a Pro-comp lift has been super stiff. Not sure if it's the shocks or springs though.

 

I just get some monroes form your local store for that.

 

I might do that. Cost less, and no waiting period for the new ones to come in.

 

I stay away from gas charged shocks. I like regular old hydraulic shocks. I think they ride better/softer than gas. Just my .02

 

Shocks are for LIMITING travel as much as buffering it...... you could find your chassis sitting NEXT to your frame in a serious body roll adventure. (

 

You do NOT want the shocks to be the limiting factor in your suspension. They are typically not designed for it and the shock mounts are not designed to be limiters either. That's how shock mounts get broken off. That's what bumpstops are for.
The frame is the main component of the vehicle's chassis.

 

X2 On the above. Shocks are only dampers and stabilizers. The load is carried by the springs and your limiters are the bumpstops. I also seem to remember an old 4WOR article where they tested this very idea and determined that removing the shocks from a dedicated trail rig did just about nothing for flexibility and articulation and only succeeded in making the vehicle extremely loosey goosey. It may have even been a flatty they were testing.

 

If your shocks are the limiting factor under compression, you're asking for bent/broken shocks or shock mounts, but it's actually common for suspensions to be designed with the shock as the limit of lower travel.

 

Apparently the old ones were very limiting. I found two breaks in the frame diagonally across from each other. The suspension wasn't working right, so the frame was acting as the suspension.

One time I got stuck in a ditch, and the frame was twisted so much that the front right tire was in the bumper and the fan was hitting the lower radiator hose.

 

you are just dead set on breaking that jeep arent ya? R)

 

One time I got stuck in a ditch, and the frame was twisted so much that the front right tire was in the bumper and the fan was hitting the lower radiator hose. [/QUOTE]
this sounds familiar to me .............................R)

 

If you have some shocks that are the correct length, just too stiff, that you were going to pitch out anyway. You could drill a small hole in the bottom, drain out the heavy oil and refill it with kerosene or something similar. Patch it up with epoxy. Be careful if they are gas charged, you'll put your eye out! Not DOT approved. Your mileage may vary.

 

No, its the other way around! This thing is trying to break me!

I don't think the old ones are gas filled. They don't return when compressed.