| Pages:
1
2 |
TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
|
|
Making an Off-Road Truck Better
After replacing my front shocks on my GMC Z71 for about the 4th time. It was those four trips thru Gonzaga in the past year that did these in. I
started thinking about the new Ford Raptor and why doesn't the manufatures simply make a better truck for Off-Road. Many off road racers have a
pre-runner with at least dual shocks all around and several more inches of wheel travel. But for those that can't afford a $50,000 to $100,000
pre-runner we need something closer to our check books.
I was thinking about my Z71 and wonder why couldn't GM come out with a Z71 SOF (Super Off Road). Do a 2-3 inch lift or leveling kit. Add dual shocks
all around like a Bilstein 5160 series. Beef up the steering componets and go to a size or two larger tires. I'd also like to see them move the lower
rear shock mount further to the outside or raise them even to the axle housing. Also eleminate the anti-lock brakes and antisway bar for off road use.
With the exception to the dual shocks I've done it to my truck (not the rear shock mount) at a cost about $2500. It appears that the weak link is the
shocks. An external shock like the 5160 would be better and two at least on the front would be much better.
I'm just thinking out loud on a lazy day. What do you think.
|
|
|
surfer jim
Super Nomad
Posts: 1891
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: high desert
Member Is Offline
|
|
My first guess is there would be too many legal issues.
I can hear a lawyer now saying how no anti -lock brake and sway bar caused the drunk driver to roll over.
Now forgetting about all that I've often wondered about those mods myself. Didn't older (Fords?) pickups have dual front shocks from factory?
Relocating shock mounts should be no big deal either( doesn't Toyota have them on top?)
They already have heavy duty parts from 1 ton and above trucks that could be used.
Part of the problem is that when Detroit thinks about "off-road" they think of.....paint jobs....decals......crome....ORANGE seats....bigger
mirrors...flashy wheels....floormats
Dodge did a good job with the "Power Wagon" option starting in 2005.It is more rock crawler than pre-runner but still a great package.
[Edited on 7-3-2010 by surfer jim]
|
|
|
TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
|
|
I had a 93 Toyota 4x4 PU and the rear shocks did not extend below the axle. The new Tacomas do but they are near the wheel kind of like what Ford did
on their newer trucks.
On my Toyota I had heavy duty torsion bars and add a leaf in the rear. When I would go off road I often disconnected the sway bar. When I was down for
the NORRA race going out to the pit below San Ignacio one of the sway bar mounts lost the bolts on my GMC, so I took it off. I had it off for about 6
weeks during which time I drove back to Colorado. Just recently put it back on. I never felt a reason to have it. Swinging the steering wheel left and
right I can't tell the difference. I do have a fairly stiff suspension which I think is why. Never could tell on the Toyota either, but again a stiff
suspension.
The anti lock brakes are a sore spot for me. On my GMC it's easy to pull the 60 amp fuse in the engine compartment. But I had a 07 Toyota Tacoma work
truck before I retired and going off road in the mountains it was a pain in the behind. It may have and I know the newer Tacomas switch out of ABS
when in 4 wheel low. I just think there should be a switch to turn it off.
I believe some of the Ford Broncos had dual front shocks, early 90s I think.
|
|
|
TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
|
|
I was running Rancho RS5136. They got so hot it melted the rubber boot chasing during the NORRA race. I Just put a set of ProComp's on until I can
sort out the Bilstein 5160s for my truck.
|
|
|
bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
Member Is Offline
|
|
My 93 Bronco has duel front shocks.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
|
|
bigboy
Nomad
Posts: 239
Registered: 12-28-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
My 89 and 95 Broncos came stock from the factory with dual front shocks.
|
|
|
fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
Registered: 5-29-2010
Member Is Offline
|
|
My 66 bronco didn't. It does now however.
TW..I was wondering how putting dual shocks on front could total $2500. Most dual shock hoops run about $300-400 at most, and Shocks are under
$100(Bilstein 5100's) each. $ would be $400 with tax.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&...
The total should have been about $700. If you had them installed I'd guess it'd be $1000, as it's a easy install.
But $2500!!! That's being put over the barrel in my book. Where the shocks and hoops gold plated?
[Edited on 7-4-2010 by fishabductor]
|
|
|
fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
Registered: 5-29-2010
Member Is Offline
|
|
whistler,
Just reread and figured out what he meant.
I was thinking $2500 for dual shocks????
|
|
|
TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by whistler
TW,other than the shock failures were you satisfied with the way your suspension performed?You must have experienced shock fade when you got the shock
so hot you melted the boot.If you were happy with the performance ,a resevoir shock should cure your shock failure. |
Yes I'm am very happy with the suspension. I had it done by Performance Off Road here in Bakersfield in Jan of 2008. I agree about the resevoir shock.
|
|
|
fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
Registered: 5-29-2010
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by whistler
fishabductor,granted this is a top of the line race shock but checkout the price for one 9300 Black Hawk shock. |
WTF ..........$2488.87.. ......... I don't think I'll be racing anytime
soon!!!!
|
|
|
fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
Registered: 5-29-2010
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by whistler
Yes,but if you buy it from "Offroad Warehouse",you get free shipping! |
Well, hell what am I waiting for. That there's a bargain!!
I wonder if free shipping means they'll ship them to the eastcape?
|
|
|
Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
Member Is Offline
Mood: undecided
|
|
I'm with fishabductor on this. $2488.87 for shocks?  Have spent that much on a
whole vehicle, shocks included, and drove it for a while. The term "More money
than sense." pops into mind. But what the heck?
|
|
|
fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
Registered: 5-29-2010
Member Is Offline
|
|
I hear you Cypress. I have 2 vehicles that have provided service for over 2 years now that cost less than one of those shocks. One cost $2200 and the
other $2400. They both have a few years left on them easily.
$10,000 for a set of 4, now we are talking a nice truck.
|
|
|
BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
Member Is Offline
Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
|
|
I have an older F250 4x4 HD. It is a great truck but I have been toying with the idea of installing dual shocks. Reading this thread has me thinking
about going ahead and doing it.
Where do you guys buy your conversion kits for the dual shock setups?
|
|
|
fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
Registered: 5-29-2010
Member Is Offline
|
|
You can get the conversion kits thru most offroad shops. Fabtech, rancho, superlift and many other companies make them. Try ebay
here is a ebay sale I just found. not sure if it's the right year.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/80-97-Ford-F250-F350-Front-Du...
|
|
|
BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
Member Is Offline
Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
|
|
I have had several folks tell me that dual shocks would help me get through the 15km of washboard between the highway and my house. Anybody here
disagree with that???
|
|
|
Baja12valve
Nomad
Posts: 185
Registered: 7-12-2006
Location: Oak View
Member Is Offline
|
|
I have the rancho in-cab-adjustable shocks and I have had no issues with them at all. I have driven out to Cabo San Quintin a bunch of times. I set
them on the softest setting, tires @ 30 psi and off I go. I can go as fast as I want, although I put it in 4wd. Truck handles great.
|
|
|
Baja12valve
Nomad
Posts: 185
Registered: 7-12-2006
Location: Oak View
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by whistler
Baja12valve,the Dodges with the 5 link and coil springs is a much better design.You probably have 10 inches of travel stock.I think my 1 ton Dodge has
11-12 inches with the KORE suspension. |
My suspension is stock except for the shocks. I have about 4-5" of travel in the front before I hit the rubber bumper stop, and the same in the rear.
For some reason, it works great in dirt/offroad. I have read that others are not happy with theirs, but I am with mine. I have no rattles, not one,
and I just blitz over the washboard with impunity.
|
|
|
bajajeffrey
Junior Nomad
Posts: 33
Registered: 2-12-2009
Location: so. cal. Rancho Percebu
Member Is Offline
|
|
I have dual shocks on the front of a 90GMC suburban (rancho 9000) and single 9000s in the rear, Many trips to Gonzaga and beyond cartopping a 14'
valco and the only problem I have had is a busted shock mount. once every few years I change the shock bushings and that tightens everything up. one
rancho 9000 is abuot 90 bucks.
|
|
|
TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajajeffrey
I have dual shocks on the front of a 90GMC suburban (rancho 9000) and single 9000s in the rear, Many trips to Gonzaga and beyond cartopping a 14'
valco and the only problem I have had is a busted shock mount. once every few years I change the shock bushings and that tightens everything up. one
rancho 9000 is abuot 90 bucks. |
I would bet the busted shock mount was the rear and probably the passenger side. Had that happen on my 91 chevy 4x4. Broke it on the road out of San
Ignacio.
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
