Shock absorber recomendation

[B.M.T.]

Hey all.

Feel free to flame if there is an obvious thread on this, but the search button said no.

I've got a 96 Frontera, and it's more than time for me to replace the shocks. At least one of the fronts is sucking air, and I have a feeling the rears might be slightly seized. I say slightly, because there still is bodyroll and I park on an uneven surface and there seems to be some flex going on, but mostly at the front. The big kicker is that instead of absorbing any sort of bump (on road or off), it feels like it's kicking the arse in the air instead.

I wouldn't expect a 3 door shorty to have payload rated springs in the back, so something is wrong.

So my question really is:

What can you guys recommend for shocks that are compliant, absorb bumps and give a reasonable (for a 4WD) ride?.

I noticed Daz made the comment about Rancho 5000's being "bone jarring", which is what I have already

I'm a complete 4x4 n00b, so I might be mistaken, but I assumed a good 4x4 shock lets the suspension work, not stiffen it up...

Thanks for any advise

[Jonezy01]

EFS or tuff Dog Adjustables

[B.M.T.]

Thanks mate, I'll check them out.

[sudso]

Hey all.

Feel free to flame if there is an obvious thread on this, but the search button said no.

I've got a 96 Frontera, and it's more than time for me to replace the shocks. At least one of the fronts is sucking air, and I have a feeling the rears might be slightly seized. I say slightly, because there still is bodyroll and I park on an uneven surface and there seems to be some flex going on, but mostly at the front. The big kicker is that instead of absorbing any sort of bump (on road or off), it feels like it's kicking the arse in the air instead.

I wouldn't expect a 3 door shorty to have payload rated springs in the back, so something is wrong.

So my question really is:

What can you guys recommend for shocks that are compliant, absorb bumps and give a reasonable (for a 4WD) ride?.

I noticed Daz made the comment about Rancho 5000's being "bone jarring", which is what I have already

I'm a complete 4x4 n00b, so I might be mistaken, but I assumed a good 4x4 shock lets the suspension work, not stiffen it up...

Thanks for any advise

Sounds like your shocks have lost their rebound dampening. They're stuffed.
Believe it or not Pedders Touring Gas give a great all round ride. Used to have them on my Rodeo for years and were excellent.

[B.M.T.]

Yeah mate, they are well rooted I'm currently avoiding driving it when ever possible...

I don't get what's going on in the back though. It seems like they are seized, but it still body rolls and stuff. They're knackered any which way Although, it could be rebound, like you say.

I am currently waiting on a reply from the Tough Dog distributors about the rate of their fixed setting fronts (as they only do adjustable for the rear) but, yeah, from my phoning around today, the Pedders Trackrider oils seem to be what I'm looking for.

I was originally going to get the Calmini 3 1/2" kit, but, really, a set of 40mm springs for the rear and that leaves 2 large to put towards a front locker and some decent tyres.

I also had my eye on Rancho's, but the general word seems to be they are really floaty.

I can't see myself doing much medium to high speed track driving, so just shocks that actually dampen and work are probably what I want.