Shock Valving—Front vs Rear?

[John H]

I’m after some opinions about shock damping rates for a coil sprung vehicle — specifically a Patrol with a 6 inch lift. Should shocks be valved differently on the front and the rear?

I have heard from some people that front shocks need more compression damping where the rear should have softer compression with strong rebound control.

I was interested in Tough Dog adjustable as they are long enough and seem to be geared towards heavy trucks like mine.
The thing that puts me off is that I have had one guy at 4-Way Suspension tell me that their shocks have front and rear specific valving while another guy at 4-Way told me that they were all the same and you just adjust the damping to suit.
Twisting the dial is going to alter both compression and rebound on these shocks which appears to be a compromise fix if front and rear shocks do require different compression and rebound characteristics.
I can imagine that ‘one type fits all valving’ would make stock control a lot easier but I don’t know what the go is with these TD shocks.

So Basically:

- Should valving rates be front and rear specific?

- Does anyone out there know if the TD 45mm bore foam cell adjustable have front/rear valving or are they a ‘she’ll be right mate, just turn the dial till it feels right shock?

[Tiny]

[quote="John H"]I’m after some opinions about shock damping rates for a coil sprung vehicle — specifically a Patrol with a 6 inch lift. Should shocks be valved differently on the front and the rear?

I have heard from some people that front shocks need more compression damping where the rear should have softer compression with strong rebound control.

I was interested in Tough Dog adjustable as they are long enough and seem to be geared towards heavy trucks like mine.
The thing that puts me off is that I have had one guy at 4-Way Suspension tell me that their shocks have front and rear specific valving while another guy at 4-Way told me that they were all the same and you just adjust the damping to suit.
Twisting the dial is going to alter both compression and rebound on these shocks which appears to be a compromise fix if front and rear shocks do require different compression and rebound characteristics.
I can imagine that ‘one type fits all valving’ would make stock control a lot easier but I don’t know what the go is with these TD shocks.

So Basically:

- Should valving rates be front and rear specific?

- Does anyone out there know if the TD 45mm bore foam cell adjustable have front/rear valving or are they a ‘she’ll

they are the same, but you can revalve them for $35ea if you find them to hard

[John H]

They are the same, but you can revalve them for $35ea if you find them to hard

I didn't know they could revalve the Tough Dogs — I thought they were sealed non-serviceable units. If that is the case then the TD's will definitely be the go (but I'm a little sceptical).

[Tiny]

They are the same, but you can revalve them for $35ea if you find them to hard

I didn't know they could revalve the Tough Dogs — I thought they were sealed non-serviceable units. If that is the case then the TD's will definitely be the go (but I'm a little sceptical).

I can get them revalved for $35.00 per side, let me know the model number and I will get you a price on the shocks supply only or car and lift height