Destroyed shock absorber

Post by **Suspension Stuff** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 1:05 pm

Lovells use to sell re branded EFS shocks but over 2 years ago they got their own shocks made in a different factory. I was a bit skeptical at first but now I have sold hundreds of Lovells shocks.

In the hundreds of Lovells shocks that I have sold the customers are impressed and not just happy as the use to be with EFS or Procomps etc.

I just got a call while I was writing this from someone who I sold Dobinsons shocks too because they were after a car like ride and were loaded up and he was really happy with the Dobinsons.

I am starting to learn that it depends more on what ride the customer likes when it comes to shocks then what spring rate they have or brand of coils or whatever else you can think of. A loaded up LWB Patrol will lend itself to a heavier valved shock but the likes of the customer seems to be more important then that.

Shane

Post by **twodiffs** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 3:35 pm

nzdarin wrote:I would suggest you get OME 'L' series. Not the cheapest but better value for money than most. I would fit N73L's to the front and modify the shock tower to suit. And I would fit the stand GQ 'L' series shock to the rear. It is designed for a 50mm to 100mm lift as well.
I have 75mm spring and 'L' series shocks in the rear and I have the spring bolted in to keep them captive and reduces the load on the shock at full droop. ie the spring is then under tension.
To get the nearest dealer phone 0800 ARB4WD.

So the GQ 'L' series rear shock - is that OME brand as well?

Post by **twodiffs** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 3:43 pm

4WD Stuff wrote:Lovells use to sell re branded EFS shocks but over 2 years ago they got their own shocks made in a different factory. I was a bit skeptical at first but now I have sold hundreds of Lovells shocks.

In the hundreds of Lovells shocks that I have sold the customers are impressed and not just happy as the use to be with EFS or Procomps etc.

I just got a call while I was writing this from someone who I sold Dobinsons shocks too because they were after a car like ride and were loaded up and he was really happy with the Dobinsons.

I am starting to learn that it depends more on what ride the customer likes when it comes to shocks then what spring rate they have or brand of coils or whatever else you can think of. A loaded up LWB Patrol will lend itself to a heavier valved shock but the likes of the customer seems to be more important then that.

Shane

Just so i can get a getter understanding of this, how do Dobinsons generally sit on the scale of springs compared with other brands? i.e. given that my spring rate is unknown are Dobinsons generally known to be a firm or medium or soft flex spring?

If they are a firm type then I don't want to be fitting firm shocks obviously. (lets work on the basis that my truck weighs 2100kg empty, pushes 2450kg with 4wd or work gear and flexibility is paramount!!)

Post by **chunks** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:40 pm

Well i just fitted a set of heavy duty Dobinsons springs and Bilsteins today in a GU wagon today and considering the vehicle didn't have half the accessories the owner is yet to fit, the ride was pretty good (10x better than the 150k old original suspension). Compared to say some tough dog adjustables the vehicle felt alot more stable and didn't have that boat like feel a lot of Patrols have, yet it wasn't too firm either.

Post by **nzdarin** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:32 pm

twodiffs wrote:
nzdarin wrote:I would suggest you get OME 'L' series. Not the cheapest but better value for money than most. I would fit N73L's to the front and modify the shock tower to suit. And I would fit the stand GQ 'L' series shock to the rear. It is designed for a 50mm to 100mm lift as well.
I have 75mm spring and 'L' series shocks in the rear and I have the spring bolted in to keep them captive and reduces the load on the shock at full droop. ie the spring is then under tension.
To get the nearest dealer phone 0800 ARB4WD.

So the GQ 'L' series rear shock - is that OME brand as well?

Yep, 'L' series is OME's long series shock.

Post by **KIWI** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:40 pm

Peter Munro Commercials sell the shocks, but were waiting on a new shipment when I went to buy some.
They should have them in stock by now I would think

Post by **nzdarin** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:33 pm

The North Island ARB agents have them as they have a bigger supply than the SI agents.
Also I bought some last week of the shelf.

Post by **KIWI** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:20 pm

The Wellington agents were $120 more than Sth Island though when I priced them......

Post by **twodiffs** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:05 pm

Thanks heaps guys for your input, I have basically decided on EFS, Lovells OR ProComp and I WILL let you know which way i go.

At this stage the way prices are coming in for EFS & Lovells here in NZ
there would be little IF NO difference between buying locally AND getting ProComps off Shane (4WDSTUFF)...this includes NZD to AUD, shipping etc.

cheers

Post by **KIWI** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:24 pm

Check out www.4wdbits.co.nz for EFS prices, site shows lengths too which is handy.

Post by **twodiffs** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:33 pm

Yep - have done that mate and got their prices and others. Am waiting for a guy in the trade to see if he can get them cheaper.

Depending on what price he can do...'or not'...ProComps from Aust are looking extremely promising!!!!!!!!

You had Promps on an earlier GQ didn't you?

Oh and Shane...it's Monday - your weekly reminder to set up shop in KIWI land is due!

Post by **KIWI** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:37 pm

Yeah, had them on the GQ, and if all goes according to plan, will be running them on the GU shorty soon too.

Oh, x2 for the reminder Shane

Post by **twodiffs** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:20 pm

Oh, x2 for the reminder Shane

[/quote]

GOOD ON YA MATE!!! ...you're a Speights drinker obviously

Post by **twodiffs** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 1:41 pm

####UPDATE####

A BIG thanks to all who gave lots of good info and perservered with PM's.

Hopefully this thread help someone else one day, I will list prices below but not the supplier as that wouldn't be fair. These prices were from people in the trade and/or agents for the brand of shocks.(These were the best prices I could get but someone who may be well connected might be able to get them cheaper).

Kiwi $ and these prices are each.
EFS Elite $183.47
EFS Extreme from $250.00 - $267.19
Rancho 9000 $260.00
RAW Nitro $172.00
Bilstein $183.00 PLUS modification costs ($450.00)
Konis $205
OME L $147.00 approx

So what I have bought is ProComps from Shane at Suspension Stuff, I think they will be well suited to my firm Dobinsons and they match my lift perfectly. It'll probably work out cheaper or the same as buying here once exchange rates and customs kick in etc.

cheers

Jamie

Post by **KIWI** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:18 pm

ProComps

I'm still wanting to bring back flexy coils and shocks, but am still trying to find a cheap way of doing it

Post by **twodiffs** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:58 pm

KIWI wrote:ProComps
I'm still wanting to bring back flexy coils and shocks, but am still trying to find a cheap way of doing it

YEP!! The freight is reasonable for what you would expect, it's just customs at this end. I got dropboxes in a couple of months ago and they stung me 200 smackeroo's befoe they would release them in Auckland.

Post by **twodiffs** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:10 pm

Have just fitted 4 brand new Procomps from Aust, i'm off into the alps for a play again this weekend so will give an update next week.

Post by **nzdarin** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:28 am

So what did they end up costing? ie including freight and GST (customs)

Post by **twodiffs** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:57 pm

nzdarin wrote:So what did they end up costing? ie including freight and GST (customs)

All up $NZD750, works out to $187.50ea - pretty damn good i reckon given the prices I quoted above. That includes shipping from Aust as well AND HM customs didn't sting me for GST or duty this time!!!!!

It rides a lot nicer and corners the same (I have heavy duty and "possibly" extra heavy duty Dobinsons and no sway bars).

Will flex it when away this weekend and let you know how it goes.....think i'm gonna like these Procomps!!

Post by **twodiffs** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 1:44 pm

Well i'm seriously impressed, my suspension actually works properly now that I have put Procomp shocks to the coils AND the tyres will tuck right up into the guards now where as before the previous shocks were too short to allow the travel (and thats why I stuffed one) plus they were firmer than the Procomps. I've got a nice soft ride now and I don't notice any issues with cornering or anything - Procomps...what cvan I say!!

[

] [/im

g][im

g][/img]

Post by **KIWI** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 2:58 pm

Good stuff aye.
Hopefully I will be able to post some pics of mine soon, once I get my Procomps.

Who did the rock sliders for you, and how are they attached?

Cheers,
Dave

Post by **dont_follow_me** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:12 pm

hey twodiffs

thanks for the PM. I forgot to ask ya, what length procomps did you get front and rear?

I got 24.5 fronts and 29.5 rears, hope mine flex's up like yours, looks great

Post by **twodiffs** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:30 pm

KIWI wrote:Good stuff aye.
Hopefully I will be able to post some pics of mine soon, once I get my Procomps.

Who did the rock sliders for you, and how are they attached?

Cheers,
Dave

Blackwell engineers in Christchurch, they did all the bar work and the sliders are bolted at 3 points to the chassis (6 HT bolts).

Post by **twodiffs** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:35 pm

dont_follow_me wrote:hey twodiffs

thanks for the PM. I forgot to ask ya, what length procomps did you get front and rear?

I got 24.5 fronts and 29.5 rears, hope mine flex's up like yours, looks great

I'm sure you will be a happy chappy. My rears are 715mm and fronts 570mm, sorry i can't find my calculator

Post by **dont_follow_me** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:39 pm

thanks mate, much appreciated.

will post pics of mine early next week or sooner if I can get to it this week

cheers

Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Destroyed shock absorber

Who is online