[zukIzzy]

Myth: brand X Model Y is the only shock for everything.

Truth is a shock only converts kinetic energy to heat thru restricted oil flow. they all do the same thing with different methods. Your personal use and expectations determine what will work for you not the internet opinion.

Myth: brand X Model Y is tuned for a TJ 4.0 which is why my TJ 2.5 rides so rough

Truth is if you order a shock for an F350 you get 30/90 valving and if you order a rock crawling shock you get 30/90 valving and I could go on but I doubt any shock company tuner has watched a TJ go down a dirt road let alone a whoop section or a potholed road. I can say this with a great degree of confidence because if they had 30/90 or 40/70 would not be the best middle of the road choice. A close (in the box we call it) tune will be pretty good whether you have a 4.0 or 2.5 or ls1 AS LONG AS YOUR SPRING RATE IS RIGHT!!!

Myth: You need stiffer springs if you are bottoming.

Truth is springs hold the car up that is all. Use a spring that gives you the desired ride height at full load and use the shock to damp the compression events. I know it is not what you have been told for years but it is the right way to get small event compliance and large event bottoming resistance.

That is all for now we can nurse this along if it is productive or not if it goes south

Thanks
wayne

[Kiwi]

Wayne, I bought into myth #2 which resulted in this which I'm sure you recognize.



Based on what I know now and how these turned out I'm expecting great things
Thanks!

[biffgnar]

For any of you who saw Blaine's thread about re-valving of Fox Remote reservoirs and were interested, here's your opportunity to ask questions directly to the man. Welcome to JF, Wayne!

[Gary2]

subscribed . This could be educational I hope . Shocks have always interested me and I never seem to be real happy with what I have .

[zukIzzy]

Ok I suck at the thinking box operation so what myth do we wanna bust next

[flying_bosun]

Not a myth to bust, but how is one to determine the correct spring rate for their rig without relying exclusively on manufacturers claims of "perfect" for x vehicle?

[mJUSTINm]

I heard that Fox and Bilstein use the same size fitting for their reservoirs. If that's true, couldn't I just put on an adjustable fox reservoir on the 7100s I have and have a compression adjustable 7100?

[zukIzzy]

Originally Posted by flying_bosun

Not a myth to bust, but how is one to determine the correct spring rate for their rig without relying exclusively on manufacturers claims of "perfect" for x vehicle?

There are other ways but I rely on those who have gone before me, just on the 1st page there is a spring thread that starts to give indication of heavier and lighter springs. Use a spring that gives you the desired ride height when loaded like you do when you go out wheeling. If what you have sags a bit I would bet you can find somebody who has something that is a bit high and my trade. At the very least you can get an indication of whos springs may be heavier rate and whos may be lighter. One of these days if I ever find the time I would like to determine the rates of different manufactures for some sort of data base but until then the redneck way has served me well.

[zukIzzy]

Originally Posted by mJUSTINm

I heard that Fox and Bilstein use the same size fitting for their reservoirs. If that's true, couldn't I just put on an adjustable fox reservoir on the 7100s I have and have a compression adjustable 7100?

this is a good one but it will take some time check back in a little while.

[_KONG_]

If springs are just to set ride height what is your opinion on progressive springs?

[zukIzzy]

Originally Posted by mJUSTINm

I heard that Fox and Bilstein use the same size fitting for their reservoirs. If that's true, couldn't I just put on an adjustable fox reservoir on the 7100s I have and have a compression adjustable 7100?

So lets cover Res fittings. Most companies use NPT female fittings to AN or JIC 37* flare. Fox used some NPT but mostly SAE O-ring female which is the same thread size pitch and Dia as AN but no flare. ( they list them wrong for size too which is funny to me but I am thinking intentional to keep us confuzled)

So the complicated simple answer is You can use one or more adapters to get a Fox res on a Bilstein. I have done it but it is usually a trip or two to J&G before I am done.

Adjustable reservoirs,
They are just a restriction in the res hose. Just like the piston a restriction converts kinetic to heat energy. Most are a restriction in compression and rebound which I don’t like. One I know if is comp only but I have only had 4 or 5 apart.

Any adjustable shock is only adjustable in a small window of the total picture. (yes including Bypasses) You have to have the main stack close to take advantage of the adjustability. If you have too much comp damping no matter how much more you dial in it will still be too much and vice versa. Plus axle drop out is the real enemy of all things solid axle and ride quality. If that restriction is both directions well, we can get a nice feeling first bump after that you are on your own.

wayne

[zukIzzy]

Originally Posted by _KONG_

If springs are just to set ride height what is your opinion on progressive springs?

All springs are progresive, single rate have a linear rate, the ones you are refering to have an increasing ramp rate. it can be useful although until the lighter winds colapse to bind the initial rate is still the one you will feel in the seat of you pants.

I don't have an opinion good or bad just another thing to cosider when valving I guess.

[MKfarm]

Without getting into brand names are some shocks just better than others? For example quality, life etc?

[Knuckelhead]

Originally Posted by MKfarm

Without getting into brand names are some shocks just better than others? For example quality, life etc?

Yes...

[zukIzzy]

Originally Posted by knuckelhead

yes...

x2