Broken Shock and Shock Mount on D1

[t42beal13t]

The other day driving to work I felt a problem in the rear suspension and realized the back shock was broken, again. I was in the process of changing shocks today and the shaft of my aftermarket shock mount snapped off. I'm not sure of yhe manufacturer of the mount. I'm running a 3" lift with OME N44 shocks. This is the second shock that has snapped, both times at the bottom shaft of the shock.

What do I need to do differently to prevent shocks from breaking over and over? Longer shocks? Shorter springs? Different shock mounts? I like my 3" lift ride height, but I really don't like buying shocks again and again.



Also, last time my spring popped out of its socket, so I need to pick up a spring retainer. Any recommendations for those?

 

[Rovertrader]

The N44 is for a 2" lift but will facilitate a 3" with the Expeditionware shock mount. EE may warrant the mount, or not as the last picture in the link you provided encourages the use of retainers- obviously not the first time this has happened.
I prefer EE's retainers, but there are several to choose from. Note- a relocation cone will not correct the problem as it will still droop beyond the shock's length.
I believe your truck had retainers at one time.... ;-)

 

[t42beal13t]

Here's the shock mount.

 

[Rovertrader]

Give John Lee a call and tell him I said hello...

 

[Cleand]

Are those the mounts that drop down 2inch? If not that is an option for you. Also longer shocks, spring retainer for the top, or even limiting straps. I had the same issue with the OME shocks. Where did you get the shocks they should replace them for you?

 

[Red90]

You should probably make sure that the shocks can't bottom in compression. A shock relocation should really include longer bumpstops to prevent this. Relying on the springs to control maximum up travel is not a good practice.

 

[Red90]

Oh, also on D1s, there can be bushing cups that are welded to the lower shock mount. If you have those, remove them and use the cups that come with the shocks. Those welded cups cause bind and lead to the lower pins breaking off.

 

[bri]

The other day driving to work I felt a problem in the rear suspension and realized the back shock was broken, again. I was in the process of changing shocks today and the shaft of my aftermarket shock mount snapped off. I believe it's an Expeditionware shock mount (http://www.expeditionexchange.com/shockmounts/). I'm running a 3" lift with OME N44 shocks. This is the second shock that has snapped, both times at the bottom shaft of the shock.

What do I need to do differently to prevent shocks from breaking over and over? Longer shocks? Shorter springs? Different shock mounts? I like my 3" lift ride height, but I really don't like buying shocks again and again.




Also, last time my spring popped out of its socket, so I need to pick up a spring retainer. Any recommendations for those?

Under what condition did your shock break. Last time what? Did you leave out some words?

 

[t42beal13t]

A few months ago my shock broke from hitting a deep hole a little too hard, resulting in the rear left spring popping out of place when the left rear shock broke. Even though I'm not 100% sure, I think this time the left rear shock broke when someone pulled out in front of my wife while she was driving, and she had to brake hard and swerve. I guess there was too much stress on the shock when it nose dived from braking so violently.

Under what condition did your shock break. Last time what? Did you leave out some words?

 

[t42beal13t]

The shocks were purchased from Will Tillery. I wouldn't expect a refund for those.

They are the drop down mounts... Retainers will be purchased along with new shocks. any recommendations for new shocks?

Are those the mounts that drop down 2inch? If not that is an option for you. Also longer shocks, spring retainer for the top, or even limiting straps. I had the same issue with the OME shocks. Where did you get the shocks they should replace them for you?

 

[t42beal13t]

Spoke with EE today and it actually isn't an EE mount. Looks like I'll be purchasing a couple in the near future, along with retainers.

Should I go with a different shock or will the N44 be OK?

 

[fishEH]

You need to sit down and do the math. Figure out shock compressed and extended lengths. Make sure your bumpstops are set correctly. It sounds like you have an issue where the shock is fully compressing or extending and the mounts are breaking. Measure your shock lengths at rest. Figure out how much uptravel you can have and adjust your bumpstops accordingly. Go buy some shocks with the appropriate compressed length for your uptravel and allows for however much downtravel you want.

 

[t42beal13t]

Just an update. It actually wasn't an Expeditionware mount. I'll be replacing the broken one with Expeditionware, along with their spring retainer kit. I'll be looking into shocks while I wait on shipping.

 

[bri]

What springs are you running? I have MD and HD OME springs on a D1. It never reached 3".

I would expect you have more like 2", especially if the springs are used.

But there is no way to tell unless you measured before the lift and can remeasure now.

I have ran MD and HD OME springs with the N44 (a couple of sets). I broke 1 in 8 years).

For the money I like them. But letting them rust and hitting big holes at speed will do them in.

I have seen more than mine break. Seen rings and studs break.

The 7100 didn't break and I abused them, but that's a bunch of cash and changes.

 

[DividingCreek]

sounds like you are bottoming out and shouldn't use drop down mounts with that spring shock setup.