Determining which shocks to buy...

[flyingwil]

OK so I have new rear springs on the back of my truck. I need new shocks, and would like to figure out what shocks I need prior to ordering them.

Based on searching this topic, I have come up with a few different ways to measure the shock length needed, but am a bit lost at the valving needed.

FYI... ways to determine shock length:
Baja Taco's
SAW's

So can anyone help fill me in on selecting what valving I need, or the differences in valving?

For example I think I have my shocks narrowed down to these two:

• BF5-A196-H0: 10.02" Travel, Valving: 170/60, Ext Length: 25.91, Col Length: 15.89
• BF5-A196-H1: 10.02" Travel, Valving: 255/70, Ext Length:25.91, Col Length: 15.89

Terry at AllPro told me "255/70 valving, and to get 10" travel if its sitting at 3", and that I want about 5" of shaft showing." I am going to measure to be sure though.

 

[ujoint]

A normal setup for a single rear shock is to run the 255/70 valving. That's what I have on mine. A Taco is much lighter, so a 170/60 might work if you want the best ride possible. If you plan on having a heavy load in the rear, get the 255/70 for sure. I always measure ride height and find the shock that has your ride height as close to the middle as possible. Can't go wrong with the 5150's.----Chris

 

[crawler#976]

Wil, the 170/60 valving is pretty much only good for rock crawlin' or very light weight rigs - with your heavy Taco you'd be very unhappy with it.

I tried to get a balanced amount of shaft on my Taco - found that very difficult to achieve. I have a lot more droop than up travel with my current setup - about 3.5" up and get almost full extension on 9.25 inch travel shocks.

 

[flyingwil]

Out standing... Now to just get some measurements!

 

[p1michaud]

Rear shocks

Wil,
Have you considered the Donahoe rear remote reservoir shocks as seen here?
May be good option for you.
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[goodtimes]

Wil, I suggest loading out your tacoma as you will travel with it, weigh both the front and back end, calculate the unsprung weight for each end, use that to determine the sprung wieght, figure out your spring rate, and take all that information to the phone and call up the major shock manufacturers and let THEM tell you what valving works.

Using generic, estimated "off the shelf" valving will get you generic, estimated "off the shelf" performance. Your call.

:REOutArchery02:

 

[Bob_Sheaves]

Wil, I suggest loading out your tacoma as you will travel with it, weigh both the front and back end, calculate the unsprung weight for each end, use that to determine the sprung wieght, figure out your spring rate, and take all that information to the phone and call up the major shock manufacturers and let THEM tell you what valving works.

Using generic, estimated "off the shelf" valving will get you generic, estimated "off the shelf" performance. Your call.

:REOutArchery02:

Addendum:

Be careful in "calculating" unspring weights. Without the specific knowledge of leverage ratios, component weights, and some other esoteric items, all you will get IS a guesstimate on valving.

You need to get a good handle on all these items to even come close to proper shock valving and stroke design.

Samples of the type of info below:

These are just typical images of a suspension analysis layout and not specific to any production vehicle.

Best regards,

Bob Sheaves
CEO
catNET Incorporated
http://www.catnetsolutions.com

 

[ntsqd]

Specific to a DeDion design anyway. Who uses that these days? :wink: