Longer front shocks for 4x4 Van RV

[G35Vortec454]

Now that I have the Dana 60 axle under the front of my RV, the old shocks (14.86 inches extended, 9.86 inches compressed) are too short now.

The new ride height shock absorber eye-to-eye length is 16.26 inches; therefore I need FRONT shocks that are about 20 inches extended and at least 13 inches compressed. The shocks that I find this long are for the REAR.

I could relocate the shock mounts but it would be nice to have longer travel shocks.

Anybody knows a source for LONG front shocks?

By the way I drove my van/RV for the first time with the Dana 60 installed. Drove it just up to 55mph without shocks and even without a track bar!!! It drove fine and just as well as when it was 2WD. I was pleasantly surprised, especially I'm using my own version of high-steer setup (the stock 3-piece drag link that I inverted + 2 Ballistic Fab springless steer arms). No death wobble, no noticeable bumpsteer.

TIA,
Art

 

[78Bronco]

Try going thru the monroe catalogue here

http://www.monroe.com/catalog/miscApplications.asp

Once you have found the length you are looking for try a part # search using google to see what they fit. They list every shock made in there. Once you know what the application is your can see if Rancho or Bilstien carry something in the same length.

Obviously you're looking for a heavy duty shock so you'll want something for a 1or2 ton vehicle

 

[Geronimo]

Art,

Give Lee at Race Shock Co. a call. http://www.raceshock.com/ he carries all the brands and will find something to fit. If you talk to him tell him Kenneth sent you and to finish my shocks!

 

[off-roader]

I called KYB when I needed longer shocks for my Montero. Now realize montero's aren't exactly common off road rigs here in the states so finding one with the right mounts front and rear was tough but they did based on the max length/min length & type of mounts.

If another shock maker has a similarly knowledgeable tech line they should be able to help also.

 

[ntsqd]

Front vs. rear application shouldn't matter as long as the the top & bottom mounts are the same.

A spreadsheet listing of shock lengths that I put together in the late 90's and revised in 2001:
http://northwest.2bigbroncos.net/technical/shocks_files/shock_specs.xls

 

[Jeep]

Here is a quick breakdown of Pro Comp shock numbers, they are a half decent shock and reasonably priced, once you have a number you can trace back to the application and search other manufacturers that way, here goes:

Part number 921500 (would work good in your rig)

Breakdown
9=9000 series
215=length which is 21.5" eye to eye extended
00=end configuration in this case is 2 eyes, you can get 5/8" or 3/4" spring bushings from most manufacturers.

They make shocks all the way up to 36" long for about $40 a shock.

 

[spencyg]

I just went to the Rancho site and downloaded their specifications for the shocks (do some browsing, you'll find it). I think the file was a PDF. Anyway, at the end of the catalog is a complete listing of each shock and associated dimensions. I used this to find the correct units for my van....easy. Of course I don't necessarily recommend a Rancho shock....bilstein if you can hack it.

Spence

 

[off-roader]

KYB's are good too since they're also a monotube designed shock.

Most of the wheelers I know don't speak too highly of Rancho with the exception of their RS9000 adjustable shocks but their catalog is an invaluable resource for cross referencing shocks.

 

[chasespeed]

Sweet.... I'd like to see the build thread of this... if you did one...

NOW, this may be something you already know, as I know most do...

Stuff, and extend, each wheel all the way to get your compressed, and extenend lengths, and since you know where the ride is, thats great...

Weigh each wheel...

Call Bilstein, and they will set you up with some nice 5100s(or 5150s)...

With that van, and sitting up like that.. it would be worthwhile...

The Bilsteins have difference valving depending on the application(not too many options, but, enough)...

Anyway, lets see some pics...

Chase

 

[78Bronco]

I agree that this RV is going to need a special valved shock cause I imagine it pushing 9,000lbs loaded. It's not going to use an off the shelf procomp.

 

[ntsqd]

It is not the body/frame/engine/etc that the shock absorber controls. It is the suspension. The heavier the body/frame/etc. is, the more solid of a foundation the shock absorber has to work from.

I don't disagree that the valving might need to be custom, but only due to the weight of the axle & suspension - not the weight of the sprung mass. I don't think that a single 5100/5150 per tire is going to be enough. It wouldn't be for my use, but my use is not the norm either so my thinking is probably skewed by that.

 

[G35Vortec454]

78Bronco, Ntsqd, thanks both for dropping by and helping. I agree 5100's not gonna work. My RV had them, pre-D60 install, and one of them froze during my 8-hour washboard drive to Puertecitos-Chapala in Baja.

I did decide and bought the shocks - they're for Class 3 to 6 trucks (aka 10000lbs GWVR or more vehicles; my RV before the D60 install was 10500GVWR)

They're these ones - they fit my mounts' eye-to-eye dimensions (Monroe Gas Magnum 60 for Dana 60 :

Part: 66667
$55.19

The Monroe Gas-Magnum 60 Shock Absorber Offers Comprehensive Coverage For Hard-Working Trucks From Class 3 To 6. The Monroe Gas-Magnum 60 Shock Absorber Is Gas-charged For Quicker Respnse & A Stable, More Cofortable Ride. Replacing Worn-out Units w/ Hard-Working Gas-Magnum 60 Shocks Can Help Reduce Excessive Vibration.
Attributes
Lower Mount : LS38
Shock Compressed Length : 12.25"
Shock Dust Shield : Yes
Shock Extended Length : 19.75"
Shock Travel Length : 7.5"
Upper Mount : LS38

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I had the Monroe Magnums on my Dodge before installing the Rancho 9000. I wish I had stuck with the Monroes...good ride and great control, especially controlling corner roll. IMO you made a good choice...have fun! :sombrero:

 

[milo12]

Check out this site.

http://f-o-a.com/shop/index.php

You can order the shock any length you like. They also offer different valving. If you are so inclined they sell the shim stacks so you can experiment with valving yourself. A friend has these and they work great. Far better than the average shocks you buy at the parts store. They are more costly than the "parts store" shock but far less expensive that exotic racing shocks.

 

[G35Vortec454]

Now, I need to know if I could mount both shocks behind the front axle. Why does the passenger side shock have to be in front? Note: This rig will be driven 2WD 99.5% of the time; I have the ARB locker in the dually rear axle. The front axle drive will be engaged for rare and short but extremely important periods only.