Mk1 Montero Coil Springs uncompressed danger

[ultrakill]

Hello All,

I have a question for you guys with a lot of experience with Montero's and 4x4 in general. I recently had OME (Old Man Emu) coil springs installed in the rear. They are great springs, feels really nice in the back. The problem is a month ago I installed Skyjacker Nitro shocks all around (PN N8013-Front, N8023-Rear), I may have too much travel in these shocks.

What I mean is what happens if somehow one of my coil springs become uncompressed because of a off camber approach in the terrain. The travel in the shock is longer than stock, and as far as I know the shocks are the only "bump stops" that limit the amount of travel for the coil springs. Could the spring then get "unseated" or fall out?

I recently had the rear drum brakes serviced (since I don't know how to do drum brakes) and when they put it on a lift they said the coil springs were loose in there since the shocks allow so much travel.

My question is, do you think I am in danger of losing a coil spring on the trail? Or is there a possibility of it becoming "un-seated"?

Thank you for reading,

Jonny H.

 

[off-roader]

If skyjacker provides the specs on those shocks, you may want to check them against another known good shock like the Monomax shock from KYB. It is possible if they have too much travel that you'll incur issues with the springs unseating themselves or worse yet, damaging the rear brake lines.

That said, a common upgrade for many folks is to install 2" longer than stock shocks in the rear and many including myself have done it without issues even when used for extreme duty like crawling in the sierra's (Rubicon, etc.). HTH.

 

[ultrakill]

Thanks for the insight. The Skyjacker site doesn't have Montero listed but these shocks were listed on another site, can't remember which one is was. They were listed for Montero (Mk1) with 1"-2" lift. The shop I went to for the brakes saw what was happening to the brake lines in the rear and already extended them (they were already frayed).

It is comforting to know that you have run 2" extended shocks with no problems, thanks man.

Where are you located?

I'm in Fresno.

Jonny H.

 

[off-roader]

Yes I've run them like that for a long time. Whatever you do though, don't run longer shocks with the stock suspension system up front (even if you try and 'torque' the torsion bars). The suspension geometry won't change so the stock shocks will be what you want.

This is my 4th or 5th Montero built up for off road use.

I'm in the Tracy/Manteca area. Just northwest of Modesto by about 30 minutes.

 

[JamesW]

My Springs in my gen 2 SWB used to become unseated,they wouldn't fall all the way out,but they would sit on the edge of their seat,and work forwards. I ended up putting terrafirma relocation cones in the back,they actually bolted straight in,think they are meant for a defender,which could make them hard to get in the states.

The springs are strapped to the axle at the bottom,they now never jump out and always reseat with a loud bang,so you know they are in!

I don't think you'll get them popping out with a +2 shock,but any more and you'll see it happening. Jack it up by the chassis to see how loose it really is,it could just be loose,but not about to go anywhere,in which chase you'll be fine

 

[ultrakill]

I'm in the Tracy/Manteca area. Just northwest of Modesto by about 30 minutes.

Yeah, I grew up in Turlock so I know where Manteca/Tracy is. I was at La Grange OHV park last weekend and tore it up with no issues. Have you been there? Do you know of any Cen-cal Montero group that meets up for some trails or offroading? Mostly here we have crawler Jeeps/Toyotas and not really overland type vehicles here in Fresno. I'm going to Huntington Lake area this weekend for camping/exploring.

I don't think you'll get them popping out with a +2 shock,but any more and you'll see it happening. Jack it up by the chassis to see how loose it really is,it could just be loose,but not about to go anywhere,in which chase you'll be fine

Thanks for the advice. Up front I have stock size, and I will jack the back chassis to check out what is happening. I was at an OHV park last weekend and had no issues.