ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: diftoyota on March 17, 2012, 07:14:28 PM
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wonder what people got for rear shocks? i have the crown vic one but i wonder if there is better out there. i really love the rancho shocks specially for the looks and the boot cover protection
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Rancho 5158 shocks in the rear of mine... (installed perfectly, just *borrowed* the sleeves from the OEM shocks)
RS5158's are 13.060 compressed, 20.920 extended, for 7.860 of travel. I think stock is about ~11.5 to ~18.5 so they're good for the 2" lift. I love how they stiffened up the rear end.
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i have the mustang shocks...had them twice now and theyre blown again. They just dont last, im ordering a pair of Doestechs from Low range, see how those work.
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I have seen many a rear shock blow on lifted track/kicks. A UK zuki shop(bits4vits) makes a lower repositioning bracket for the rear shock, it changes the plane upon which the shock moves, operates and side loaded. A side benefit of this bracket is it adds 1.5" to the shocks length. Not that hard to replicate DIY.
(http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/images/uploads/vitshks-silver.JPG)
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I have seen many a rear shock blow on lifted track/kicks. A UK zuki shop(bits4vits) makes a lower repositioning bracket for the rear shock, it changes the plane upon which the shock moves, operates and side loaded. A side benefit of this bracket is it adds 1.5" to the shocks length. Not that hard to replicate DIY.
([url]http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/images/uploads/vitshks-silver.JPG[/url])
i think this would be easier than finding a shock and cheaper than buying shocks i guess, i just put on two new ones on my vitara but are the stockers, i know they wont sell for the price i paid for them so this bracket might be what i am gona do.
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Those brackets also allow one to use the large tube shocks.
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looks like an interesting product.
Those, in combination with the Ranch 5158 would seem like a good match for a 2nd gen tracker with a spacer lift AND XL-7 springs.
wonder how much shipping would be to the west coast... anyone in BC want to do a group buy? 8)
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i ran cavalier rears on my 2dr with xl7 rear coils and a spacer, the ride was great. when i had the xl7 with just spacers i ran late 80's ford tbird shocks i think.... there's likely a post somewhere that i put it in..... both of these shocks are a good 4inches longer than stockers and work great. the xl7 coils with a 1.75inch spacer would just come loose on full extension, i did have extended bumpstops to keep things in place..
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Ok I just installed my new Doetsch tech rear shocks I ordered from Low Range. I've only used them in the city but we have a lot of potholes where i live...so far they are really nice!!
They are definately longer than the mustang shocks I had, so I still need to flex it out toi decide if they will need limiting straps or not.
I went with the DT3-180. My friend reccomended them to me because thats the brand he's running on his toyota truck. For 40 bucks each I'm a happy guy!
I'll give an update once i flex em out.
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The D Techs shocks allow a lot more flex than the mustang shocks did. I think it will flex even a little more than in this picture but I need to find a deeper hole to back into haha.
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p546/EvilMetalGod/IMG00068-20120405-1719.jpg)
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p546/EvilMetalGod/IMG00067-20120405-1718.jpg)
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I have seen many a rear shock blow on lifted track/kicks. A UK zuki shop(bits4vits) makes a lower repositioning bracket for the rear shock, it changes the plane upon which the shock moves, operates and side loaded. A side benefit of this bracket is it adds 1.5" to the shocks length. Not that hard to replicate DIY.
([url]http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/images/uploads/vitshks-silver.JPG[/url])
i think this would be easier than finding a shock and cheaper than buying shocks i guess, i just put on two new ones on my vitara but are the stockers, i know they wont sell for the price i paid for them so this bracket might be what i am gona do.
the problem with the 5158's are... they are too thick and the axel actually rubs against them...
I then ordered the repositioners and they work, BUT... if you are not careful, you can extent to the point where the coil can come out, even with the 2" extender
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Wow, nice flex pics!! 8)
With that amount of articulation do the springs stay put? How did the shocks instal? Did you need to modify anything to get em bolted on?
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Thanks! Yeah the springs stay put, for now haha. The shocks bolted right up and installed easily. They ride stiff but are perfect when the truck is loaded. Hopefully they'll last.
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I'm not too concerned about the ride. As long as they can still flex on the trail they sound pretty sweet.
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Wow, i just got new Monroe Sensa-Tracs (for a mustang) priced out at $55 cdn each from Lordco!! :o These are the very same shock i've been running for just a little over a year and they are completely blown.
I think i'm going to try a set of the D-Techs, what have I got to loose?
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Go for it, for the price you can't go wrong. I should have ordered a set of boots for the shocks though, they are not included.
Only other thing I will mention is that on one side the body of the shock is barely contacting a piece of the lower shock mount. So im guessing my shock mount is bent a little since it's only on one side (the other side is also very close) , but after a week it would appear that there is zero damage from the contact. If I wanted to I could just trim a 1/8" off the mount and that would do it.
I was out this weekend on a narrow, muddy hillly trail with rocks and logs..and I'm not using my 4x4 right now due to a crack in the front housing....it was easy to feel the off road performance difference with these shocks, they are stiffer so they stop the cab from rolling around so much giving me more control. I dont know if it is the stiffness or extra flex but I could really feel the rear wheels keeping even contact with the ground which made climbing easier in 2wd. Places where I would normally need a running start to go bouncing up the hill were easier to crawl up, solid as a rock.
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since work is quiet i'm trolling this site again... i found what i used for the xl7... munroe shock # 55861, should list that this is for a 1985 for thunderbird. the shocks were way longer than the crown vics and were a direct bolt up replacement, i would use these on a 4 door, on my 2 door i ran early 90's cavalier rear shocks....
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i found what i used for the xl7... munroe shock # 55861
how were they as far as stiffness?
I was running Monroe # 5968, they bolted right up and were good for the first few months, but pretty quick they stared going soft from abuse on the logging roads.
Here are the specs:
5968 - Mustang
http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPart/displayPartDetails.do?partKey=376714&catalogKey=389&partNumber=5968&catalogCode=monroe&loadStatus=ACTIVE&locale=en&methodName=displayPartDetails (http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPart/displayPartDetails.do?partKey=376714&catalogKey=389&partNumber=5968&catalogCode=monroe&loadStatus=ACTIVE&locale=en&methodName=displayPartDetails)
5861 - Thunderbird
http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPart/displayPartDetails.do?partKey=376641&catalogKey=389&partNumber=5861&catalogCode=monroe&loadStatus=ACTIVE&locale=en&methodName=displayPartDetails (http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPart/displayPartDetails.do?partKey=376641&catalogKey=389&partNumber=5861&catalogCode=monroe&loadStatus=ACTIVE&locale=en&methodName=displayPartDetails)
The T-Bird shocks are longer, but I noticed they don't have bumper stops, while the Mustang shocks do.
I don't know about the T-Bird shocks, but it seems to me the problem with the Mustang shocks is that they are designed for a on road car, not an offroad truck. I know our little trucklette's aren't very heavy but flying down a poorly maintained logging road fully loaded with camping gear is bound to destroy a shock designed for cruising on the street.
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I agree Dan, I think if you drive your truck around town with occasional wheeling the car shocks could last a long time but people like you and I who go bombing down logging roads, loaded with camping gear (they go on for thousands of kilometeres where i live) needs something more durable. I dont think crawling over rocks and logs on a tough trail is nearly as hard on the shocks as goin 60 down a poorly maintained road.
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I'm thinking anything will break if you beat on it hard enough and long enough. For sure stock auto shocks weren't built to take sustained compressions. The heat generated would kill them quickly, even given you are running the correct length of shock for your application. Have you considered looking into suspension set ups like they run on the Baja trucks? Probably expensive as hell, but they are designed to take a beating at speed... and still they occasionally fail. Or how about checking out some shocks with remote reservoirs built into them to reduce heat build up?
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I'm thinking anything will break if you beat on it hard enough and long enough. For sure stock auto shocks weren't built to take sustained compressions. The heat generated would kill them quickly, even given you are running the correct length of shock for your application. Have you considered looking into suspension set ups like they run on the Baja trucks? Probably expensive as hell, but they are designed to take a beating at speed... and still they occasionally fail. Or how about checking out some shocks with remote reservoirs built into them to reduce heat build up?
I'm sure those are excellent ideas nprecon, but I doubt I have the time or money... at the moment haha.
Funny, I was just talking with a guy who is parting out one of his trackers and he mentioned he had the calmini lift on 31s but after a few years he got sick of replacing the shocks and of course he mentioned that it was because he spends a lot of time in the bush.
If these ones last a couple years I will be happy.
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why not just bolt on those 2" lift brackets? it allows you guys to put on the oem shocks. most problem with shocks with a lift is wen they bottom out either on both ways, it damage the seal and then starts leaking,then they will not last long after the oil is gone out of it. a shock is only design to go a certain distance. those "baja" style shocks would be best for long travel but are a pain in the ars on the wallet for sure. but if you change your shocks 2-3 times a year it may pay you off buying those "baja" style shocks on the long run... for me, im waiting to see sumone installing a set of shocks and are braggin about them and braggin they are lasting a long time as well lol
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why not just bolt on those 2" lift brackets? it allows you guys to put on the oem shocks. most problem with shocks with a lift is wen they bottom out either on both ways, it damage the seal and then starts leaking,then they will not last long after the oil is gone out of it. a shock is only design to go a certain distance. those "baja" style shocks would be best for long travel but are a pain in the ars on the wallet for sure. but if you change your shocks 2-3 times a year it may pay you off buying those "baja" style shocks on the long run... for me, im waiting to see sumone installing a set of shocks and are braggin about them and braggin they are lasting a long time as well lol
Obvious reason? You dont get the extra travel and "flex" which is something these vehicles are naturally lacking. Good thing its a quick and easy job to change the rear shocks (im getting good at it lol). I suppose I cant expect to rack up the miles in the bush and have zero consequences right?
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Stiill... it would be interesting to see if shocks with resevoirs would provide you guys with longer service.
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****The T-Bird shocks are longer, but I noticed they don't have bumper stops, while the Mustang shocks do. *****
if you guys are not running extended bumpstops and the shocks are limiting compression you will blow each and every shock you install. bush buster, have a look at the setup on my old tracker if it's still in your neighborhood, i ordered the rear bumpstop extensions from bits 4 vits. high speeds on logging roads is for sure hard on trucks! anyway i was probably one of the 1st guys on here to run the mustangs on my 2nd gen, ppl seemed to get on board with because they are a bit longer than the crown vics, about an inch if i recall correctly. then a guy on zookpower turned me towards the cavaliers, much better and still cheap, then jeff pointed the part # to the tbirds for my heavy pig XL7 cause i knew the cavaliers were not enough.. guys are blowing the OME shocks and struts just like the cheap parts so it's a personal preference. anyway in the 6yrs i had the tracker i put crown vics, then mustangs then 2 sets of cavaliers...
check this for your bumpstop requirements;
http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara-/-x90/bump-stop-spacers/prod_35.html (http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara-/-x90/bump-stop-spacers/prod_35.html)
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Well, I installed my xl-7 springs today. I think they lifted the tuck (at least a little 8)) and they do seem to be stiffer.
Its clear the old mustang shocks are not going to cut it. Not only are they not nearly strong enough to dampen the stiffer springs but they're not long enough. It feels like there's hardly any extension. One good compression and it quickly bounces back and top outs. I have a sneaking suspicion that hitting the extended bump stops so often is going to kill what's left of my mustang shocks.
So does a stock truck just use the fully extended bumpstop in the shock to limit the axles travel and keep the spring in place? Is bottoming more destructive then topping out?? I guess it must be because the truck has an external bumpstop to prevent bottoming but nothing to stop topping out.
Can someone help me figure out the ideal length of the shock I'd need with Jeff's spacer and XL7 springs that would still get close to a even amount of compression and extension? :-\
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pretty sure i posted the answer to your question in my last post. t-bird shocks, they worked fine on my xl7, they are for a big fat heavy old car and are longer, just go to a parts shop and look at them, or run cavaliers, they worked great also but if you do not have an external bumpstop extension when running a 2 inch coil spacer out back like in the link i posted you cannot use a long shock or you're at risk of losing your coil under full droop/extension. compressing the shock with no bumpstop extension can crush the shock with the weight of the vehicle.
so order the external extensions, then go to a parts shop and line up the cavaliers and t-birds and look for yourself, you can read on here all day but seeing it is better, line these shocks up beside the rustang to see the difference.
you may also need to disconnect the parking brake cable from the mount on the axle with either of these shocks, it gets way too tight otherwise and looks as though it may be damaged if not disconnected, this will not affect any functionality.
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Well mine are 21.5/13 and hcgalvin's Rancho 5158 are a little shorter... not sure about the Tbirds.
I dont believe I am going to need the extensions brian but I will have a look at Joannes tracker when we go wheeling. Maybe this weekend...right now im heading outside to install my newly rebuilt front diff including a steel grand vitara housing...I am so psyched to get it in and go wheeling ;D
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i don't remember what the lengths were anymore, joanne's got cavaliers on hers. flex yours out so a back wheel is losing ground contact, then have a look at your coil, you'll know if you need the extension or not. now i'm sad, my old tracker :'( glad to hear you got a steel setup - you should be all set now!
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Well last night sucked. I ended up cross threading a mount bolt really bad then snapping the head off it, all because i thought i could put the mounts on the diff after inserting the passenger side cv to avoid releasing the steering knuckle and changing my alignment...big mistake! I inserted the axle stub then propped up the diff and got 2 of 4 mount bolts installed then the third one cross threaded and i was using such a long handled socket wrench I didnt even notice it was cross threading....managed to remove it today with a tiny pipe wrench and fixed the threads with a tap..whew! Will have to try again tonight with the steering knucke opened up lol...
Remember kids: DONT DO WHAT DONNY DON'T DOES!