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Shocks

ak diesel driver

ak diesel driver

6.5 driver
Messages
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Location
alaska
So I got new shocks from RA and I discovered they're 1/2-3/4" shorter than my OEM ones. Checking at the parts stores the longer shock comes on the less than 8600 gvw. So my ? Is should I get the longer shocks? Think the shorter shock will handle being the length limiter?

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I would get the slightly longer shocks. It may stiffen the ride a little, but at the same time they will provide you with longer suspension travel and may be possibly more heavy duty.
 
I don't think any shock will stand up to being the travel limiter (except maybe one designed for it like extreme offroad shocks) but don't know for sure. I have seen travel limiters straps advertised I think mostly for coil spring suspensions. Are you sure they will be the limiter? 1/2-3/4 isn't much and would expect a fair safety margin.

Have you checked other websites to see if they offer the same part number for your application? If most all sites offer the shorter numbers then I'd say they should be fine. If other sites have different shocks for application maybe email RA and tell them your concern and ask for a specific guarantee they will take return if they fail due to shorter length.

Maybe jack up frame and see how much drop there is and compare to expanded shock length just for comparison.
 
schiker said:
Maybe jack up frame and see how much drop there is and compare to expanded shock length just for comparison.
Click to expand...

Crap and don't tell me I have been stressing my shocks hanging my axles on the odd occasion I wanted to work on a fixed rigid truck. I've never really thought about it :rolleyes5:
 
Just a guess: the shorter shocks will shorten the life of those shocks.

When you go over a bump at an angle you are articulating the axle- up one side while down the other. That load on the shocks holding the added load is a lot. Plus of coarse the constant load since they will be holding the preload from the springs.

I think they would work, just wear out sooner if your not extending them offroad too often.
 
I was doing ball joints and shocks on my truck and went to install the shock and found that I couldn't jack it up enough to get the bottom bolt in. I just lifted my truck more. It appears as tho the upper A-arm has a limiter on the side toward the back of the truck. I'm wondering if its a forged vs sheetmetal control arm issue. My truck is definetly an 8600 GVW but has the sheetmetal control arm.
 
So I finally got around to calling RA about my shocks they're taking them back and paying return shipping even tho I got what I ordered. They're definitely keeping my business. Got the rear shocks on and they were definetly due.uploadfromtaptalk1401309716251.jpg

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How did the exchange and correction go? Did the customer service rep catch on quickly to what your problem was and she see the error in the part number and shock spec? Did she indicate they would have to review the spec? I use to think what separated NAPA ? CARQUEST? and premium auto parts from the box stores like Advanced, Autozone, and Orieley's was better fitment and specs and if there were errors they were addressed quickly because they tended to have more professional customers ?????. I did not use to see near as many differences in size and shape of everything from OE. Not so sure anymore now "spec shaving" for cost competition is dog eat dog retail battle.
 
Glad to hear they are taking care of it. Are you sure that one on the left needs changing? Might have another 23 miles in it. :hihi: My rig started an extra bounce after bumps since the last mud event. Think my shocks are right behind yours.
 
ak diesel driver said:
I told em I got what I ordered but it didn't fit. no more ?s just send them back
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Wonder if they will just replace with same part number? And see if problem repeats as maybe it was an error from manufacturer mismarked or other? Or if they have some system to know the number of misfit applications to reevaluate the specifications of the shocks? Just curious now post what you get for replacements.
 
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