Shocking Discovery

[55 Fargo]

Pulled all 4 shocks today, all were toast, collapsed and stayed that way.

Do you think this would affect ride and handling???

[48Dodger]

Yes.

48D

[NiftyFifty]

Yes, but not to what you explained was happening. I installed rear shocks in my truck, no noticeable difference, and I had none before

Their best at not allowing the axles to flex up to fast, but shaking you off the road is loose steering components imo

[Don Coatney]

Pulled all 4 shocks today, all were toast, collapsed and stayed that way.

Do you think this would affect ride and handling???

No. Pulled shocks will have no affect on ride and handling. Only installed shocks will affect ride and handling.

[Jeff Balazs]

Pulled all 4 shocks today, all were toast, collapsed and stayed that way.

Do you think this would affect ride and handling???

Absolutely. When you replace 4 bad shocks with new ones you should notice a big difference in the ride quality. If you don't feel an immediate improvement then you have some serious suspension, frame, steering and/or alignment issues to dig into.

Based on the suspension design used on these trucks (1/2 to 1 ton) I would expect that generic quality shocks would only last 10 to 15 thousand miles. After that many cycles they will most likely be less than effective.That is assuming you actually use it as a truck. They are in my opinion a major wear item and should be treated as such.

Jeff

[pflaming]

I watched the rear axle on a truck I was following. The movement was quick and short. I should have known that, but just never gave it a serious thought. Unless one is driving through the woods or across a curb, that shocks' movement is very little, but very effective. I guess there is a real reason why it is called a 'shock'.

[1952B3b23]

The shocks provide damping in the suspension system which is very important when you are driving over bumps and such. The worse condition that the shocks are in the less and less damping they provide therefore allowing more force to be transmitted to the truck when you are on rough terrain. This would definitely make the ride quality worse.

-Chris

[55 Fargo]

Thanx all for the replies, I have installed new shocks on rear yesterday, will install fronts today.

I re-greased all zerks again, I have some stubborn ones, will have to take them off and see whats up. The springs are not bad, not stiff and not flexing, like some I have read about on here. The king pins seem tight, the outer tie rod ends, are loose, the steering box and pitman arm and tie rod are in good shape.

Will report back later

[55 Fargo]

No. Pulled shocks will have no affect on ride and handling. Only installed shocks will affect ride and handling.

No kiddin....LOL actually the new shocks are already installed, and the new one for the front today.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Fred..you have digressed..I had such high hopes..

[55 Fargo]

Fred..you have digressed..I had such high hopes..

Sorry Pa, will do better next time.....