As Sh*&

Danr55 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-17-2015, 11:23 AM

Running home on the 202 freeway yesterday, we hit the dip just before the Higley off ramp. Well, I started hearing a terrible racket like something was dragging. So I pulled over and lookd and couldn't see anything. Got home and pulled it apart and found that the forward shock on the RH side had come apart and the coil spring was rubbing on the propellar shaft. Sent photos off to Alden today. I will contact them tomorrow to see if it can be repaired or if they will replace it. Looks like the threads from the shock plunger just pulled out of the head of the shock.

Karl Bebout · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2015, 12:10 PM

Bring is on over. I'll weld it up, and you know the quality of my welding. I guess there is something to be said for redundant rear shocks. Kept the tire off the fenderwell.

Tom Wells · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2015, 04:21 PM

Interesting...

Especially since I have Aldans.

Is there any chance the shocks are too short? If they are, there would be a considerable tendency to hammer the ends off.

I would be very tempted to closely inspect the other three.

Tom

Danr55 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2015, 07:47 PM

I plan to take the other three off and check them after I talk with Alden tomorrow.

RICK LAKE · #5 (**permalink**) 05-18-2015, 02:54 AM

Danr55 Dan if the rod pulled out of the head, is it pssible the shocks are too short. Easiest way to to measure with the car in the air with the control arms all the way up and down. Either the rod unscrewed itself or you went or a bump and the shock extended and ripped out from the aluminum top. check the other 3 also. Maybe some one here has numbers from the shocks they are running. With out going out to my car and checking a believe it has 2.5" of up and 5.5" of total down travel for the rear. The front is a 10" travel total. good luck Rick. Ps might want to look into QA1 shocks. been runing them for 7 years hard and no problems on auto cross. Double adjustables.

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-18-2015, 04:19 AM

I ran the QA1 12 way adjustable for 7 years road racing and never had a single problem. They are still on the Cobra which I sold to a cousin in Arkansas over 8 years ago but he doesn't drive it hard.

Ron

dave from mesa · #7 (**permalink**) 05-18-2015, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron61

I ran the QA1 12 way adjustable for 7 years road racing and never had a single problem. They are still on the Cobra which I sold to a cousin in Arkansas over 8 years ago but he doesn't drive it hard.

Ron

I know that guy!

Danr55 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-20-2015, 08:34 PM

I've inspected the other three shocks in the back and they all appear to be threaded all the way up into the head as the guy at Aldan said they should be. Seems like this is some kind of an anomoly. Aldan has agreed to rebuild this shock. I've sent them all of the parts and I'm waiting to hear something back from them. I'll keep up with what transpires.

Karl Bebout · #9 (**permalink**) 05-20-2015, 08:56 PM

Didja remember to check the compressed and fully extended lengths compared to the total travel distance? I remember you saying you had another set of shocks. Fronts or rears? If rears, you could use one temporarily until you get your repaired Aldan back. Awfully good driving weather to miss...

Danr55 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-21-2015, 09:06 AM

THe other set are rears, but they are warn out. These are coil overs while the others are not. I don't believe the two would be compatible. The Aldans are actually designed for the rear end that is in the car. The issue with this one it appears is that the top end somehow came unscrewed and pulled the last two threads. The other three appear to be fully threaded into the top cap and do not appear to be in danger of the same or similar failure. Not sure how this one got in such a condition, but all four were set to the same static height.. which should provide for sufficient expansion and contraction. With the 350 pound springs they do not expand and or contract easily.

Karl Bebout · #11 (**permalink**) 05-21-2015, 11:15 AM

"With the 350 pound springs they do not expand and or contract easily."

Oh Danr, I'll bet with the springs attached, they expand very easily...

Fitz · #12 (**permalink**) 05-23-2015, 01:57 PM

So how often should you replace shocks. ?? I always had a rule, especially with Batteries and tires. "Never waiting until you have to replace" Do it way ahead of time. Too hot to be stuck in Arizona....

Karl Bebout · #13 (**permalink**) 05-23-2015, 03:46 PM

"So how often should you replace shocks. ?? I always had a rule, especially with Batteries and tires. "Never waiting until you have to replace" Do it way ahead of time. Too hot to be stuck in Arizona...."

30-30

30 seconds or 30 feet.

If the shocks aren't leaking hydraulic fluid, and Danr hasn't broken them, there's no need to change. or, Gordon will surely be happy to change yours out for a couple grand.

Danr55 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-23-2015, 05:00 PM

I'll wait until I get some analysis from the OEM before I make any predictions or draw any conclusions.

Tim Brewer · #15 (**permalink**) 05-24-2015, 07:49 AM

I think you'll find your shocks are a bit short and have been "topping out" which will play havoc on your shocks over time. I guess by you saying "propeller shaft", you mean half shaft.

Mesa Mike · #16 (**permalink**) 05-27-2015, 07:46 PM

Agree with Karl. 350lbs is not a strong spring. Should be pretty bouncy unless you have two on each corner. I have 450# up front and 750# on the rear. FFR now puts 500# on front and 800# on rear corners. Maybe you should evaluate your springs as well as the shocks?

Karl Bebout · #17 (**permalink**) 05-27-2015, 08:12 PM

Mike, Danr does have two rear shocks on each side with his JAG IRS, just like mine.

Danr55 · #18 (**permalink**) 05-27-2015, 08:34 PM

Mike, Karl is correct. I also have a torsion bar front end....and with as much lift as I have on the springs on the rear, there is no way they could ever extend beyond the spring height.. that is pulled um 1 1/2 inches..