Rear Long Travel & Hydro Bumps

[Jono.ful]

So, for what it's worth, when I went about building the rear end up the MetalTech LT coils never made my list because I knew I was going to be overloading them and didn't want a rear ride-height at or below 2". I started with AllPro 3.5'' coils which were soft but sagged too much under load, which I kind of figured would happen. Then Dobinson's came on the scene with their progressive coils and I picked up their heaviest set at the time. The only trip I took with those was Death Valley and carried around 750 pounds of gear, armor included. It was still bottoming out so they made me an even heavier set which I believe has been added to the catalog. Unloaded it's probably around 4" of rear lift. I haven't fully loaded it due to my accident, but partially loaded it came down to maybe 3-3.5"?

I know hard numbers are needed which I can get later next month hopefully. Either way my point is that it could be a good option for a heavier load capacity coil with extended down travel. Granted the overall rear lift tis going to be taller. These coils are also why I'm waiting on shocks because I need to get under there and cycle through everything to get the travel where I want it. This is not a plug for Dobinsons, just my experience in trying to get the rear suspension where I want it.

Do you know what the spring rates were on the dobinson progressive coils? Heavy metaltechs I have on now are 300/104, hardly any sag after 4 months, even loaded

 

[JSparky]

Do you know what the spring rates were on the dobinson progressive coils? Heavy metaltechs I have on now are 300/104, hardly any sag after 4 months, even loaded

Nice. Not offhand, you'd have to contact them. I also wanted a little more lift in back for clearance from the bumpstops because I hate bottoming out so the coils are a littler taller.

 

[wfo9]

So, for what it's worth, when I went about building the rear end up the MetalTech LT coils never made my list because I knew I was going to be overloading them and didn't want a rear ride-height at or below 2". I started with AllPro 3.5'' coils which were soft but sagged too much under load, which I kind of figured would happen.

Not that it matters much, but I guy I know had the allpros... and the long travel shocks... and they kept fallout out on the trail.. They were not long enough...

 

[JSparky]

Not that it matters much, but I guy I know had the allpros... and the long travel shocks... and they kept fallout out on the trail.. They were not long enough...

Makes sense, sorry I forgot to mention I didn't plan on going with extended downtravel shocks until I got the progressive coils, simply because why not. That's good to know though.

 

[Jono.ful]

Radflo's which are the bottom of the barrel for shocks on the market.

What are basing this opinion on?

 

[Flahart]

What are basing this opinion on?

I've had every shock manufacturer apart to rebuild or revalve. When you see the corners cut on the internals and machining just to save a few pennies but not gain anything in performance or reliability they gain a reputation. They are the cheapest bolt in shocks on the market for a reason, and not because they are the best quality.

 

[Jono.ful]

I've had every shock manufacturer apart to rebuild or revalve. When you see the corners cut on the internals and machining just to save a few pennies but not gain anything in performance or reliability they gain a reputation. They are the cheapest bolt in shocks on the market for a reason, and not because they are the best quality.

Cheapest relative to what? Certainly they are less than King and Icon, about the same as Fox, certainly more than Bilsteins, Rancho, OME etc.
Radflo also uses stainless bearings where as Icon uses carbon steel (heard this may have changed). I've also rebuilt my Radflos a couple times now and have not witnessed any of the short cuts you mention. All surfaces were properly machined and polished appropriately. My only beef after 4 years with them on is that the shafts are starting to pit slightly as the very bottom where the slider sits

 

[JSparky]

I've had every shock manufacturer apart to rebuild or revalve. When you see the corners cut on the internals and machining just to save a few pennies but not gain anything in performance or reliability they gain a reputation. They are the cheapest bolt in shocks on the market for a reason, and not because they are the best quality.

Well, a lot of us run Radflo without hitch. They can be had for a lower cost which, if you flip the coin, could represent a good value depending on your priorities. I got Radflo 2.5" non-resi for under a grand, with up-rated springs and matched to custom-length rears for no extra cost. The same-spec Icon is currently $1260. I'm not arguing over the potential quality differences, I'm just pointing out that there's some value to consider in a 20% savings.

I think I speak for many when I say we'd would love to hear your insight on the internal differences, an objective review comparing brands would be awesome. There's a ton of existing Brand-A vs Brand-B shock threads that can be updated as well. I just don't want this thread to get too off-track because it's one of the few dealing specifically with rear long/extended travel and hydro bumps.

 

[Flahart]

Radflo are cheap compared to all other rebuildable shocks on the market besides FOA. I didn't say anything about Bilstien, OME, white rocket auto parts store specials because they do not apply nor are they in the same class.

The bearings? I've replaced more "china" branded COM10 bearings on Radflo's than I ever have on other shock brands. The Carbon VS SS ball and race material doesn't matter when the teflon liner is what wears and causes the bearing to have play.

Since you only have opened up Radflo's then you haven't seen how much better the Piston's, IPF's, Seal heads are with Fox, King, Icon, ADS.


I'm not going to write up a BrandX vs BrandY comparison, Just not enough time or value in it for me. AccuTune has some of that kind of content if you want to geek out on it.

Shock Selection | AccuTune Off-Road

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[bimrunner]

I have a set of King air bumps and brackets for inside my spring coils waiting to get installed. I just haven't had a chance yet. Not sure they are going to work or be better. Just trying to soften up the bonk I get out back. I'll let you know when they are in.