Thanks for the response Paul. As it seems I'm probably overdue and, most likely, not realizing what I'm missing; I'm gonna re-shod my Kota with the Ranchos that Andy is pleased with.
Tom
-----Original Message-----
From: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
[mailto:dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net]
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 9:29 PM
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
Subject: Re: DML: Shock Replacement Question
Hi Tom
There is "no compelling reason" to replace a shock that is still doing
the job. It's only there to control rebound and if it's still doing that to
your satisfaction then leave them alone, continue your periodic jounce tests
and when you can clearly see that fatigue has set in, replace them.
In my experience I've never seen original shocks give satisfactory
service for the number of miles you have on your truck. I replaced mine (a
2000) at 15k mi and they were quite weak in the knees at that point, the
fronts much more so than the rears.
A new after market shock from any of a number of manufacturers will give
you just about any kind of performance you desire. Paying a big price does
not guarantee anything. If you ask your dealer's parts dept. for a price on
replacing the OEM's on your truck you'll discover MoPar wants as much as
several of the big name brands. It's been my experience that buying a
replacement shock that is very firm at the outset gives the longest service.
Obviously as the miles pile up the shock slowly goes from very firm to pretty
firm to firm to sluggish and time to replace. If you buy one that's already
on the soggy side when new it will not give you very many miles before it
must be replaced.
Paul Sahlin
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