shocks and springs

[thistle3585]

Can someone explain to me how shocks and springs work together. I put new ProComp springs and Gabriel shocks on the front and back and the ride is horrible. Very stiff. I hit small heaves in the road and I feel like I'm being tossed fifty feet in the air. How do I soften the ride?

I've also read that the shackle bolts may be too tight? What would the proper torque be? I think I'm at 60#.

 

[Les]

The torque spec on the shackle bolts is about 24-ish ft-lbs and 100 for the pivot bolts according to Chiltons, and it will pinch the bushing if you go much tighter than that. Once you have them tightened, if you can put a wrench on the bolt and turn it without exerting too much effort, then you are ok. I tend to go mostly by feel, like I do on a front axle nut. I get them snug enough, where there is no slop, but still with enough play to allow for proper movement. And yes, if they are too tight, it will feel like your Jeep has square wheels, when you go down the road.

 

[CJim7]

60ftlbs is wayyyy to tight. They just need to be a little tighter then snug. Typically new springs are stiff to begin with. There are little things that can be done to 'tune' them.....loosening the C-brackets helps. There are also teflon spacers that can be installed between the springs.
The shocks can play a roll if they are too stiff. That coupled with over-tightened hangar/shackle bolts will contribute to a harsh ride.

 

[tarry99]

Can someone explain to me how shocks and springs work together. I put new ProComp springs and Gabriel shocks on the front and back and the ride is horrible. Very stiff. I hit small heaves in the road and I feel like I'm being tossed fifty feet in the air. How do I soften the ride?

I've also read that the shackle bolts may be too tight? What would the proper torque be? I think I'm at 60#.

Thistle:

In the simplest terms springs are designed to hold up the sprung weight of the vehicle and work within a predetermined range spring rate while shocks are in theory designed to control the un-sprung weight of the vehicle.

Definition: Sprung = weight above the axle Body frame motor & Transmission .And un-sprung the weight of the rear ends axles and tires.

When it comes to shocks they should only be stiff enough to control the weight and action of the axle for the intended driving application.

Think of it this way, if you were driving over rough roads all the time at say 65 mph a much stiffer shock valving would need to be in place to control the up and down movements of the spring , axles , wheels and tires...... versus the same vehicle driving down a dirt road at 25 mph or rock crawling at 2 mph.

I am assuming that you did a lift of some sort on your Jeep at the same time?
If so the springs were re-arched for lift meaning that they changed the normal working moment of the spring and moved it up ( arch) to get your desired lift. In either case you will seldom find a lifted spring that will also provide a smooth ride..........

Getting back to shocks most people tend to over-shock there ride not taking into account the things mentioned above while not understanding they are adding to the already uncomfortable ride.

 

[micrablue]

thistle,
I bought ProComp lift kit a couple years ago, drove on it for a week, and tried everything you have tried to cure the ride. It was the same as you say.

Solution: cleaned and packed it back up and went for a refund. Purchased Skyjacker and never looked back. There is a difference in quality lifts.

Shocks: I have been riding on both Nitro and Hydro (Skyjacker shocks) for years now. I am now updating my ride. I have bought the latest Rancho 9000s (RS999116) to be specific. I have a 4" lift with 1" body lift. Many people say they aren't worth the cost. Here is the cost to debunk those people:

$420 (for 4) - $63 (15%off+free shipping @ Autoanything)= $357 - $105 (Rancho rebate 30Oct2012) = $252 total. That is $63 per shock, for 9 way adjustable shocks made in the USA. No gimmick.

You can search for Jeepers with RS 9000's and see if they like 'em or not and maybe they'll work for you.

Future mod is updating to Rubicon Express 4.5" Extreme Duty lift for CJ (only need the springs really).