Shocked..

[BDalldorf]

I have late 2012 Jimny with 28000km on the clock and a 40mm spacer lift kit. I took my Jimny in to get the balancing done, etc at a Dunlop fitment center and asked them to check the shocks aswell. They said all the shocks are finished and need replacing (see attached report).

It doesn't make sense... especially since I was forced to replace both the rear shocks just over a year ago to keep my warranty intact (they got knocked loose and I had them put back at another garage).

Guys is this possible? Is it the lift kit putting extra stress on them? I seem to have to replace the Jimnys wear and tear parts all the time.

[marlonrc]

Hey there
I speak completely on foggy memory from previous threads, but as far as I know...
The spacer lift kit, will put extra force (on extension) on the shocks, IF you used the standard length shocks. Hence, people put on longer shocks to accomodate the extra travel (and eventually hitting the end of travel) of the standard length shocks.

When I considered the spacers now, I looked at shocks that are 40mm longer (which made it cheaper later to buy the 40mm longer coils).
You will likely be good to go on longer shocks, since you hgave to replace now (and I hope/don't think shocks are too expensive) :/

I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong (oh, of course they will).

Hehehe:
That sheet says that after 80 000km it should be damaged quickly, I am sure we can organise that.

[BDalldorf]

Hahaha! We have enough potholes here to damage them quite easily if neccessary

[ZS6LSC GP]

Just Received this form LA Sport.
If a Leveling Kit is not done correctly it can Cause Lots of Damage!!

I will not trust anyone with my suspension - there's a lot of places that makes stuff like this, " O this is easy to make - Lets duplicate and Makes Lots of Money"
when it comes to Suspensions and Control.... DONT Take Short cuts!!
Rather go to a Fitment Centre that knows ( LA Sport / 4x4 Megaworld ... ex.) - Pay a bit more and you know you and your Family are safe!

[marlonrc]

Indeed.
BUT! Spacers are used widely, and 100% safe and fine, a lot of members use them, it's just a matter of using the longer shocks with them. It makes sense, the shock will be at it's extended limits way more often with a spacer, if it's shorter.

I agree though, a reputable installer, or for shocks, someone like HiQ or whatever will do just fine, unless it's that kid at supaquick in Montague Gardens, *shiver*

[saxj]

The spacer lift, adds spacers to the shocks as well, so no need for longer shocks.

My shocks also only lasted 30000kms, but I do quite a lot of dirt road driving.
I replaced them with Amada Xtreme's. It's the best mod I've done to my Jimny.

[Gerhardstru]

I also had a shock test done. Shocks finished had to replace 55 000km. Dealer replaced the shocks. Went back to the same Garage that did the shock test and did another shock test. Results came back .......... Shocks needs to be replaced.

This was a well known tire place on Malibongwe, Strijdompark VW replaced the shocks.

In short I dont trust these shock tests they do

[marlonrc]

At least they used a device capable of generating a graph. Guy in bethlehem that tested my father's Isuzu shocks just pressed down on the front of the vehicle, and said "yup, worn"...

[Paul Dold]

So you are pleased with Amada Xtreme's.

What is the ride like?

The spacer lift, adds spacers to the shocks as well, so no need for longer shocks.

My shocks also only lasted 30000kms, but I do quite a lot of dirt road driving.
I replaced them with Amada Xtreme's. It's the best mod I've done to my Jimny.

[Andz]

I agree with Gerhard.

I have witnessed many shock testers fail new shocks , saying they are worn and need replacing.

I would stick to the old fasioned test of bouncing the vehicle a few times and see how many rebounds you get before it settles.

[saxj]

So you are pleased with Amada Xtreme's.

What is the ride like?

I feel that the ride is a bit harsh, but their performance more than makes up for the slight discomfort.
With the original shocks, I found it hard to maintain 60 on a badly surfaced dirt road, often thinking I was going to die if I kept to that speed. With the Amada's on the same surface, I can do 80 comfortably and only over 90 does it start to feel uncomfortable. But I do know that high speed on dirt can get you in to a world of trouble very quickly, so I tend to stay at around 60-70kph.

[BDalldorf]

I agree with Gerhard.

I have witnessed many shock testers fail new shocks , saying they are worn and need replacing.

I would stick to the old fashioned test of bouncing the vehicle a few times and see how many rebounds you get before it settles.

That's what I am thinking as I don't notice anything wrong with the shocks or the ride...

The spacer lift, adds spacers to the shocks as well, so no need for longer shocks.

I do have the shock extensions as well as the spacers, pretty sure the lift kit is not causing any problems.

[xrapidx]

What would a set of standard replacement shocks go for a Jimny?

[MariusFourie]

drive 40km/h then brake hard. The nose must dive and when you come to a stop it must come up (one movement) and sometimes a small down movement as well. Any bounces more than that and the shocks are finished.

Do the test in reverse to check the rear shocks.

Pay special attention to the corners to check a singular shock that may be off.

[Jeepanator]

I killed my front shocks in 12000km, actually drove the rubber bushes out of the shocks.

Personally I think the standard shocks is useless for offroad use they wont last!
Spend the extra money and get Tough Dog or EFS and you wont regret it.

My 2c

[BDalldorf]

drive 40km/h then brake hard. The nose must dive and when you come to a stop it must come up (one movement) and sometimes a small down movement as well. Any bounces more than that and the shocks are finished.

Do the test in reverse to check the rear shocks.

Pay special attention to the corners to check a singular shock that may be off.

Thanks for the tip! Will definitely try that out

[marlonrc]

Keep us posted too, want to know if those shocks were actually wasted or if there's another place using crappy testers.

Also, curious about what you're going to get as a replacement....

[EetHomKitty]

My problem with these mashines iho they dont carer for a sfa 1 tonne jimny.

[BDalldorf]

drive 40km/h then brake hard. The nose must dive and when you come to a stop it must come up (one movement) and sometimes a small down movement as well. Any bounces more than that and the shocks are finished.

No bounces.. I haven't noticed any unusual handling in fact

My problem with these mashines iho they dont carer for a sfa 1 tonne jimny.

That's what I was thinking, its seems weird that all 4 shocks are gone at the same time, I wondering if the machine caters the Jimny...

[Jay4]

I have a set of std shocks and coils with 17000kms on if anyone wants to make me a offer?