SHOCK ADAPTER from Independent 4X

[Joe_Black]

Independent4X (http://www.independent4x.com) has an adapter that allows the use of a standard eye-to-eye mount shock for use with our post-to-eye mounts.

http://www.independent4x.com/Images/shockposttoloopkit.jpg

Check it out here: Shock Post to Loop Kit (http://www.independent4x.com/item.html?UCIDs=839915%7C1109486&PRID=1525221)

[johnnyapollo]

I wonder if that price is for one shock or a set of four.

-- John

[Ldub]

Looks like the last line answers your Q:

"Pair, includes all grade 8 hardware" ;)

[Joe_Black]

Yup, so you'd need two pair for the whole set. Independent also carries the Bilstein 7100 for a reasonable price at $189 each. These are considered basic competition shocks and are custom valvable in addition to being fully rebuildable. Essentially the last set of shocks you'd likely ever buy.

http://www.independent4x.com/Images/BILSTEIN7100.jpg

[kpaske]

I'm in the market for some new shocks... $189 each huh? Sounds a bit steep, but I want to upgrade from my Rancho 9000x series. Can you suggest a good "in between" model?

What about dual shocks? Wasn't there a VX out there that had these, maybe that one in Thailand with the custom lift?

[Triathlete]

I'm in the market for some new shocks... $189 each huh? Sounds a bit steep, but I want to upgrade from my Rancho 9000x series. Can you suggest a good "in between" model?

What about dual shocks? Wasn't there a VX out there that had these, maybe that one in Thailand with the custom lift?

If $189 is to much why would you want to go with dual shocks? Twice as many shocks=twice as much $$$. With the 7100's you will literally never ned to buy another shock due to it wearing out...just have it rebuilt at a fraction of the cost. Unless your racing Baja, doing big jumps or mall cruising do you really need dual shocks?

[Joe_Black]

The only dual-shock set I've seen was on the rally VX's, and they utilized different mounts and geometry.

Like Billy states, the cost is twice as much as is your potential for failure. And that's likely not even for a rebuildable unit like the 7100. The really nice thing about a serious shock is also that it's revalvable which allows you to change it's characteristics as you see fit.

[Triathlete]

JB
If you go the route of the 7100's let us know what part#'s you go with since I'm sure I'll be in need of replacements soon.

[Joe_Black]

Will do! Right now I've got to replace the engine mounts on the IronMan as they've finally worn out.

[kpaske]

If $189 is to much why would you want to go with dual shocks? Twice as many shocks=twice as much $$$. With the 7100's you will literally never ned to buy another shock due to it wearing out...just have it rebuilt at a fraction of the cost. Unless your racing Baja, doing big jumps or mall cruising do you really need dual shocks?

I guess I could have worded the question a little better. What I was really wondering is since Rancho's can be had for about half the cost of the Bilsteins, would installing dual Ranchos be better than a single Bilstein?

In all honesty, no, I don't need half of the stuff I put on my VX. I don't really go offroad much, but I like having the ability. If you must know, I'm preparing for the Armageddon. I dream of one day living like Mad Max. Just kidding. Or am I? ;Db;

[TEN36VX]

Yup, so you'd need two pair for the whole set.
If there are only two post-to-eye shocks in the front, wouldnt you then only need one pair? Mine are eye-to-eye in the back, hence no pair needed for the back... Right?

[Triathlete]

Right you are! Only 1 set needed.

[kpaske]

I'm trying to get part numbers for those Bilsteins, but I guess Bilstein doesn't list the Vehicross. Does anyone know what vehicles the VX shares shocks with (specific models and years)? Also what trooper year the OME 912 springs were designed for? Either that, or the extended and compressed lengths of the stock shocks?

Since the shock adapter adds what looks like about 2 inches of length to the shock, wouldn't we need to buy a slightly shorter-than-stock shock for the front (even with cranked torsion bars)?

What about valving? I have no idea how to select the correct valves. Joe? You out there, buddy? Tone? Anybody? ;Db;

[Triathlete]

I know someone has posted the extended and compressed lenghts before.

[kpaske]

Yeah, I know... I may have even posted them before myself, but I couldn't find them. :P

[Joe_Black]

Reg Hinnant had shared some great info he put together a couple years ago when we last had a major shock discussion. Here's what he had...


Hi Joe, I want to share what I have researched on the 7100 shocks. It may save you a little time.
I am basing this on an unlifted VX but I believe you would be concerned with the same collapsed spec's with a 2/3" lift.

Rear shocks
Original VX ext=19.25" col=12.56 eye to eye shock
AK7108R ext=22.29" col=14.06 eye to eye shock
Extended position is approx 3" longer. You may need extended length stop added to prevent rear spring from falling out when fully extended. 2/3" lift may be OK.
Collapsed length is approx 1.5" longer which will be close but should work with our bump stops being the size they are. I have not got under the vehicle to measure this yet.
This shock does not come in a "short body" version that would reduce the col length but the 10/12 &14" does.

Front shocks
Original VX ext=15.35 col=10.24 stem to eye shock
Class 11 front ext=18.58" col=12.00 stem to eye shock
Class 11 rear ext=16.22" col=10.86 eye to eye shock
My measurments show the the class 11 front too long collapsed and it would bottom out before the bump stop would.
I believe the class 11 rear with the adapter possibly would work as long as the rod to eye adapter did not extend the length. I would need to assemble a shock & adapter to know for sure
The part # for the class 11 front is B46-1085R.
The part # for the class 11 rear is B46-0930R.
All of these are the 7100 series with all valve settings available.
They come with reservior & reservior mounting hardware.
Best online price is at jack-it.com & offroadwarehouse.com

Also, Independent4X suggests that you contact them for fitment to your particular application. As they are a Bilstein dealer and do a lot of Isuzu mods that would be good and prudent advice to follow. ;)

[kpaske]

Thanks, Joe... Reg seems to be the resident expert as upon further digging I also found this very informative post:


Here is the start of a master list of shock part numbers that most VX'ers would consider.
The big problem with a lot of shocks, that look good, is that the manufactor does not offer them in anything but eye to eye config. (OK for rear but not for front) Nor do they offer them in the correct length, extended to compressed. You can use some additional extended length in the rear. (to the point that the rear springs will fall out at full extension) These variations get into truck lift, etc and personal preferance.

So I'm listing what will be a standard replacement for a stock VX.

This is by no means complete but a starting point for your own research. You can do a search on the forum by shock manuf name & come up with members who have them and comments on them.

Isuzu VX OEM KYB rally type shocks for reference
Extended Compressed P/N
Frnt 15.35 x 10.24 89721 25330
Rear 19.25 x 12.56 89721 25340

KYB aftermarket replacement (MonoMax)
http://www.kyb.com/shocks/monomax.html
VX listing
Ext Comp P/N
Frnt 15.35 x 10.39 565022
Rear 19.49 x 12.95 565023

Bilstein
http://www.bilstein.com
Trooper listing
P/N
Frnt B46-1738 H2 (B46-1738 H1 for stiffer front shocks)
Rear B46-1739 H1
No other shock models for Trooper/VX spec's

Koni
http://www.koni-na.com/display.cfm?...submit=Continue
Trooper listing 1992/96
P/N
Frnt 30-1565 (red)
Rear 30-1566 (red)

Rancho
http://www.gorancho.com
Trooper listing
RS9000X
Ext Comp P/N
Frnt 14.50 x 10.37 RS99214
Rear 19.12 x 12.87 RS99215
RS5000
Ext Comp P/N
Frnt 15.00 x 9.07 RS5214
Rear 19.75 x 12.75 RS5215

Edelbrock
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive...tic_trucks.html
Performer IAS Series Shocks for Trooper
“They are different sizes and have different strokes. We do not recommend using our shocks on vehicles they were not designed for as the inertia valve is vehicle specific. Your vehicle has a shorter chassis which makes it lighter -we do not recommend using our shocks as the valves are not calibrated for your vehicle. Please contact Bilstein for a recommendation.”

Gabriel
http://www.gabriel.com/
Trooper listing
Ultra Premium SUV
P/N
Frnt G63707
Rear G63708

OME
http://www.arbusa.com/
NitroCharger Shocks
Trooper listing
P/N
Frnt N65 (firm) N26F (soft)
Rear N15 (firm) N15C (soft)
LTR shocks - No configuration for Trooper/VX


Tokico
http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/truck/performsafe.html
Trek>Master R/T
Trooper listing
P/N
Frnt GE3497
Rear GE3498


Doetsch Systems
http://www.doetsch-shocks.com/monotube.php
Nitrogen Gas 9000 Monotube 2.0 series. standard or rebuildable/with or without external reservoir, piggyback or SS braided line/valving setup as per customer spec’s.
VX recomendation - XFirm. Rebuildable add "R" after M2 in P/N
Ext Comp P/N
Frnt 15.50 x 10.00 M29069
Rear 19.50 x 12.50 M29129

LiftedRear 21.50 x 13.00 M29163
Specify 9/16" steel sleeves for rear shock or you will get 1/2"

This is an OEM manufacture who will build up custom shocks to order.
(As of this date 7-01-04, Doetsch was not able to build an exact equivalent to the VX shocks. This was determined after shipping a pair of original shocks to them for disassembly & examination. The shocks that they build are much softer than stock.)

No minimum quantity requirements.
Rebuildable by the factory for $35.00 each or by any shop that rebuilds shocks.
All styles of shocks including "In cockpit adjustable type" like the 9000 adjustables.

1-800-8SHOCKS Order direct. Talk to Derrick

I already contacted Summit and another retailer and neither of them could help me, but I'll take your advise and contact Independent4x.

[ZEUS]

I need to replace my shocks and have been searching the forum for what would work best for my specific application. And I haven't been able to come up with a definitive answer so I thought I would ask. I have the OME 912's and will soon be stepping up to 33" tires and lifting another 1". So I see people talking about the Rancho 9000 and the Bilstein 17-series H1 and getting the OEM shocks rebuilt. BUT! What would best control 33" tires for the next 50,000 miles? I want the best handling I can get without skipping a CD at every bump! Thanks for any input...

[UtahVXer]

Why don't you guys like the stock shocks?
Though mine are still going strong, I understand they are also rebuildable upon failure.

[Triathlete]

They are not built to be rebuildable although I believe someone found a place that would tear them down and re-do them. The price to get it done was still fairly expensive and I have heard no reports of anyone going this route or how succesfull it was. New factory shocks are over $400 each. So most are looking for something that performs as well as the stock shocks but at a more reasonable price.

[johnny010]

getting back on topic, did anyone try out the shock adapter kit? what's the verdict? i don't need shocks at this point, but am doing the standard lift w/33" tires.