replaced front shocks on our L400 ... what a difference

[northriver]

Replaced the front shocks on our L400 yesterday ... what a difference in the ride!
We were getting a slight vibration through the steering column before at highway speed and this is gone now.
More importantly ... the van does not bounce badly when going over bumps (like speed bumps) at low speeds.
I am very curious to see how the van handles on the highway in windy weather now, and I am wondering if I should also replace the back shocks now.

I ended up going with Pro Comp 9000 series shocks (Ordered 2 x 914510 for the front from Lordco w/ replacement bushings PV2028). Lordco did not end up having the replacement bushings on hand after saying they did not need to order them over the phone ... it can be very frustrating dealing with them!

If you think your van bounces around a lot I would definitely think about replacing the shocks.

[LeeHammy]

You should alsways change both front and rear. To me its the same as having different tires on different axels. The suspension system works together as a whole and if you only do half you won't be getting the most out of your new front shocks. Shocks are inexpensive. Think when you turn sharply both front and rear are working on one side. If only the front is done this won't happen as well as it should.
Well worth it to do the rear.

[batman]

leehammer

is this joke?

tire make contact with road, not shock. Not same.

More suspension parts that work together than just shock.

not necessary change rear if rear is good. waste of money to be used in other parts

thank you for comedy sir !

[LeeHammy]

No joke bat boy.
Different shocks mean different rates of compression due to different valving, causing tires with one set of shocks to return to contact with road at different rates when the tire hits a bump leaving handling less desirable on rough roads. Different shocks with different structures (Nitro or not) will heat up at different rates leaving one set soft the other firm. The tire won't make contact with road on corrugation leaving you with a loss of control if the shock is spongy... And yes there is more at work then just shocks. Which is why you should be changing sway bar links,bushes, springs and shocks to get the most out of a suspension upgrade.
My comment's aim was to give ideas, sugestions and info if needed, hastily typed on my blackberry as it was as I sat having coffee, yours however seemed geared towards cutting down what I said with what could only be described as ESL or Tarzan engrish... Although that part made me laugh so thanks back at you.

Advice to you... Less negative smack talk more contribution.

[legionnair]

Have to agree with lee if the rears are a different brand or older than 5 years they should be changed as well. Poor performing shocks can cause increased tire wear the sign is cupping tires.

Something worth noting

Dustin

[batman]

thank you miscommunication I read northdriver has good handling after replacing front so why replace read if L400 handles well. I see your points too

[northriver]

Drove the van on the highway during heavy winds yesterday ... the improvement in handling is impressive ... did not feel like the van was being blown around anymore!

We initially decided to change the front shocks due to wear/cupping of the front tires. So far there is no evidence of similar wear on the back tires. However, as far as I could tell the shocks I replaced on the front were original so I am assuming the rear shocks are also original (have not looked yet) and the rear seems to bounce a bit now that the front of the van is stable. I think next job will be replacing the rear shocks.

Thanks for the comments LeeHammy and legionnair.

Chris

[Drumster]

I had my shocks replaced with Pro Comps recently too; Butch also did the alignment and took care of a few other things as well.

I noticed a mild improvement in stability in general and a reduction in the top heavy feel of my L400. I think for bumpy dirt roads the stock ones were pretty decent at soaking up the harsh jolts but overall these new ones are better. My main complaint with the old ones was the wallowy sensation in corners; which has improved.

I had wanted Bilstines but after reading about how difficult they were to find I opted for the P/Cs. Got 'em at a decent price from North Shore Off Road - referred by Jesse.

Later found out that Butch at CVI can get the Bilstines... pricey though.