I added shocks today.

Anything to do with mechanical, construction etc

Postby Micro469 » Mon Aug 06, 2007 8:36 pm

I see that the C channel is way too high. Can't you just swing the shock down and mount it to the angle iron that the spring is mounted on?

Not having shocks, I probably don't know what I'm talking about.... ;)
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Postby nikwax » Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:02 pm

Micro469 wrote:I see that the C channel is way too high. Can't you just swing the shock down and mount it to the angle iron that the spring is mounted on?

Not having shocks, I probably don't know what I'm talking about.... ;)



no, the angle of the shock and the in/out plane would be all wrong. The shock also needs to be protected from over extension or compression. I started out with the shock mounted to the axle and then started moving it around to see where it would have to be located to be functional.


I like what Herr Finn did with the cross member, very clever. I've seen cross-mounted shocks on the rear of off road pickup trucks that have limited vertical space for suspension.



I guess while we're discussing this, "shock absorbers" as we call them in the states don't actually "absorb shock" (springs or torsion bars do this). A more accurate name might be "dampers" which I believe is what the Brits call them. They serve to damp out oscillations of the suspension, which enhances compliance (compliance is a very good thing in suspension).
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Postby spadman » Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:39 pm

is this a good upgrade? let me reask that...would this be a good upgrade for my utility trailer conversion project. what would also be wise upgrades and add-ons to the suspension? :vroom: :pinktear:
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Postby sseaman » Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:18 pm

nice fab work
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Postby Gerdo » Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:52 am

It was well worth it for my TD. Without it would hit a bump then bounce bounce bounce. With the shocks it stops bouncing very quickly. I'm very happy that I added the shocks.
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Kudos to Gerdo!

Postby wanders » Fri May 09, 2008 3:26 pm

With inspiration and advice from Gerdo, I've added shocks to our tear. Major improvement in bounciness and ride comfort in the tow vehicle! This is well worth doing.

Here's how it looks:

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Re: Kudos to Gerdo!

Postby Jim Marshall » Sat May 10, 2008 6:43 pm

wanders wrote:With inspiration and advice from Gerdo, I've added shocks to our tear. Major improvement in bounciness and ride comfort in the tow vehicle! This is well worth doing.

Here's how it looks:

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Wally, ya'll did a great job on the shocks buddy, they look good.
I started out with nothing and I still got plenty left.

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Postby WarPony » Sat May 10, 2008 8:19 pm

Yes, very good job!! If it still bounces too much, take the bottom leaf out. I had to on mine because, at 625 lbs., the springs didn't compress enough to even work the shocks.

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Postby jp03 » Wed May 28, 2008 1:49 pm

Installed mine, bottom with single u bolt and 1/4 steel angle x 2". Top I used a 1/2 #8 bolt thru existing upper side rail bolt hole. (used a bronze bearing as a bushing 5/8 x 1/2 ") Put a washer on the outside, then made a u channel like filler for the inside of the "c" channel. (standing up so side rails brace between C channel). Then use schedule 80 steel nipple as a bolt holder between both pieces and the shock. Just have to get my pictures downloaded from camera someday.
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Postby Lgboro » Sun Jun 01, 2008 9:42 am

I added shocks to my tractor supply 4 x 8 (well reinforced 4 x 9 now) this past Friday.

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I don't think I can get the picture posted here but is in my album
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Postby Gerdo » Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:15 am

After thousands of miles all is still good.
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Postby jopasm » Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:36 pm

The link to the information on the Monroe retrofit kit in the first post isn't working for me, but here's a direct link to their PDF with info on the kits:

http://www.monroeheavyduty.com/catalog/docs/MHD08_Trailer_Retrofit_Kits.pdf
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Postby kennyrayandersen » Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:41 pm

I couldn’t tell from the pictures because the bracket was obscuring the spring mount, but would the shock be more effective on the hanger side of the spring, rather than the pivot, since this would have a bit more displacement which would give the shock a little more stroke?
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Postby Shadow Catcher » Wed Sep 23, 2009 5:38 pm

If I were designing an OFF Road TD I would go with a full independent, probably similar to www.adventuretrailers.com
Independent airbag with shocks. Actually an easy design and ride height can be adjusted.
Their suspension design history www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html
the also have home builder parts www.adventuretrailers.com/homebuilder.html

I am currently looking for a way to add an airbag and shock to a Torflex.
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Re: I added shocks today.

Postby Sparksalot » Sun Nov 10, 2019 11:14 pm

Bump an oldy but goody
Holy cow, Rose is a teenager now! Done? Surely you jest. A teardrop is never "done".

The Compass Rose build thread: viewtopic.php?t=23213

Inspiration: http://tnttt.com/Design_Library/Trailer%20for%20Two.htm

It's got a cop motor, a 5.3 LS plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. ~ Elwood Blues
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