Replacing shocks

[bullit]

Hello all,

I have a 2005 Vigo with an old man emu suspension set up.
Now I bought the vehicle five years ago with the set up.

I’m not sure how old the shocks are and was thinking to replace them.

I got a price for four shocks @ R16000.00 these are OME shocks

Can one use other shocks instead of OME with the OME springs etc.

The price for the shocks is just too much.

[Mud Dog]

Do they need replacing? The OME products are pretty good and last very well by comparison the the general after market stuff.

Yes, you can replace with something other than OME but the shock travel specs must be the same (both in and out) The damping rates should also be close to similar if you want to maintain the same ride comfort. If you don't do a lot of off-road driving then Gabriel Safari or Monroe should be OK, otherwise I would suggest Bilstein (they also have serviceable models that reduce costs if you ever need to look at them again).

[pedders]

You can also try Pedders TrakRyder 4x4 Gas shocks. R6500 for the set.

[Allie Smit]

I have came across the same dilemma a few years ago with a Fortuner. Fitted a Gas type Gabriel if I remember correctly, ... and had no problems at all doing so. The OME's started leaking - but just in front.

[Dowe Koos]

Rayn, Go for Bilstein. price is about R9000.00.

[bullit]

Thanks for the responses.
Il look into alternatives.
Il not sure that they do need to be replaced, was just wondering as they could be 10 years old

[Dowe Koos]

mine was 9 years old and they was really kaput, finish, klaar

[bullit]

How does one test the shocks?

I know how to do it on a normal car is it the same for a off road vehicle?

[Mud Dog]

Pretty much the same. The bounce test is not a definitive way but it gives you a very good idea.

Push down on the corner of the vehicle (for each shock) and release ...

• vehicle body rises and stops immediately - excellent

• vehicle body rises and settles a little (one oscillation) - very good

• vehicle body rises, settles and rises a little (two oscillations) - still OK but getting tired

Any more oscillations and they're buggered.

[bullit]

Ta

[Dowe Koos]

Meaning Kaput.

[pietpetoors]

Sometimes a bit harder to press down on a high vehicle like Hilux, so what I do is I put my back against the vehicle at rear wheel and quickly lift it on the wheel arch and leave it. Has the same effect.