Thread: Shocks to Suit Parabolic Spring Upgrade

I've just purchased a set of parabolic springs which are new and unused, (secondhand to me) which came with "pro comp explorer" shocks, these too are unused. I'm not sure if these are a good match for the springs or not, they look a bit modern compared to the existing shock absorbers.
I'm hoping once everything is fitted that the ride quality improves to give a softer ride.

Originally Posted by Wolfman_TWP

Does anyone know where one can get shocks to suit para springs here is Aus??

I've tried around a half a dozen places without luck. (Stock ones, no problems)

Wolf

Hi Wolf

I am looking to replace the LWB parabolic spring set that I was coerced out of recently, with a set for a SWB and I will be looking for a suitable length shocker set to fit.

My plan is to, measure the static loaded distance and then the fully extended position, measuring between the centre of the eyes of the shocks, while the original springs are still in place. Then doing the same thing with the new spring set installed and after that give the measurements to a shock absorbers supplier.

I have been told that certain Toymotor and Missin Parole shocks will do the job.

Cheers Arthur

Hi Wolf,

Biggest thing about Parabolics is that they don't have any interleaf friction which creates it's own dampening effect in standard springs. Therefore the best match is gas filled shocks to provide more dampening from the shock. Parabolics will likely raise the vehicle a little but if you still have your check straps in place then the standard length shocks should do the job. You have to be careful with longer shocks as they lose out on the compressed length so don't necessarily help unless you also move the upper mounting point. Parabolics being a softer spring should compress easier than standard and will therefore cause an issue. The Rocky Mountain ones that were on my Game when I bought it were matched with ProComp dampers and they are still on there.

I'm not a big fan of parabolics having had both Rocky Mountain and two sets of BritPart ones sag pretty badly. I ended up taking a set of aftermarket standard springs and diamond cutting and chamfering the ends as well as removing two leaves from the back and one from the front. These seem to work pretty well and are much less choppy on the SWB than original standard springs.

TimJ.

Originally Posted by jerryd

I've just purchased a set of parabolic springs which are new and unused, (secondhand to me) which came with "pro comp explorer" shocks, these too are unused. I'm not sure if these are a good match for the springs or not, they look a bit modern compared to the existing shock absorbers.
I'm hoping once everything is fitted that the ride quality improves to give a softer ride.

Thanks jerryd,

Are they still in a box?? Any part numbers??

This is the area where I'm having problems getting these shocks..

Wolf

Originally Posted by Timj

Hi Wolf,

Biggest thing about Parabolics is that they don't have any interleaf friction which creates it's own dampening effect in standard springs. Therefore the best match is gas filled shocks to provide more dampening from the shock. Parabolics will likely raise the vehicle a little but if you still have your check straps in place then the standard length shocks should do the job. You have to be careful with longer shocks as they lose out on the compressed length so don't necessarily help unless you also move the upper mounting point. Parabolics being a softer spring should compress easier than standard and will therefore cause an issue. The Rocky Mountain ones that were on my Game when I bought it were matched with ProComp dampers and they are still on there.

I'm not a big fan of parabolics having had both Rocky Mountain and two sets of BritPart ones sag pretty badly. I ended up taking a set of aftermarket standard springs and diamond cutting and chamfering the ends as well as removing two leaves from the back and one from the front. These seem to work pretty well and are much less choppy on the SWB than original standard springs.

TimJ.

Thanks Tim,

Gas Shocks are the type I'm after. I have them in my Shorty. (Original size, as it has standard springs).

Strange that people have so many problems with Parabolic springs. I was told that the specifications are the same as used on 9 Ton trucks..

These are going to have to do me, until I get around the fixing the standard ones. Or get new ones of the same specs.

Pity I can't use my air shocks out of my HR (The Rear), length wise they would have done perfectly. But the eye and pins are reversed.. Damn

Wolf

I've got the RM kit and they use Procomp shocks.

I've found them to be pretty good although the ride is not much better than stock AFAIC.

The flex however is MUCH better and that was worth the cost for me.

The part numbers probably wont help you as I think Pro-comp make the shock especially for RM.
See here - Rocky Mountain Products, Parabolic Springs, Shackle Kits, Shock Absorber Kits

Originally Posted by ashhhhh

I've got the RM kit and they use Procomp shocks.

I've found them to be pretty good although the ride is not much better than stock AFAIC.

The flex however is MUCH better and that was worth the cost for me.

The part numbers probably wont help you as I think Pro-comp make the shock especially for RM.
See here - Rocky Mountain Products, Parabolic Springs, Shackle Kits, Shock Absorber Kits

Yeah, thanks Ashhhhh,

I decided to order a complete set from Rocky Mountain. They also supply longer check straps for the rear, and new pins etc.. (Have heaps of new pins.. More for spare )

The other strange thing is that I noticed that RM have shocks which are Aussie designed and made.. It's really stupid that one has to buy
overseas, when you can't get them here direct..

Wolf

Originally Posted by ashhhhh

The flex however is MUCH better and that was worth the cost for me.

Funnily enough we had a Landrover Jamboree up here recently where one of the contests was a travel ramp and I won the SWB section with the Game. Even got further than one of the new 90s with coils. So I think flex can be pretty good with standard type springs if you set them up properly.

TimJ.