Original Shock Hoops, Old School

[Prizefighter]

I wanted to buy some of the old school shock hoops, the ones that are terrible for articulation because the shock is in front of the coil spring and were designed decades ago. I'm looking for some input on them because the guys who run them say they helped with the braking and handling of their Bronco. My Bronco will be a lot heavier than a stock Bronco with all the equipment in on it and have a 3.5" suspension lift. It will never see trails above a 2 on the 1-5 scale. I know a high quality single shock will perform better off-road but I'm really looking for street manners here. Thoughts on dual Duff's?

BTW why are these hoops so expensive ($250)? All the vendors charge that much and one vendor is $400... It's an old design and seems simple to make.

 

[kens bronco]

Here is a pair of Duff's http://www.ebay.com/itm/152166724023?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Kenny

 

[SHX669]

I remounted my second shock behind the coil - Duffs makes a "kit" to do that with their hoops.

 

[Prizefighter]

Here is a pair of Duff's http://www.ebay.com/itm/152166724023?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Kenny

Thanks Kenny, that price is a little better.

I remounted my second shock behind the coil - Duffs makes a "kit" to do that with their hoops.

Not looking to go with both behind the coil. This isn't for off-road and the shock in front is what is supposed to help with the braking and cornering says the guys who have them.

 

[DirtDonk]

It's more kind of a "six of one..." thing Prizefighter.
Yes, there is a difference in how a given shock will work ahead of the coils vs behind them, but it's mainly just having a second shock (in either location) that is going to help.
I think anyone would be hard pressed to really tell the difference without extensive driving. Just mounting a second shock anywhere would almost literally double the damping factor.

And that's what helps with cornering and braking. The location would be a secondary effect in my opinion. Type of shock matters too of course, but just doubling them up is a huge change.
Like I said though, not that it isn't going to be a measurable difference. Just that it's not going to be as "felt" as you might think. These guys that say that, are they also running long arms or anything that might soften the suspension movement? Just curious what they base their points on.
You'd more likely feel a slight comfort difference between front-vs-rear before the handling difference I'd think. It'd all be good for what you're wanting.

You could always go "older school" as well (and cheaper too!) and get the simple weld on shock mount for the front of the coil tower. You interested in that at all? Or just like the hoops better?
I think the hoops are a better product, and even serve to stiffen up the frame and spring tower in that area. But if you just wanted dual shocks and felt like saving a bit, that old style would be the way to go.

Just figured I'd throw that out there as well.

Paul

 

[ntsqd]

Shock in front is better for high speed off-road because the Motion Ratio is higher than with a shock at the rear (shock piston travels further per bump than does the wheel so more damping force applied). Effectively it's like adding Over-Drive to the shocks. It's one of the first things a serious Class 7 Ranger builder does (or did, 7 seems to be dead these days).

 

[Bluebolt]

ntsqd is correct, since the shocks are usually mounted to the radius arms the pivot point at the back of the radius arm is what dictates shock travel per inch of wheel travel. A rough calculation with the axle at 35" from the radius arm pivot shows with 14" of wheel travel a shock mounted 5" in front of the axle would have travel of about 16" while a shock mounted 5" behind the axle would have about 12" of travel.

A good example of this is the 1978-1979 Bronco with single front shocks, the drivers side is front of the axle and the Monroe replacement has 7.87" of travel, , the passengers is in back of the axle and has 6.625" of travel.