ADS Off-Road Racing Shocks - Information, Pictures, & BS Thread

No noise for me... I cranked my rears down pretty tight to avoid having them turn on me and contact my leafs.

 

Are you sure its not the valve stack of the clickers opening and closing over the bumps???

 

It could be. Does it really squeak like that? Hasn’t done it for a week, now starts?

 

I'm not sure the exact sound you're hearing but the valve stack will make a slightly muffled squeak going over bumps which is totally normal. Usually I only notice it going low speed over bumps with the windows down.

 

Is it something that happens as the shocks break in? Does it get louder or stay the same sound over time?

 

On mine the sound is static - doesn't change with time.

 

Was reading through the instructions on the 3-leaf AAL install and was wondering if anyone had issues with the two notes here? Specifically the cutting of the center pin.

 

Nope. I cut the center pin and grind it smooth. No issues. I would recommend leaving some threads (4-5) exposed beyond the nut. Otherwise, feel free to cut.

 

Nice! Guess I forgot to specify, but this was for the HeadStrong 3leaf. The threads are already pretty short so maybe I won't need to cut it. We'll see.

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...eafs_with_u-bolts_(PAIR)_-_HS-TOY055-3AL.html

 

Hey ADS people, I am deciding between ADS level 1 with Dakar’s or BP51s on my 3rd gen. I Didn’t really see much comparing them directly. I can get bps for nearly the same cost and most of what I’m doing is longer mild to medium off roading since I’ll have a kid with me most of the time. Any input would be great but I can’t quite spend the extra for level 3 and the clickers unfortunately... thanks!

 

The BPs are 51mm shock whereas ADS is larger (61mm I believe).

Not really comparing apples to apples since EMUs are traditionally overland shocks and ADS are race shocks.

Depends on your use, but after owning EMUs I’m not a big fan due to how stiff there regular stuff can be (not BPs).

Honestly the best top shocks in my opinion are ADS, King, or Bilstein 8112 (if you haven’t seen these yet check em out). Emu isn’t in this class or level of shock

 

Did you end up going on that 5000 mile road trip? If you did how did suspension perform? Curious to hear how these performed on Rocky Mountain trails.

 

Thanks man, I appreciate the input. I realize they are bigger but I just wonder when the size becomes more important than the adjustability.

 

ADS is adjustable if you get the clicker rests (buy from Headstrong)

 

Right, but you have to get the highest level stuff and add them right? I would do that but it’s significantly more money then...

 

you should hit up Marie at Headstrong to see if she has the inventory sale going, there is a pretty good price cut. I just purchased the external rests with the clickers for valving adjustment. You can also adjust lift height on any of their shocks.
Which set are you looking at from ADS exactly?

 

I’ll give her a shout.

I want solid suspension for the life of my truck that will work well running around the forest service roads in colorado and support the weight of camping gear etc. My last setup was Icon /Dakar’s and thought it was OK but not great. I definitely like the “buy once cry once” saying but I also don’t NEED the top end stuff since I most likely won’t be mobbing through the trails.
But with that said my stockish set up is garbage...

 

I would run ADS or those Bilstein 8112's if you want a buy once, cry once. The biggest problem with aftermarket coilovers is the service on them (pain in the ass to remove, put old shocks on, wait for service, and put back on).

Having said that, the rumor is ADS and the Bilstein 8112's are supposedly lasting longer on average between typical services intervals (abuse and wear dependent of course).

ADS has an amazing corrosion resistance on their shocks which may be better if they salt the roads in CO. The shocks can take just about anything (7" rocks at 35mph) so I'm sure, based on your needs you would be impressed.

 

As someone that has pulled their shocks several times to have them rebuilt, it's only a pain in the ass if you are passing someone else to do it. I just swapped them out the other day in 2 hours and most of that way drinking beer and BSing with friends. All shocks are going to wear at a similar rate based on usage, ADS or 8112s aren't going to last longer magically than Kings or Icons, just likely that more street queens are running them.

 

Are you servicing them yourself? Do you have a vehicle lift?