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

@Downsouth Motorsports took care of me when I bought mine but I'm about to sell my rebuilt set since I just changed over to a set of shocks with adjusters.

 

What're you selling ? No shame haha

 

Headstrong

 

2.5s with remote reservoirs and either 13" 600# coils or 14" 700# coils. They are being rebuilt right now which will be the third rebuild since I got them March 2015, first at about 3 years/25k, 2nd at 9 months/15k, 3rd 6 months/5k.

 

That literally how all the vendors here deal with suspension companies, they aren't buying them from wholesalers.

 

Pretty much all dirt miles between those rebuilds or what were your street/dirt %'s estimated?

 

I’m curious to know why that matters?

 

Mileage between rebuilds varies with the type of miles - big inputs (whoops, lots of flex, lots of washboard) are going to be harder miles than flat, smooth, asphalt.

Just curious what his use scenario was. Honestly my truck goes in the dirt about 20% of the time and the rest is probably street or driving to get to the trails. I'm hoping for around 25k-35k between rebuilds based on my usage.

 

The first rebuild I mostly went to offroad parks so very few actual dirt miles, second included 2 Moab trips with significant amounts of fast hard use, third is just because.

 

The price seems better from headstrong. I got my rears for $1000, but that was during a sale

 

I’m aware of the service intervals. I was more curious of how his use was relevant if they are rebuild and in good working order.

25-35k should be easily obtainable for regular street and moderate off road use. I typically do not recommend exceeding the 30-35k mark even if it’s mostly street use. You’ll loose performance over time and run the risk of increased rebuild cost due to parts failure.

 

When I called Tyler at ADS he said 60k miles no worries if doing street and forest trails. Rock crawling, heavy articulations or washboard are a different story like you said

He also said no matter what I do I can’t hurt these shocks lol. Basically, something else will break before the shocks

 

Somewhat true, it is tough to do serious damage to shocks on these trucks. You would have bent spindles, mounts, and fucked up steering much sooner than anything endgame for the shocks

 

Both the shafts had to be replaced on mine when I had them rebuilt the first time which added a big chunk to the total cost.

 

Really? I thought re-builds were like $300? Did you have chunks taken out of the shafts from rock crawling or what?

 

Service intervals a purely based on use, as stated. I'm not sure what "rock crawling or heavy articulation" has to do with it but I see where you're going with it. Either way, if you mob trails at 80mph as you've previously stated you do, I would highly recommend not waiting 60k for a rebuild.

I have seen shocks with 60k come in for rebuilds and still function. The cost of replacement parts was insanely high due to the lack of maintenance though so yes... you can do it. That doesn't mean I would recommend anyone to try.

Pitting on shock shafts is very common and apart of the wear and tear process. It's typically not from crawling though and more from debris being kicked up and hitting the shaft at high speed. If you have pitting bad enough you will tear a seal during the stroke. This is the most common reason for shaft replacement.

 

Makes total sense.

I have been debating putting rubber shaft covers back on the rears. Thoughts on those?

 

I've heard of good and bad. They are a protector from debris but once moisture/dirt gets in it can't really get out.

Another common cause of shaft replacement/rebuilds is not using the full stoke of the shock often and having rust form. When the shock is finally stroked fully you'll again cut a seal. You don't want to create an environment that will invite rust.

A plastic guard of sorts would be more ideal.

 

I wish ADS or somebody made a better/cleaner version of the Fox version

 

Got the specs ? Run by a local shop and see what happens