Suggestions on Progressive front shocks needed

Sounds like they simply don't provide the data. Would need an outside Dyno test like what was linked above. Talking to my buddy yesterday, he worked on specific car OEM lines. The OEM would give them the characteristics and they'd build/valve to suit. His Mercedes line wasn't a Digressive shock, whereas he said the Chrysler lines were. But they'd make Digressive, Progressive, and Linear with many different curves based on the requested performance.

 

Those are one of the ones I have been looking at

 

Dobinsons actually do publish their data.



OME Nitrochargers are progressive as well, but I don’t recommend them.

 

That looks more like an educational diagram than actual data. The specific shock is not mentioned.

 

I pulled it from their MRR (MRA) listing for a Toyota Tacoma.

The different color lines represent different settings on their shocks.

https://dobinsonusa.com/mrr-3-way-adjustable/

 

What is that?

 

That is the specific shock that produced those graphs. For a third gen Toyota Tacoma.

 

Sorry, maybe I edited the post to include the link after you saw it.

 

I will say this: “digressive” vs. “progressive” doesn’t tell the whole story. I have run digressive Bilstein 5100’s and they were rough as hell. Then I ran the “softer” version of the progressive OME Nitrocharger series (90021) and they were rough as hell. Then I ran digressive Bilstein 6112’s and they were both more supple and more responsive than either of the first two coilovers.

 

Progressive or digressive. Does it matter if you get a good brand and a better ride?

 

I wouldn't try to justify/prove much this is the same guy that couldn't wrap his head around how low speed compression or a digressive valving curve can help with the felt effect of nose dive/body roll.

To add why are you specifically after progressive? A linear curve is likely more applicable to general use if you find one that is adjustable it will allow you to dial in specific performance. I have been on elkas for the past few years and am currently on their 2.5 dsc's up front and having that compression dampening does allow you to really dial in the performance as required but I honestly don't change it much with the valving being set up for my use.

 

I’ve read a lot of good things about them. They don’t have a rebuild schedule like Fox and kings but can be rebuilt if needed.

The 3 way adjustability is great to have too. I’ve been considering them as an upgrade to my Ironman Foam Cell Pros, which are supposedly linear. They are too stiff for me and my trucks weight with E rated tires. The stiffness I want to get rid of is from the suspension and not tires.

 

It means something different to every person on the planet.

 

Were you on the same coil weight/length across them?

 

Was this meant for me? The quote you pulled was based off someone asking what rough as hell meant, lol.

 

Not exactly, which is why I say “progressive” vs. “digressive” is not the whole story. The specifics of the valving for the particular shock, the coil spring rate, whether the coil itself is linear or progressive rate, the stroke of the shock and where the truck sits in that stroke at ride height, and perhaps even oil capacity of the shock, all play into ride quality differences.

But I will say I ran my OME 90021’s (progressive shocks) on 590 lb. springs, and they felt rougher on both small and large bumps than my 6112’s (digressive) on 600 lb. springs, all other variables being the same. Those spring rates are essentially the same, so I consider that a fair comparison.

I also ran the 5100’s on 600 lb. springs, but they were progressive rate coils, so it’s not an even comparison for larger bumps. Where the 5100’s felt most rough, though, was in rebound on potholes. In this situation, they felt rougher than the OME’s.

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For what it’s worth, the Dobinson’s spring rates are above 700 lbs., which is not ideal for a lighter truck. They also use a proprietary spring design, so other springs do not work on their coilovers.

 

I have corrected my booboo

 

OME coil springs should work on Dobinsons. They’re the same, “rounded” on the bottom and flat on the top. Not sure if the inner dimension is the same or close enough. That’ll at least give 590 and 660 spring rate options. The MRRs being adjustable should help lessen the impact of higher rate springs. I’m not an expert, just read a thing or two and I could be wrong.

 

I've been happy so far with adjustable Fox 2.5s. I believe Fox is overall a linear damping curve from factory on most of their stuff, but having the low speed and high speed independent adjustment dials really helps you adjust the shocks damping behavior to fit your needs. Offroad I can soften low speed up to absorb smaller bumps and rocks on dirt roads or firm up to maintain more ground clearance and not smash the bumps stops hard going over bigger rocks, and high speed can be toggled for a soft ride on pavement or firmer for handling bigger bumps and rocks offroad.

For spring choice I just matched it to the weight addition ranges Fox specified and have had no complaints. Too soft / low weight will see the truck sag and hit bumps stops faster, too high a weight range and stiff will give bad ride quality if the truck isn't loaded up accordingly. I'll likely explore tuning and revalving the shocks when it comes time for rebuilding them, since by then I think I'll have had enough experience using my truck to know how I want to focus the suspension setup in more specifically.


Typed all the above and then saw some of what I was saying had already been said earlier:

 

Though Bilstein are digressive, my experience is there is a world of difference in ride quality of 5100 vs 6112.

I think, but not certain, the new Dirt King coilovers are progressive valve. They have a really nice ride on my Tundra. There is a pricey version with remote resi and adjusters or cheaper IFP version without those extras.