The Install and Technical information on Fox 985-26-117

Hate to dig up this topic from the depths of TW...

But I'm looking at these exact shocks! How do you like them after a few years? and have you found out what changes when you mess with the dial/damper adjuster?

 

Wow. I’ve had these on for 2 and 1/2 years now. Time flies. I still like the Fox shocks and would buy them again. They are stiffer than the original even when the dial is adjusted to the softer setting. Under most conditions I can’t tell much difference in settings. I pull a 5000 pound travel trailer, and when the dial/damper is adjusted to the stiffest setting, I don’t get any hitch bouncing. This is at highway speed on concrete road surface. I did get some hitch bouncing with a lighter trailer when I had the original shocks and get some bouncing if I have the dial/damper on the soft setting. Also, On the softest setting and can drive 50 on washboard gravel, and the ride feels like you’re on smooth road.

 

Glad someone dug this up. I need new rears and these seem like the best bang for the buck. Glad you’re still happy with them.

I have a Dakar leaf pack and about 200lbs of crap in the bed and a camper shell. I’m at about 2” or slightly more of rear lift.

 

Excellent! Thanks a bunch! I'm going to think about it this weekend, I'm planning on replacing all shocks while the truck is up in the air so I have some reading to do.

 

It has now been 4 years and 3 months. The Fox shocks are still doing their job, and I am still happy with my choice for the rear. I no longer pull a travel trailer, so the damper adjustment stays on soft now.

edit

I have had Icons on the front for 6 years and 1 month.

You can’t go wrong with either.

 

Is it a considerable amount of difference withe compression adjuster when you have weight in the bed or towing? the soft VS firm?
you mentioned earlier in the thread you couldn't tell much difference. I think the rear adjusters are a great option and plan on doing them at some point.

 

When I’m pulling my travel trailer I can tell the difference. I keep it on firm. It helps to keep the rear from bouncing too much.

 

Awesome good to know thanks!

 

Just finished installing these on my 2019. Is it normal to be able to grab the shock body and spin it by hand? It's not terribly easy, but it spins. I'm worried about the reservoir spinning a bit after a long day in the desert, and possibly colliding with the leaf springs. I've got the 19mm top bolt (supplied from fox) pretty tight, too tight maybe. I've got about 5 threads showing. Any help is appreciated!

 

id like to know this as well. would hate for the shock to spin.

 

They definitely spin if you twist them hard enough. I went with the frame reservoir mounts that pretty much prevent them from spinning and placed some automotive edge trim around the sharp edge of the upper shock mount just in case.

 

that looks great what did you use to mount the reservoir?

 

$79 Fox Shox 803-02-042-Universal Reservoir Mounting Bracket Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZBB4WY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yaRCFb2TKDPY2

 

Thanks man!

 

I know this is an old thread but looking for help. I ordered the fox shocks for rear 985-26-117 from bilsteinlifts and there website says for 2-3” lift. Upon receiving the shocks I saw they are for 0-1.5” lift. Will these work with my 3” lift or do I need to get the 985-26-118 shocks.

 

Is the back lifted 3" as well? Usually if it's 3" in the front it will be closer to 1.5-2" in the rear unless you literally add a 3" block. Either way, the 117's should be fine. The only danger is them overextending (like, if you get air) and acting as a limit strap, but your brake lines will do that first if you haven't extended them from factory.

 

Thank you for the response. I have the all pro leaf pack in the rear which is for 3” lift. No blocks or anything. I’m sore it’s not exactly 3” as it’s been on my trick for a few years now. I have looked at all the other fox shocks and the next step up would be 985-26-118 which says for 2-3” lift. There are minimal differences with the compressed length and extended and travel. The travel is 9.1 on the 117 shocks,the other 118 shocks are 9.6. Compressed is about an inch longer and half an inch for the extended travel. So I’m loosing .5 for travel and and an inch compressed and extended if that makes sense.

 

I think either shock would have worked in your case. The 117's won't be limiting anything for you. You need to modify the shackle mounts for the leafs to get the full 9"+ of travel anyway.

I had the Fox 118's (switched to Elka) on my truck with an ARB Dakar leaf pack and if anything there were almost too long. At full compression it was getting pretty close to crushing the shock without longer bump stops.

 

I thought they would be ok to run but just wanted some input from other Tacoma members On the topic. Thank you for your help

 

This is what I needed to hear.. 117's are out on Bilsteinlifts and they offered me the 118's instead. Currently have Deaver Stage 3's in the rear and it gives me 3 inches of lift.. but if you experienced them being too long then I'm definitely not going that route. Been looking for advice on this all weekend.....