Shocks?

[gtmud]

Try this one. Found that I have 2 "bad" shock on my XJ. Am I correct in thinking that when the shock is compressed, and it does not rebound, the shock is bad. I have Pro Comp ES3000 shocks, getting the run around. Any one else have bad dealings with these people?

[Saudade]

It depends on the shock. Some don't, some do. Shocks that are gas charged or spring assisted should rebound when you compress them. They should also be pretty tough to compress due to the damping they're supposed to provide.

According to their website, they're warranteed for life. Which "people" are you talking to?

[JDPascal]

A gas shock should extend on its own when one end is removed from the vehicle. The gas pressureizes the "reservoir" between the outer and inner tube and forces the oil into the cavity under the piston.

If it doesn't extend, the gas charge has escaped and the shock is defective!! "limited lifetime warrenty" should kick in.

Where did you buy them from????

JD

[Arctic4lo]

Originally Posted by JDPascal

A gas shock should extend on its own when one end is removed from the vehicle. The gas pressureizes the "reservoir" between the outer and inner tube and forces the oil into the cavity under the piston.

If it doesn't extend, the gas charge has escaped and the shock is defective!! "limited lifetime warrenty" should kick in.

Where did you buy them from????

JD

For the most part, yes. But not neccesarily. If you have ever dealt with Pro Comp shocks before, specifically the ES3000 that is valved for lightweight jeeps like ours, you will find that even when brand new, there is minimal rebound on the shock after compression by hand. Procomp shocks are valved mainly in accordance with their own springs, which are some of the stiffest on the market. The stiff rate of the springs is compensated for by Procomp with a super soft shock. The rebound of the spring is strong enough that it returns the shock back to static ride height while on the vehicle with ease. With the Procomp springs being as stiff rated as they are, their shocks must be valved very soft, with little rebound, in order to allow the springs to have the most free, uninhibited travel as possible.

[gtmud]

Artic4Lo, So your saying that the ZERO rebound is "normal for the Pro Comp ES3000 series shock? They(ProComp) sent me new bushings, so I replaced them, when I had it off the Jeep I compressed them, and left it alone for a hour. Came back and there was no change. So this is a result of the valving, It will dappen the initial impact, then control the springs(vehicle) rebound, but not nessacarily rebound itself unless its in the vehicle, using the spring suspension to rebound the shock. Basically putting resistance on both sides of the piston(upward/downward motion)?
Just trying to understand this. I used to the "normal" gas charged shock that you compress and it immediately rebounds.

[gtmud]

Oh, whenI tryed to extend the shock to reinstall it on te Jeep, there was a lot of resistance. I guess that kind of explains its operation.
I did buy them from the ProComp warehouse in CA.

[JDPascal]

The gas charge has nothing to do with the position and movement of the shock or supporting the load when on the vehicle. The gas is there to minimize aeration of the oil in the shock and it will run cooler. (you probably knew that)

If there is no pressure that will not happen.

Yes the valveing is important but when the shock is "free" I would think that there should be enough pressure form the gas to extend it even if it is slow.

Go someplace where they sell them and ask to see one. Check out a new one right out of the box.

gtmud -- When you took them out of the box new, did they have a strap from end to end to keep them compressed??


JD

[Arctic4lo]

Originally Posted by JDPascal

Go someplace where they sell them and ask to see one. Check out a new one right out of the box.

gtmud -- When you took them out of the box new, did they have a strap from end to end to keep them compressed??


JD

Exactly. That was my next reply; head over to your local 4x4 shop and ask if they carry the pro comp es3000. If they do, pull it out of the box, and compress it by hand. Mine did not rebound at all even when brand new. This has been discussed on my local home jeep forum as well, and was checked at Northern 4x4 suppliers in Anchorage, Alaska, where I'm at. It indeed did not rebound, nor did any of the other folks' es3000s up here.

[JDPascal]

That must be some stiff rebound valveing in that shock or else a minimal gas charge.

If they are matched to their high rate springs then it makes sense.

That fact would make me hesitate to use them with stock or other aftermarket springs though.

JD

[Arctic4lo]

Originally Posted by JDPascal

That must be some stiff rebound valveing in that shock or else a minimal gas charge.

If they are matched to their high rate springs then it makes sense.

That fact would make me hesitate to use them with stock or other aftermarket springs though.

JD

Yup. Pro Comp is a sound choice for folks who are going more for a "look" and a slight bit of capability, but by no means are their kits "high quality". Your hesitation in using their products is justified. I try not to bash a particular mfgr. , but after having ran multiple pro comp products, I'll agree that theyre not well suited to any sort of heavy use.