MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: ehsc on August 06, 2012, 08:37:28 PM

Title: Gas Or Foam
Post by: ehsc on August 06, 2012, 08:37:28 PM

I thinks its time for some new suspension on the patrol, But i cant decide on gas or foam shocks any thoughts would be great, keeping in mind this is not my day to day ride only does about 10000klms or less a year and 5000klm is usually on a trip if we can get away. I was sold on a particular brand but i have been offered a great deal on the ironman 4x4 range. Any info would be great hopfully not opening a can of worms  :cheers: ehsc

Title: Re: Gas Or Foam
Post by: LJs GU on August 06, 2012, 11:09:56 PM

I just got Tough Dog foams put in the GU.  Too early to tell yet, but was convinced by what I heard and read.
Haven't used them 'in anger' yet, but the speed humps and blue stone cobbling out of our estate have disappeared!
LJ

Title: Re: Gas Or Foam
Post by: qlddsl on August 07, 2012, 06:27:32 AM

X 2 on the foam cells, put tough dogs in the gq  about 10000 ago and love em

Title: Re: Gas Or Foam
Post by: dazzler on August 07, 2012, 07:37:13 AM

Foam used to be thought of as gas's poor brother as some foam dampers would not return to 100% if they were overheated.

Now I think its a matter of quality not type.

You probably wont go wrong particularly if there are some $$ to be saved.

Title: Re: Gas Or Foam
Post by: Bill on August 07, 2012, 07:41:59 AM

I had the Tough dog foam shocks and springs for 30,000 k's or a bit under.
I have replaced them with Raw Nitro gas and these are far superior in my opinion.
I also put in EFI springs because the ones I put in with the Tough Dog shocks were already sagging.
I was not impressed with the springs at all. And before anyone asks, my truck is my daily driver so 85% of rhe time it only has a set of drawers in the back so it is no where near over loaded.
Bill

Title: Re: Gas Or Foam
Post by: Matto on August 07, 2012, 09:39:07 AM

I've got Pedders foam shocks in the back of the Pathy. Unladen, they're certainly firm. Loaded up, they work well. I'm led to believe that the same shock set up as just a gas shock is a lot more compliant.

So why did I go the foam? Better corrugation/fade resistant with heavy loads, or so I was told. Up here, a lot of the dirt roads are reasonably heavily corrugated, and with the back full and the camper on I wanted a shock that could cope.

So that would be my deliniation between the two - if your 4WD is mainly a weekend playtoy in the High Country, gas shocks are probably what you want. If you're likely to be hitting the GRR or the PDR, then I would suggest the foam would be the better option.

+1 to Dazzler's comments too.

Good luck!
Matto :)

Title: Re: Gas Or Foam
Post by: gronk on August 07, 2012, 07:12:26 PM

Koni are still a gas shock, so quality is probably more important than what type...

Foam ( generally ) give a harsher ride, but most major brands are pretty good........so depending on budget, you really can't go wrong..

Title: Re: Gas Or Foam
Post by: ehsc on August 07, 2012, 08:26:12 PM

Thanks to all for the words of wisdom  :cheers: ehsc