2012 2wd Shocker Absorbers

[Philos]

Hi All,

I think this is a topic for the Tech Section but couldn't see 'New Topic' anywhere in that department..

I just noticed both my rear shockers on my 2012 dual cab 2wd are leaking badly. Time to replace - right now. I'm a bit surprised they're leaking for a start. The car's only down 157000 kms. Anyway...

Can anyone recommend a brand and/or type of shocker for replacement? I'm happy with the ride and I drive like a retired farmer, so I'm not really looking for any extra performance from standard shockers.

Any thoughts and advice are welcome on brands, doing the job at home etc... TIA

Phil

[Rob_Wood]

Shock absorbers shouldn't make any "huge" difference to your ride comfort. That's the job of the Springs. That in mind, the heavier the Duty of the Shocks you buy, the longer they "SHOULD" last.
The best way to assess the rating the shocks you should buy is to have a chat with a well trusted, experienced and reputable suspension specialist. You'll need to have some information in hand when you see them, things like the maximum load you're likely to put in your vehicle, the "Regular" load you're likely to be carrying and whether you're likely to be towing very often.
For example, when I first got the vehicle I did the shocks & rear springs. I was always carrying tools, 100 to 150 kilos, I'd tow regularly. I could also have (occasionally) a VERY full load on the vehicle. I went for mid to high rated springs and extra heavy duty shocks (Ironman was my choice, but each dealer will try to sell you their own preference).
When I was forced onto a pension I now have a wife and young daughter. Our load is we always carry a box of recovery gear, maybe 20 kilos, almost always have the wife & daughter in the car with me and we've (almost) constantly got a bunch of overnight camping stuff, maybe about 30 kilos.
The vehicles' loads have changed over time, but the springs haven't AND the shocks are still the same ones. With the badly maintained roads we're on, I suspect the front shocks will need doing in the not too distant future, but with the service I've had out of this set over the years, I'll probably go the Ironmans again.

[ng_newbie]

G'Day RW

I'd tow regularly.

I know its 'rude' to go on a tangent, sorry OP !!!

How much weight are you towing and how far ?

TIA

[Philos]

Shock absorbers shouldn't make any "huge" difference to your ride comfort. That's the job of the Springs. That in mind, the heavier the Duty of the Shocks you buy, the longer they "SHOULD" last.
The best way to assess the rating the shocks you should buy is to have a chat with a well trusted, experienced and reputable suspension specialist. You'll need to have some information in hand when you see them, things like the maximum load you're likely to put in your vehicle, the "Regular" load you're likely to be carrying and whether you're likely to be towing very often.
For example, when I first got the vehicle I did the shocks & rear springs. I was always carrying tools, 100 to 150 kilos, I'd tow regularly. I could also have (occasionally) a VERY full load on the vehicle. I went for mid to high rated springs and extra heavy duty shocks (Ironman was my choice, but each dealer will try to sell you their own preference).
When I was forced onto a pension I now have a wife and young daughter. Our load is we always carry a box of recovery gear, maybe 20 kilos, almost always have the wife & daughter in the car with me and we've (almost) constantly got a bunch of overnight camping stuff, maybe about 30 kilos.
The vehicles' loads have changed over time, but the springs haven't AND the shocks are still the same ones. With the badly maintained roads we're on, I suspect the front shocks will need doing in the not too distant future, but with the service I've had out of this set over the years, I'll probably go the Ironmans again.

Excellent advice.. just what I was looking for.. Thank you.

[Philos]

G'Day RW

I'd tow regularly.

I know its 'rude' to go on a tangent, sorry OP !!!

How much weight are you towing and how far ?

TIA

No worries at all.. A lot of very handy information comes out when people go off track.

I can always veer back on track if needed.

Cheers
Phil

[Rob_Wood]

G'Day RW

I'd tow regularly.

I know its 'rude' to go on a tangent, sorry OP !!!

How much weight are you towing and how far ?

TIA

Varied from an empty trailer to fully loaded and distance also varied up to anywhere in the State. The point I was trying to make was that my load was constantly varying up to a full load. As the subject was Shocks & (to some extent) suspension, I thought load to be relevant.

[ng_newbie]

G'Day RW

100% understand, I was hoping u would say what u did because so many believe u cant tow with a Hilux

I drag an el cheapo fold up trail around and its been fine because I welded the nuts on, go 2 get the expectations in touch with reality

[Rob_Wood]

G'Day RW

100% understand, I was hoping u would say what u did because so many believe u cant tow with a Hilux

I drag an el cheapo fold up trail around and its been fine because I welded the nuts on, go 2 get the expectations in touch with reality

Some would say it all depends on which Hilux you speak of.
I would say (as I did the other day) that my Naturally Asperated Diesel Hilux will pull the Queen Mary, it just won't go up hills. Old Mate Farmer bloke I was talking to (with another Hilux 10 years older) just stood there with an agreeing chuckle.

[dave g]

Rob shock do make a difference in ride if the valving is wrong if the valve to slow will make it ride hard

[Rob_Wood]

Rob shock do make a difference in ride if the valving is wrong if the valve to slow will make it ride hard

That's why we shouldn't swap shocks from a 10 tonne fire truck into a hilux.

[Philos]

Shock situation now sorted. I went for standard issue KYB Excel-G which just happened to be on special at Repco on the weekend (around $98 each). There's a good discussion on here about them too which helped. The shocks that came off were standard issue also, and tbh I thought they were pretty good. Most utes I've driven have had awful rear suspension until they were loaded up. The hilux was always good either way.

A quick test drive on the weekend proved they're quite ok. The most I tow around is a tinny and that's for relatively short distances, and around 20 to 30kgs of everyday stuff in the back.

It's not the easiest job in the world (upper right hand bolt on very tight), but as usual I'd rather do it myself. 'Next time' is always easier....

It was the perfect opportunity to grease the tailshaft uni joints as well, so all round, a win win!