So my truck has a lean going to it and the axle is covered in oil on one corner, time to fix it.
I've really tried to like the SSD scale shocks but this will be the 2nd time I've pulled these shocks off a rig. I just dont like the feel after they've been assembled, almost every time I put a set together I feel like I did something wrong. I end up tearing them down and rebuilding them multiple times (green slime was always used). They just feel super stiff like the O-ring is being crushed too much, I tried a thinner O-ring stack and it leaks and still doesn't free up much, with the stock O-rings it also leaks (some do some dont). They do break in and this sticky feeling does go away after running them for a while. There's also a lack of useful spring rates available and I know I could try to swap in some other springs but I'm not going to invest in a shock I'm just not that happy with I've done that too many times already.
So my new go to is the
Enduro shocks which feel amazing in terms of damping, spring rates and the initial build feel (not needing breaking in). I was stoked to see they released a black and gold version as I detest the bright blue anodizing.
Its worth noting that this new shock set does not include all of the aluminum parts that the stock sets have. The only aluminum bits are the shock body and preload adjuster, spring perch, top and bottom caps are all plastic.
I also noticed when removing the (top) cap that comes with this set theres a series of square indents in the ridge where it mates to the O-ring, seemed like an odd thing to do and like it may damage the O-rings.
I did read a long while back there was a cap from another team associated shock that has a bleeder on it, I ordered this and finally installed them on this new set of shocks.
The part number is 6441 though its discontinued but they list a replacement part 6428.
There is one caveat with these bleeder caps though, the hole for the upper mount is 4.75mm compared to the typical 6mm so the provided shock mounts dont work. Back when I read about this bleeder cap someone had suggested a part number that would allow you to mount these but I dont recall what it what or where it was posted.
I looked around and though I found something that might work
https://www.associatedelectrics.com/teamassociated/parts/details/91447-ASC91447-shock_bushing_balls/
The bleeder caps made assembly almost foolproof, very easy. I have to wonder why bleeders aren't more common with crawlers (I can only think of some Gmade shocks)
I also looked at designing one to 3D print but the walls are just too thin to actually print let alone be strong.
I decided instead to simply drill out the cap to a 6mm mounting hole so I can use the stock mount
https://www.associatedelectrics.com...2055-ASC42055-ft_enduro_shock_bushings_steel/
Though in doing this be very careful with letting the hole wander down as the bleeder hole is very very close to the surface of where this is drilled. if anything try to get it to wander upwards to be safe.
Another thing to note with these caps is that the shoulder is much closer to the pivot balls they mount with so they dont provide much articulation for the shock to move side to side. Though I did find it wasn't binding with the stock-ish setup I have (fronts are stock but the rear shock towers are pushed forward a bit)
Now I need to clearance the bed a tiny bit because the larger springs are just barley contacting the sides of the bed. I probably only need 1mm or so.