Alstaz

I put on my new suspension a couple months ago. (SAW and Downey HD) I didn't get a chance to put on the limiting straps on the rear axle. Has anyone run without these offroad and had a problem? I didn't notice anything when I was on the mountian trails in CO a few months ago.

I am headed to the Silver Lake Dand Dunes in Michigan next week and wanted to know if I should worry about overextending my bilsteins.

What do you think???

BTW it's on my 99 4runner Highlander

Thanks!

Al

RTdawgs

they wont limit your suspension, so you wont tell a difference in ride or flex with or without them on.

theyre only used when a rear shock fails, the limiting straps keep the rear axle from dropping too far and causing further damage.

Flygtenstein

If they are set at the length of your fully extended shock, then they are not limiting anything. They are just prevent over extension of the shock.

There is no real extension bumpstop, so the shocks become the stopper, or the straps if you have them.

What length are your rear shocks? If they are longer than stock your driveshaft may get into your gas tank or skid at full extension.

In another week or so I will be back on campus. If you are in the hood drop me a PM or some such so I can see your truck.

Alstaz

My shocks are probably a little longer than the stock ones. I can't remember what the model # is off the top of my head. I had ordered everything from Mike at extreme Offroad and let him match everything up.

I'm going to run over to a welding shop this afternoon and see if I can get the straps tacked on.

Flygtenstein: I'll have to drop you a note when I get back. I'd like to check out your ride as well.

AznSky

Is that anywhere near Ann Arbor? If so you should stop by, I'd love to see your rig.

Alstaz

Actually Silver Lake is Right on Lake Michigan. About 30 miles north of Muskegon. It is a blast cruisin over the sand dunes.

Here are a couple pics from last year...Before i had the tires and lift...



And here are a couple from the year before with my cruiser



Anyone else going to be near there?

Mad Chemist

I've done several trails without limiting straps without issue.

ravencr

If you're running the Bilstein BE5-2451 in the rear, you should go to http://www.mastercraftseats.com/products.html and order the 4-layer limiting straps in a 17" length. This will allow you to fully extend your bilstein's, but also prevent them from overextending, which is the whole point of them. Make sure you weld the tab in the right spot, under the frame rail and not on the side.

On another note, just in case someone else has the N86 firm's from OME, your limiting straps need to be 18" eye-to-eye.

Hope that helps!

Chris

bobzemuda

Is there a reason to go with the 4 ply here, and more over, is this the best bet brand wise?

Also, is the best thing to do, to say, eye to eye fully extended is 17" so make them 16.5" for would you do the full 17"

and lastly...does anyone know the eye to eye distance on the OME N86 shocks off the top of your heads? I don't have a moment to look right now as I'm about to head out the door.

Thanks,
Bill

RobT2k

I've got the OME firm shocks, and I've been running them without limiting straps for awhile. Just recently I noticed that the lower edge of the upper part of the shock looks like its been bent. Possibly from the over-extension of the lower part and the shock holding the weight of the axle. I know I've had them at full droop quite abit so I'm putting the straps in to stop anymore damage.

hungryStu

Had this info saved from a few months ago and for the life of me I cannot remember wher from. Forgot to add link to doc. Here you go, cut/pasted and cut/pasted:

Old Man Emu N86 Heavy Duty-Firm, Prado
Compressed 329mm (12.95")
Extended 539mm (21.2")
7 stage valving no numbers available

RobT2k

So, based on this, the 18" limiting straps would stop my shock from fully extending (21")? Do I look for longer ones or just use the 18" ones I have?

ravencr

With proper mounting, the 18" limiting straps are perfect. If you mount them to the frame in the wrong place, they may not do their job, obviously. 18" eye-to-eye is all you need for those shocks.

Chris

Bighead

To make sure you get the right measurement and to see for yourself you are getting the right length (and to take into account a bad tab placement like I had), unbolt the lower shock mount and measure from the center of the tab eye to the center of the lower shock bushing. For the N86, Raven is right, 18" works. I didn't place my limiting strap mounting tab just right so I needed to order 18.5" straps.