Funny thing happened yesterday- I had jacked my '91 runner to change the right rear wheel, the jack point used was the lower trailing arm mount. On releasing the jack I heard a noise from the vehicle, but thought nothing of it. However after moving off, the vehicle was acting strange- it acted as though the suspension in the right rear was not working, it was just stiff and uncomfortable-you could feel every bump in the road on that side. When I took a good look at it however, i realised that the shock (rancho rs5000) on that wheel was not moving-rocking the vehicle from side to side confirmed this-the shock is just not telescoping. Has anyone experienced this and short of replacing all four shocks, is there anything I can do to free up that shock? (I really don't need that expense right now)

 

Have you removed the shock to make sure its the problem?

 

So basically the shock locked up?

Ive seen this in the winter after a dozen of years on the road, struts and shocks can injest water and it will freeze, but after a few miles it will loosen up.

Sounds like you need a pair of shocks to me. I suggest you remove the stuck shock so a good bump dont bend your shock posts.

 

@Hunt21286- hope to take it off this weekend should work permit.

@Sportsmanphil- i can understand that happening in winter, but where I am its permanent summer.lol, but you're right I'll just have to suck it up and spring for a pair of shocks. thanks man

 

Attempted to take off the shock last weekend, but did not succeed(wifey interupted me), however what I did was unbolt the bottom of the shock and tried to extend and compress it using some leverage, and was partially successful in 'freeing' it back up. There is still some firmness to it as if it were brand new, but its liveable. It compresses well enough but doesn't react as quickly on the rebound side, and with load in the vehicle it's comfortable. Will continue to drive on it for another week or two to see what happens.

 

Sounds like the shock is working as it should be. If the shock is "charged" it will be slow to push in by hand and will extend slowly when not attached to the mount. If it is not "charged" it will not extend on its own.