Frequently Asked Questions
:. Why are your shocks
less expensive then your competitors?
We use a Patent Pending
High Pressure Die Casting process in manufacturing a number of components
in our shocks. This process of die casting the aluminum components cost
much less then using wrought material, we pass these savings on to the
customer. With this new process these shocks are much stronger then previously
seen in cast aluminum parts. With this Patent Pending process we can deliver
quality and price not seen before.
:. What type of valving do
I want in my shock?
Most vehicles need very
little rebound and every vehicle needs different compression valving, FOA
has 6 general valving's for compression- Zero, Extra Light, Light, Light/Med.,
Med., and Firm. For rebound we have Medium, Light and Zero. (Zero is generally
spec’d when using a coilover as a “coil carrier”, and using another shock
to provide your damping.) When ordering you can specify the valving you
want or give us the vehicle weight, the amount of shocks per wheel and
type of terrain and speed you are driving and we can valve them for you.
Every FOA shock can be re-valved to meet your desires. No special tools
are required.
Do you make
an air shock?
No, our shocks are all hydraulic
based. Your vehicle will still need springs of some sort.
Do you make
a 2.0 or 3.0 sized shock?
Not currently. In order
to keep costs as low as possible, we are concentrating on the 2.5 sizing
for now.
Do you make
a shock to fit the Rhino/Polaris/Arctic Cat UTV’s?
Not currently. Our 2.5 sized
body is too large for most UTV applications.
:. Emulsion verses Reservoir
style shocks, which is better?
Reservoir shocks are generally
thought to be better, with the Nitrogen gas separated from the oil, they
can't mix and this creates more uniform dampening characteristics. The
gas is necessary in all shocks to displace the space that the shaft takes
up as it moves into the shock. The moving of the shaft into the cylinder
also cause's an air spring effect on your shock. This air spring effect
is more noticeable on an Emulsion shock verses a reservoir style. This
difference between Emulsion and Reservoir shocks in most street applications
is not significant. For off-road use, if you have the room to mount the
reservoir, we highly recommend it.
:. What if I don't have room
for the remote reservoir shocks on my vehicle?
Remember reservoir shocks
are not mandatory on all applications. Both reservoir and emulsion mix
use pressurized Nitrogen gas. We can also make extra long reservoir hoses
so they can be mounted some distance away from your shocks.
:. Are these shocks OK for
racing applications?
While our focus is recreational
vehicles, we have a number of people using our shocks for racing. We suggest
that if you plan on racing with these shocks that you upgrade to our “High
Temp” option. You will get the Viton seals and an improved piston wear
band to deal with the higher temps generated by racing.
:. What kind of seals are
used?
Our seals are made of Buna
Nitride, these seals will handle temperatures up to 250 degrees. We offer
a Viton seal upgrade that will allow shock temps up to 400 degrees.
:. Will these Shocks fit
my vehicle?
FOA Shock absorbers take
a 1/2 inch bolt to attach to your vehicle at each end. They will bolt directly
to many applications and on others they will need adapters. Your mechanic
can install them usually with little additional expense. You can check
our sizing and compare to what you may need. We do not guarantee fitment,
you/your mechanic will need to check clearance and sizing before ordering.
:.What are the length dimensions
for your shocks?
You can take the travel
length and add 8.25 inches and you will have your overall shock length
when compressed then add the travel again to get overall length fully opened.
All measurements can be found with the info of the particular shock.
:. Do you make custom shocks?
Yes, we make custom length
shocks. They can take up to 6 weeks to produce in special lengths. Email
us for more info and pricing.
:. What direction do I mount
your shocks?
These shocks should always
be mounted with the shaft downward. This keeps the seal flooded at all
times.
:. How about springs for
my vehicles suspension?
Next to shocks, springs
are the most important item in vehicle ride control. We offer a full line
of Eibach springs, and can assist with proper rate selection. Be sure to
check out our Spring Rate Calculator to see what info is needed.
:. Where are your shocks
made?
Everything is made in the
USA and assembled in the Las Vegas area. |