difference between foam and gas shocks?

[mattyf09]

Can someone please enlighten me on the difference between foam and gas shocks? Im about to get a bilsteins kit in with monotube gas shocks and ive got a mate in my ear about foam.

someone please help?

 

[Bad Juju]

Gas aerates the oil particularly in rapid oscillation which results in a deteriorated ride experience as the gas is mixed in and the oil viscosity is compromised temporarily, advantage is they are cheap.

Foam cell shocks trap the gas in "bubbles" in the foam, it still compresses but the oil viscosity is not compromised due to aeration.

 

[nathand22]

Gas aerates the oil particularly in rapid oscillation which results in a deteriorated ride experience as the gas is mixed in and the oil viscosity is compromised temporarily, advantage is they are cheap.

Foam cell shocks trap the gas in "bubbles" in the foam, it still compresses but the oil viscosity is not compromised due to aeration.

while that is 100% true it only really results in issues when on prolonged corrugations for extended distances, your average dirt road for 50 -100km would really be an issue but go out bush where your on them all day and you might notice it more.

 

[d22dave]

I've had ironman gas shocks and foam shocks, and for the casual trips I do I don't know if I've ever noticed a huge difference, maybe if you were planning a big trip the extra cost and benefit of foam shocks might be justified.

 

[nathand22]

Yeah ive never had a prob with the "ultimate suspensions" gas shocks

 

[d22dave]

Yeah ive never had a prob with the "ultimate suspensions" gas shocks

How many setups have you had through them now Nath? They sound like good quality

 

[nathand22]

How many setups have you had through them now Nath? They sound like good quality

They have done four of my 4by's inc the Ranger now mate and have been happy as with each set up

 

[d22dave]

Reason I got ironman a second time was I got trade of $800. For full suspension setup, rear leaves and greasable shackles, shocks all round and new torsion bars. Cheap end of the market,

 

[nathand22]

Reason I got ironman a second time was I got trade of $800. For full suspension setup, rear leaves and greasable shackles, shocks all round and new torsion bars. Cheap end of the market,

yeah thats to good to pass up

 

[mattyf09]

So for a weekend warrior then gas is fine?

 

[d22dave]

So for a weekend warrior then gas is fine?

I believe so.

 

[houndour]

what about an allaround work??

I want the nicer/softer ride while im driving in city/HW and of course comfortable for long trips( at least 4 times a year with 1600km+ each trip).

In my case, foam cell would do the work??


greetings!!