The Roadie wrote:Since Mark's 3" *and* the BDS upper bushings seem to be disintegrating at a regular rate, it seems to be time for washers that exceeds the size of the bushings, or limit straps to stop the shock on extension.
I was thinking about this the last couple days and wondering if a larger washer would help some. It seems like the movement of the shock during suspension movement just wiggles the washer around until it cuts down through the rubber. If the outer edges of the washer were outside the bushing after we compress it, there probably wouldn't be the cutting action we see.
I was also starting to wonder if maybe the spacer that goes through the bushing should be longer to give less compression on the bushings themselves. I know I have a good 3/4"+ of threads on the shock showing above the nut. It shouldn't give any additional lift and it might reduce stress on that upper bushing that bulges when it's all tightened down. It also might result in the shock topping out more violently (not enough compression on the bushing to keep the shock valve slamming into the top of the body) , or maybe it would cushion the shock topping out a bit better (the bushing having more room to compress before the shock valve hits the body). Or maybe it wouldn't make any difference at all.
build thread All things in moderation, including moderation.
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