Pro Comp Shock absorbers

I am about to rebuild my 1975 series 3 on a new galvanised chassis, and whilst doing so thought worthwhile to replace the springs with parabolics and put on new shocks. I have purchased some ProComp ES3000 Extra longs.

To be honest I didn't really know what I was getting, but purchased them from Paddocks on recommendation from a friend of mine who has previously rebuilt a series 2A.

Now that they have arrived, I see on the box that they have a +2 lift marked on them (I assume this is plus 2 inches)?

My question is - are these OK for an otherwise stock Series 3 running on Paddocks parabolic springs???

Thanks in advance of any guidance...

Hi,

I run my series 2a 88" on paddocks parabolics and pro comp ES3000 extra longs. No major problems encountered to date, except when one shock came off, dragging along ground sending sparks everywhere - but i think that was down to a bolt sheering than anything wrong with the product

Thanks Mike... you've set mind mind to rest.

I suppose I was worried that if they are 2 inches longer, but fitting in the same place as an ordinary length shock they may have less travel in compression and could be damaged going over humps (although obviously much longer travel the other way)

the 'bolics do lift everything up a bit....last I fitted about 2 1/2'' higher than the very flat road springs that were on, not sure how that compares with new though. Had to use longer brake hoses so was defo up some from standard.

Thanks for the point relating to brake hoses - thinl I'll replace the whole pipe system at the same time - Cheers

I fitted parabolics and a set of ES3000 shocks to my light weight, i also fitted the extended shackles off the military 109, and i had no problems. Didn't even have to extend the brake lines.

Thanks Stratie - a plan is now coming together....

Fit parabolics, shocks and brake lines and then decide on whether or not extended flexible hoses are required?

yeh i didn't extend my hoses either, all works fine

I think you're right to be concerned about the length of the shocks. With the parabolics the lower shock mountings are higher than standard because there are fewer leaves. Take some measurements and work out what the shock length will be when the suspension is fully compressed with the axle on the bump stops, then check that the new shocks are able to compress to a length slightly shorter than this. If the shocks can't compress enough then they will probably get damaged if you hit a big bump. Don't take any chances with the flexible hoses. With a single ciruit breaking system you might not get a second chance! Once the new springs and shocks are on, jack the back end of the chassis so both rear wheels are off the ground. check that the hose is not pulled tight. Do the same with the front axle. With longer rear shocks you'll probably find that the rear propshaft UJs are binding on full droop if yours is an 88". If so then you'll need to get a rear prop made up with wide angle UJs.

Thanks fenby - some great advise there

FAO Fenby

I notice you have a series ambulance. What suspension set up do you have on it? Our 2A 1972 Ambulance is looking a little tired at the back so we need to replace the springs. Am I right in assuming that if we fit Para's (4 leaf not 3) we need extended shocks such as the Procomp's?

Roger

I've got procomps on my 2a with paras and never had trouble with the longer shocks bottoming out before they hit the bumpstops,and mine likes to flex!

I wasnt particularly worried about Bottoming out as I already have extended bump stops I was more interested if it would take the weight and make the ambulance sit more level.

Roger

Mine have been on for about 8 years and still it sits level
just don't buy cheap crap,my springs are made by gb springs and it's the best mod I've done, well worth the money

Mine have been on for about 8 years and still it sits level
just don't buy cheap crap,my springs are made by gb springs and it's the best mod I've done, well worth the money