RoadKing Shocks

oldnotslow

Active member
I need to replace the front shocks on my Pete. I usually run 14,000 lbs. on the front axle, and closer to 18,000 when the drop axle is up. RoadKing claims to be the heaviest duty shock available but they are really expensive. Any have any experience with them? Would like to hear some actual experience before spending $700. Any other recommendations for a heavy duty shock? Been running Monroe but they get soft in 50,000 miles in my type of work. Thank you for any info or input.
 

Truck Shop

Well-known member
While I have no experience with the RoadKings other than knowing that they are pricey. The OEM's and other aftermarket brands really
don't last very long. Changed out the shocks on 20 trucks in the fleet last fall with Monroe's. On the drive axle shocks 8 shocks blew oil out
in three months. Those were warranty covered but the Monroe shocks are not that good. When the road is icy the drivers lift the axle so
our trucks could run for miles at 15,000 on the steer.
 

oldnotslow

Active member
Definitely need the weight on the front in slippery conditions. My problem is the construction sites I go in and out of everyday. They make the roads just good enough so you don't get stuck but the suspension bottoms and tops out even going at a crawl. Both Monroe and Gabriel may be OK on the freeway but almost useless off road. Both of these shocks have about 4-600 lbs. of damping force. The RoadKing claims to have 4,000 lbs. of compression and rebound damping, and are re-buildable. If they work they would be worth the money to me, I just don't know if they are blowing smoke or actually do what they say. If it's on the internet it has to be true, right.
 

oldnotslow

Active member
Well, I put the Roadkings on and ran a couple loads Friday. Definitely made a big difference. They are a real handful to compress and get mounted though. Used a tie down strap. Truck lean in the corners is reduced considerably. Most of the road joints, transitions to bridges and overpasses, and other rough spots that used to make the truck/suspension bounce are now significantly smoother. For the most part I hear them but don't feel them. I would say they met my expectations. If they last as long as advertised, 500k, I would probably spend the money again. Noticed the difference both loaded and empty. We'll see how they work long term now.
 

Truck Shop

Well-known member
Well, I put the Roadkings on and ran a couple loads Friday. Definitely made a big difference. They are a real handful to compress and get mounted though. Used a tie down strap. Truck lean in the corners is reduced considerably. Most of the road joints, transitions to bridges and overpasses, and other rough spots that used to make the truck/suspension bounce are now significantly smoother. For the most part I hear them but don't feel them. I would say they met my expectations. If they last as long as advertised, 500k, I would probably spend the money again. Noticed the difference both loaded and empty. We'll see how they work long term now.
I was wondering if those would be to stiff empty, you answered the question. For coil over tag steer shocks I put them in the press and compress them to length
needed and use motorcycle tie downs to hold them, works fairly well. Thanks for the come back on those shocks.

Truck Shop
 
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