popotla Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I have a 2005 Landrover County Station Wagon (2.5 liter diesel) with 65,000 km on the clock from new. Perhaps one quarter of this distance has been on unmade roads –some quite rough and rocky but some no more than unmade, so sometimes a bit bumpy. I’ve treated the vehicle quite kindly and so far, suspension-wise, have needed to replace one shock absorber bush. I’m about to leave on an overland trip which might last for a further 50,000 km. Here’s my question. I’m wondering whether to replace all shock absorbers now rather than have a problem in the proverbial back of beyond somewhere, with a vehicle that will be carrying a full load and potentially on all kinds of roads. Peace of mind is more important than cost but I don’t want to be extravagant, to throw money away unnecessarily. ** I don’t know hpw long I should expect the shocks to last. Should I replace now or wait? Please advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweetyduck Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I'd replace them with genuine or the best you can afford. Failing that carry a new spare of each. Even if you replace them you could carry the old ones as spares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Hi, I would replace them now, you can always take the old ones with you for spares if you felt the need, depending on what you can get on Oman I would go for something made for overland trips and would also go for something a little bit more heavy duty if you are going to be taking a lot of kit on your trip. When I changed mine I went for open turrets on the front to make like easier keeping them in good condition, if you are changing them it may also be time to check your bushes and replace anything that is required before your trip. Jason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
axlechorus Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I would renew them now in the nice confines of the workshop rather than out there in the middle of nowhere. As said it may well be worth looking to upgrade to a heavy duty overland version with a larger piston rod diameter and a greater oil capacity to cope with the extra demands of the environment that I am assuming is not going to be great for cooling. It may also be a good time to renew any bushes that are looking suspect and larger service items like your A-frame joint that require a press. For replacement shocks I would say to look at OME (Often a first choice) or the newer big bore terrafirma units that are getting a good write up. That depends on your support in Oman though. Cheers Ryck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popotla Posted January 12, 2011 Author Share Posted January 12, 2011 Thanks. I shall replace. I could get upgraded shocks in Dubai/Abu Dhabi while passing through, but might just get standard replacements locally, having them fitted by regular and trusted mechanics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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