Bracket Talk
Is anyone rebuilding coilover shocks themself?

This topic can be found at:
https://drr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/80760912/m/5187049207

November 23, 2025, 09:16 AM
Brktracer
Is anyone rebuilding coilover shocks themself?
Cost to rebuild these shocks is ridiculous! I push the rebuild frequency too far because it's >$1k for all 4. I have "custom" Afco.

It seems like 3 years is about the frequency needed, but I've run them longer and I think rebuilding every 2 years would be ideal.

It just can't be $1k hard and I see all the tools and parts are available from Afco.

Was looking at other high end brands. Maybe the other brands have a longer service life? I'm not opposed to a change.

I really want to rebuild them BEFORE problems start. Usually, there are very, very subtle signs that continue to worsen over time.


Matt Ward



November 23, 2025, 09:29 AM
Larry Woodfin
Matt, following for replies. If you are satisfied with the valving, I agree that you will inspect, clean, install new seals, and replace the oil.

It seems reasonable to me.


Larry Woodfin



November 23, 2025, 10:29 AM
Lenny5160
I wonder if I should take a look at the rear shocks I bought in 1996 or so.

I did replace the lower bushings a few years ago after one of them disintegrated.


Tony Leonard
November 23, 2025, 10:55 AM
Big Steve
I ran the same Afco shocks on my TD for 10 years and never rebuilt them and were very sensitive to changes and no leaks, maybe I was doing something wrong?
November 23, 2025, 03:31 PM
markemark
quote:
Originally posted by Brktracer:
Cost to rebuild these shocks is ridiculous! I push the rebuild frequency too far because it's >$1k for all 4. I have "custom" Afco.

It seems like 3 years is about the frequency needed, but I've run them longer and I think rebuilding every 2 years would be ideal.

It just can't be $1k hard and I see all the tools and parts are available from Afco.

Was looking at other high end brands. Maybe the other brands have a longer service life? I'm not opposed to a change.

I really want to rebuild them BEFORE problems start. Usually, there are very, very subtle signs that continue to worsen over time.


The service frequency sounds excessive to me. Ever think you might be wearing them out in the trailer? Maybe put a twist tie on the piston rod to see what’s happening while towing.

I only put 126 runs on my car this year but it road over 7000 miles in the trailer.
November 23, 2025, 08:13 PM
Brktracer
I’m sure they take a beating in the trailer. These SC roads are bad. I bet my rears were 5-6 years at least. They were dirty enough to see that they clearly never bottom out. Lol!


Matt Ward



November 23, 2025, 08:14 PM
Brktracer
quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
I ran the same Afco shocks on my TD for 10 years and never rebuilt them and were very sensitive to changes and no leaks, maybe I was doing something wrong?


No, probably me doing something wrong or being way too picky.


Matt Ward



November 24, 2025, 08:15 AM
RPROGAS
Lamb Components in Upland, Ca. rebuilt my Koni's. Made a difference, worth every dollar I spent. Changes in setting are now significant.

Thanks Betty!
November 24, 2025, 11:33 AM
ski_dwn_it
I just called Afco and they said it was 110 per shock.

Dave Connelly also does them also at 175 per shock and does custom tuning for the same amount. Just spoke to him last week.

No idea why yours are so much. Mine were AFCO BNC valving. Been on front of my car for 10+ years. Figure they are due for some attention. Probably just wasting money.



Configuration: 3350#, 582 C.I.,

60 - 1.24
1/8 - 5.53@ 126MPH
1/4 - 8.73@ 159MPH


3700#+210lb driver, FULL interior, through mufflers, 10.5 tire.
60'-1.333 (IN 4000ft DA! Joisy Math excluded; 1.25sec using JOISY MATH.) Wink
1/4 - 9.60@144MPH
November 24, 2025, 04:57 PM
markemark
quote:
I’m sure they take a beating in the trailer. These SC roads are bad.


Lmao……. You need to take a trip way North to the upper Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin) to know what bad roads are.
November 26, 2025, 06:41 AM
Brktracer
quote:
Originally posted by markemark:
quote:
I’m sure they take a beating in the trailer. These SC roads are bad.


Lmao……. You need to take a trip way North to the upper Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin) to know what bad roads are.


I've heard, and no thank you!


Matt Ward



November 26, 2025, 06:46 AM
Brktracer
quote:
Originally posted by ski_dwn_it:
I just called Afco and they said it was 110 per shock.

Dave Connelly also does them also at 175 per shock and does custom tuning for the same amount. Just spoke to him last week.



Great to know. Thank you!
Probably more expensive because of who is doing them. Maybe it's time for a change or time to learn to do them myself. At $110 per shock it's not worth my time.


Matt Ward



November 26, 2025, 08:20 AM
ski_dwn_it
quote:
Originally posted by Brktracer:
quote:
Originally posted by ski_dwn_it:
I just called Afco and they said it was 110 per shock.

Dave Connelly also does them also at 175 per shock and does custom tuning for the same amount. Just spoke to him last week.



Great to know. Thank you!
Probably more expensive because of who is doing them. Maybe it's time for a change or time to learn to do them myself. At $110 per shock it's not worth my time.


yep give them a call. Either place is far cheaper.