The FRF Shock Shootout! All pre event details and discussion here

[Squatting Dog]

Okay, I can understand wanting to be through and safe.. But when you make tests more complicated, the results become muddied..

A simple frame brace, stock bump stops and location that parallels the highway (plaster city). This way the runs can be filmed by a chase truck. Truck driven at the same speed should give perfect side by side comparisons.. Simple, and repeatable.

Then once new products become available you run them down the same stretch and will still be able to compare them. (yes, i know the trail changes but unless you have a man made test course it will be hard to control this variable)

Just thoughts..

-Greg

 

[Wilson]

I never test drove a raptor and bought one. but if I have the chance that to me is the best test actually driving the setups. far as I'm considered even just video with different setups would be a nice comparison. the variables are tremendous so with out a control vehicle it's just shooting video of different setups.

 

[BigJ]

Using thermocouples would allow you to datalog the entire endurance test, giving you a time variable that could be used to track temperature profiles over different terrains without stopping, as long as notes are kept on checkpoint times.

A FLIR camera might also be more useful than an IR gun as it would give you a image you could share later of each shocks heat ranges over the entire setup.

I have several FLir cameras... Might be able to barrow them..

-Greg

I REALLY like the idea of using a FLIR. Greg, do you think its realistic we can borrow one for a couple weeks (including ship time back and forth?). If not I might be able to source one myself through some suppliers at work.

---------- Post added at 08:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:58 PM ----------

Okay, I can understand wanting to be through and safe.. But when you make tests more complicated, the results become muddied..

A simple frame brace, stock bump stops and location that parallels the highway (plaster city). This way the runs can be filmed by a chase truck. Truck driven at the same speed should give perfect side by side comparisons.. Simple, and repeatable.

Then once new products become available you run them down the same stretch and will still be able to compare them. (yes, i know the trail changes but unless you have a man made test course it will be hard to control this variable)

Just thoughts..

-Greg

Good thoughts Greg.

Simple is key, I agree. But sometimes it take a ton of work beforehand to get there. For example, this bump stop conversation. Using some frame reinforcement + the OEM stops is not only the simplest approach, but it turns out its the safest for the truck of all the options, given our 'test the shocks only' goal.

I never test drove a raptor and bought one. but if I have the chance that to me is the best test actually driving the setups. far as I'm considered even just video with different setups would be a nice comparison. the variables are tremendous so with out a control vehicle it's just shooting video of different setups.

Yep for sure Wilson, we'll have a control. ICON will be loaning us brand new OEMs for exactly that purpose.

 

[Travis_2308]

There's a three-axis accelerometer in the for sale section

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f29/gpx-pro-v4-lap-timer-sale-19940/

 

[Yukon Joe]

I know it was asked if SVT would be interested in helping with this. It wasn't specifically asked, but they did discuss the amount of work that went into the shock testing with Fox. The amount of instrumentation and data they gathered was amazing. There was a lot of engineering both from Ford and Fox that went into the development of the stock shocks.

SVT said they had a great relationship with Fox during the development. And that Fox had a lot to learn about developing a road ready shock.

I don't think they would be interested, and it also might be against their service agreement to be involved with a civilian test like this one.

Also, the amount of data that they considered is world's more than what we could gather, leaving the test (in their eyes to subjective).

Disclaimer: this is my opinion based on the visit with SVT, I'm not trying to rain on this parade. Just as Big J has stated, this test is subjective and you take from it what you want based on you own experiences relative to the test setups.

Yukon Joe
Delta Force
Snoball500 Support Raptor

 

[Wilson]

Joe no wonder you have to put in extra hr to get caught up lol.

 

[BigJ]

Any talk about ideas for this float around the SnoBall by chance? Any new thoughts or perspectives or opportunities for parts?

 

[1ntheoc]

Just finished all 22 pages... whew.

Here's my perspective.

This is a shock shootout to determine the different characteristics each shock has so that a prospective buyer can make an informed decision. IF my last sentence is correct, then:

A buyer looking to upgrade their shocks on a Raptor is a buyer who plans to push their truck to some degree. A frame brace, bumps and leafs are going to be (or should be) on a truck that is being upgraded to 3.0's.

To say the truck should be stock is understandable, but not realistic. It would be like testing a turbo upgrade with a stock intake and exhaust... sure, you could do dyno pulls and see a difference, but no one is going to upgrade their turbo/turbos and have a stock exhaust/intake (sorry for the turbo comparison, but I'm from the Import crowd).

3.0 suspension is not meant for mall crawling. It's meant to push and if you're gonna push (especially someone else's truck) I think a gusset kit and bumps are responsible AND likely to be on a prospective buyers list anyways. What might make sense is to test only 3.0 shocks with bumps and stuff... and 2.5 stuff could be on a stock truck.

Also, you're gonna have to swap this stuff out in the field. I'm Socal local and would love to lend a hand anyway I could...

 

[justvettn]

Are you sure you read all 22 pages? The stock truck would be in need of the bump-stop way more than the truck with 3.0's.
We already know that the stock shocks bottom out and need some assistance.

 

[1ntheoc]

Are you sure you read all 22 pages? The stock truck would be in need of the bump-stop way more than the truck with 3.0's.
We already know that the stock shocks bottom out and need some assistance.

Fairly certain I read all 22 pages. However, I could be incorrect as I only have 10 fingers and 10 toes. So, I can say with confidence I've read at least 20 pages... 10 plus 10 is 20, right?

Your statement that a stock truck would need a bump stop way more than a truck with 3.0's seems logical and I agree with that statement. I believe you made that statement because I mentioned the possibility of 2 separate tests, one with 2.5's and a stock rear and the other with 3.0's with springs, bumps etc.?

When I brought up that idea, it was to allow the tests to more accurately reflect on the products intended use. Logic would dictate that owners of 3.0 systems will be harder on the truck (therefore harder tests), whereas owners of 2.5 systems would be more casual in their use. Obviously, this isn't always the case, however, I believe it would be true in more cases than not.

Anyhow, it sounds like we agree. I apologize for not making myself more clear in my previous post.