Bulldog shocks installed

[Cort]

Congratulations. I looked for different shocks and couldn't find them. Next time I will try Bulldogs. :)_

[rideadeuce]

On 3/5/2025 at 10:16 PM, ScubaRx said:

On 5/24/2024 at 3:47 PM, rideadeuce said:

 

Upgraded to the ALCAN springs and have been very happy with them on the road. No more worries about one snapping in half. Matter of fact, I upgraded the leaf springs on the Tundra. Awesome upgrade as well. 

https://dobinsonusa.com/products/dobinsons-rear-leaf-springs-pair-for-toyota-tundra-2007-to-2019-l59-121-r/

 

Edited May 8 by ScubaRx

[Rleog]

Thanks, Rideadeuce, for the tip on the Bulldogs. Installed 4 of them today, along with new tires (originals going on 8 years old). Tomorrow, repack the bearings.

(note decal facing outward!)

[topgun2]

12 hours ago, Rleog said:

(note decal facing outward!)

Gotta love the attention to detail.  Good for you.

Bill

[John and Debbie]

On 5/25/2024 at 12:07 PM, Geronimo John said:

I saw this idea before our trip to Alaska.  Didn't do it as I felt that the Husky mud guards, and a large one at the bumper would do the trick.  They did their job well.... maybe 99.5%,   But that last one half of a percent was noticeable.

When we go back to AK, I'll be sporting Yoga Mats.  

GJ

We use Rock Tamers.  They're big, maybe similar in dimensions to yours.  Good point about that 0.5% still able to make an impact, literally.

John

[John and Debbie]

On 8/5/2024 at 6:56 AM, Geronimo John said:

At 24,000 miles on our OE2 I chose to replace the Monroe shocks when doing springs..  All four were still functioning with no leaks or adverse signs of wear.  I would consider that 5 seasons or 24K miles would be a reasonable "end of life" goal. 

GJ:

Crazy Horse adds: "Yea on the goal, but maybe early just for highway use.  But for sure not for the boondocker five-leafer herd".   

CH

I have the Bulldog shocks with me so that Alcan can replace the Monroe shocks that are on now when they put the five leaf springs on in two weeks in Grand Junction.

John

[routlaw]

Well crap as luck would have it just discovered yesterday while working on my Ollie installing new battery I have a broken shock or rather the nut came of the suspension loosing rubber grommets and all and just dangling loose. Must have happened on our recent trip to Colorado National Monument a couple of weeks ago. Have not been able to find anyone with the Bulldogs in stock yet but need to fix this soon. 

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, routlaw said:

I have a broken shock or rather the nut came off the suspension

To see if the shock is good or bad, manually compress and lengthen the shock and either it will be feel firm the full distance up and back, or if not it is blown.

If it is good, or to get down the road until you can replace the shocks you can get a set like this on Amazon or from ANY auto parts store. You may need to remove the shock or remove the nut from another shock to match the threads for the nut.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHF93PQF/

BTW, you are better off removing the shock than to have it dangling if you need to tow your trailer. Most trailers do not have shocks and the aren't truly necessary.

[routlaw]

@jd1923 luckily we are at home so not a big deal for now. No telling how many miles we ran with this thing dangling coming back from CO. Given the age of our unit #70 I will just replace the entire batch especially given how many folks have had issues with their Monroe's. For sure I will remove this one today a bit later. Thanks for the suggestions.

[SteveCr]

Advance Auto Parts will deliver four for $115 (using online discount code). This is also the price I paid a few month ago. 

 

[jd1923]

15 hours ago, SteveCr said:

Advance Auto Parts will deliver four for $115 (using online discount code).

What’s the SKU or part number on Advance Auto? I’ll order a set for next time.

Never mind, I couldn't see the number on my phone but can now on my laptop.
Part # HD1213-0656

Edited May 10 by jd1923

[Geronimo John]

If it is still serviceable, I would put a new nut and rubber mount on it and roll on.  Then replace it at my time of choosing.

GJ

[routlaw]

Ordered a new set of the Bulldog shocks anyway, came in today. As luck would have it been raining all day and for the next few days to boot. Just curious what it recommended for the torque values for installing these shocks. Nothing in the box indicating torque values. I would assume something in the neighborhood of 35-40 perhaps. 

[jd1923]

11 minutes ago, routlaw said:

Ordered a new set of the Bulldog shocks anyway, came in today. As luck would have it been raining all day and for the next few days to boot. Just curious what it recommended for the torque values for installing these shocks. Nothing in the box indicating torque values. I would assume something in the neighborhood of 35-40 perhaps. 

Rob, don't think or use torque values for rubber mounts. I've seen some pictures here that look right and some showing over-tightened bushings. You want to tighten them enough for the rubber bushings to pillow nicely, not enough so that the rubber will mushroom beyond the mounting plate which will cause premature failure of the bushings. The nuts are Nylok locking nuts so they will stay put.  

[routlaw]

13 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

Rob, don't think or use torque values for rubber mounts. I've seen some pictures here that look right and some showing over-tightened bushings. You want to tighten them enough for the rubber bushings to pillow nicely, not enough so that the rubber will mushroom beyond the mounting plate which will cause premature failure of the bushings. The nuts are Nylok locking nuts so they will stay put.  

Ok got it, that makes sense. Thanks! All good info. 

[MAX Burner]

On 5/9/2025 at 8:33 AM, routlaw said:

Well crap as luck would have it just discovered yesterday while working on my Ollie installing new battery I have a broken shock or rather the nut came of the suspension loosing rubber grommets and all and just dangling loose. Must have happened on our recent trip to Colorado National Monument a couple of weeks ago. Have not been able to find anyone with the Bulldogs in stock yet but need to fix this soon. 

@routlaw: It is likely the camera angle, but your leaf spring looks like its flattening out....

[routlaw]

59 minutes ago, MAX Burner said:

@routlaw: It is likely the camera angle, but your leaf spring looks like its flattening out....

Still pouring here but, but I think it’s just the camera angle. Springs looked ok the last time I crawled under there. Thanks

[ScubaRx]

On 5/9/2025 at 12:08 PM, routlaw said:

@jd1923 luckily we are at home so not a big deal for now. No telling how many miles we ran with this thing dangling coming back from CO. Given the age of our unit #70 I will just replace the entire batch especially given how many folks have had issues with their Monroe's. For sure I will remove this one today a bit later. Thanks for the suggestions.

If you plan to replace your shocks with the OEM Monroe’s you should check with buying them at O’Reilly’s auto parts. They are a little bit more expensive than buying them from Amazon but then they warranty them for life and you don’t have to keep up with your receipt if you go online and open an account with them.

Edited May 14 by ScubaRx

[routlaw]

1 hour ago, ScubaRx said:

If you plan to replace your shocks with the OEM Monroe’s you should check with buying them at O’Reilly’s auto parts. They are a little bit more expensive than buying them from Amazon but then they warranty them for life and you don’t have to keep up with your receipt if you go online and open an account with them.

Good advice. Actually ordered them from Auto Zone here in town, probably the same type service and warranty. Arrived in only a couple days. Now if it would just quit raining and I could get them them replaced.