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Technical Problems with Aldan Shocks??

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 1973FE, Jun 2, 2020.

  1. 1973FE
    Joined: Nov 26, 2017
    Posts: 6

    1973FE

    Has anybody out there had trouble with these shocks? Things like losing the nitrogen charge, leaking dampening oil, etc. I have a friend that has a puddle of oil where they sat on the shelf, and were brand new! If there are better shocks out there, like Carrera, QA1, AFCO, etc., that have a longer life, please do tell. The current application does not require "pretty", but it does require good function and "drive-ability."
     
  2. I know people who have had problems, so you are not alone.
     
    mgtstumpy likes this.
  3. No personal experience, but I've heard good things about the QA1s.
     
    partssaloon likes this.
  4. When my Aldens leaked, I sent them back with copy of purchase receipt. Fixed for free under lifetime warranty. Think I did this three times over 20 years, 100k miles.

    Phil
     

  5. Hot Rod Cowboy
    Joined: Jan 2, 2010
    Posts: 231

    Hot Rod Cowboy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Ridetech has a 1,000,001 mile warranty on their shocks. And I’ve heard some very positive things about them. No first hand experience yet. FYI


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2020
  6. Pass The Torch
    Joined: May 18, 2018
    Posts: 1,629

    Pass The Torch
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Any word on Monroe?
    Monroe.jpg
     
  7. badshifter
    Joined: Apr 28, 2006
    Posts: 3,535

    badshifter
    Member

    Ride tech changes their shock supplier pretty regularly. I believe FOX is the supplier of the month for them at the moment.
    Aldan shocks are entry level at best.
    QA1, Penske, JRi, good shocks, more money.
     
  8. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have had good luck with QA1s.
     
    partssaloon likes this.
  9. bchctybob
    Joined: Sep 18, 2011
    Posts: 5,190

    bchctybob
    Member

    I’ve had good luck with Alden coil overs, only had one leak (out of about six pairs) and they repaired it, no problem.


    Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  10. gnichols
    Joined: Mar 6, 2008
    Posts: 11,345

    gnichols
    Member
    from Tampa, FL

    Have you researched Koni or Bilstein? They have "traditional" style tube shocks that are every bit as good as their fancy pants stuff. And they will set them up for you, too, should you want to alter the feel. All you need to know is the extended and compressed lengths and mounting bolt hole sizes.
     
    Ned Ludd and loudbang like this.
  11. I have had good luck with the QA-1 shocks. HRP
     
    partssaloon likes this.
  12. Ned Ludd
    Joined: May 15, 2009
    Posts: 5,025

    Ned Ludd
    Member

    Do you have a local performance shock rebuilder? The dampers on my DD are rebuilt junkyard stockers with new seals and custom valving installed by a tiny local outfit called GT Shocks. If Cape Town can have one such, chances are there are more wherever you are.
     
  13. big john d
    Joined: Nov 24, 2011
    Posts: 366

    big john d
    Member
    from ma

    i have aldan coil overs on my drag car for the last twelve years and have never had a problem
     
  14. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to work at JRI shocks for a day assembling shocks. all hand made by Americans. shop is spotless and organized. it was a unique opportunity for me. I assembled shocks that were destined for Harley Davidson side cars.
     
  15. 26hotrod
    Joined: Nov 28, 2009
    Posts: 1,151

    26hotrod
    Member
    from landis n c

    I replaced my Alden coil overs with Pete&Jakes coil overs 20 yrs ago with no problems...……...
     
  16. You get what you pay for. I stopped buying aldan shock a long time ago. Qa1 is my go to shock now. Look at the classifieds for a set I'm selling.
     
  17. woodiewagon46
    Joined: Mar 14, 2013
    Posts: 2,269

    woodiewagon46
    Member
    from New York

    I had Aldan coil overs on the front of my Deuce roadster. The springs were what were called "progressive springs" meaning the bottom 1/3 were wound tighter than the top 2/3. The ride got progressively worse and after about a year you couldn't get a business card between the bottom 1/3 of the coils. To me, when you have a spring that the coils are touching, it's not a spring, but a 3" spacer. This was after only about 2000 miles. The ride was also harsh, but I chalked it up to just being a hot rod. While at the Nationals in Louisville, I stopped by the PRO shocks booth and talked to the PRO people. They suggested that I send the Aldans to them in the off season and they would evaluate them for free. After they evaluated the shocks, they told me even though both shock's and spring's were correctly rated, the shock's were "blown" and needed to be replaced and the springs were useless. I purchased and installed a set of PRO coil over shocks and could not believe the difference in the ride. In fact, the first trip I took with my wife, she even mentioned how different and smooth the car rode. I have had the Pro coil overs on the car now for over 50K miles since, with no issues.
     
  18. buzz4041
    Joined: Nov 14, 2008
    Posts: 361

    buzz4041
    Member
    from Texas

    I just sent a 23 year old pair back to them and they replaced all seals, filled with new oil and recharged for me for the cost of shipping and treated it as under warranty. I say that is some damn good service.
     
  19. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    I put a pair of Aldan coil overs on the back of my A pickup just a couple of years ago and have had no issues with leaks, yet. The ride quality is quite good, at least compared to the worn out shocks that were on it when I acquired it. Definitely NOT entry level, good quality, gas charged, adjustable rebound shocks. Priced accordingly.
     
  20. flamedabone
    Joined: Aug 3, 2001
    Posts: 5,441

    flamedabone
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    You should get you some of these.

    pleasurizer shocks.jpg

    -Abone.
     
    tb33anda3rd likes this.
  21. stubbsrodandcustom
    Joined: Dec 28, 2010
    Posts: 2,273

    stubbsrodandcustom
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Spring tx

    Blew out 2 sets of monroes on the back of my 56 pickup, still have the 11 year old set of monroes on the front but they are the Yellow HD shocks, rears were the middle line, Upgraded to single adjustable QA1 and best thing I ever did, when the front shocks go I will put the same ones up front.

    On my moms 56 ford we pulled the monroes off and put the belltech drop shocks on, great bang for the buck shock for sure so far. They are good for lowered vehicles for sure.

    My 53 belair has the cheap blue monroes, they ride ok, just can control the rear end enough on hard fast bumps.

    Billsteins or KYB are not bad either, just problems most find is the gas is too hard and adds spring rate that kills ride.

    VOTE QA1 here is my top choice.
     
  22. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 12,286

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    QA1 and Bilstein on my cars right now. Never an issue with them.
     
  23. dwollam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2012
    Posts: 2,321

    dwollam
    Member

    I prefer Gabriels. Never liked Monroes.

    Dave
     
    Crazy Steve likes this.
  24. mcmopar
    Joined: Nov 12, 2012
    Posts: 1,734

    mcmopar
    Member
    from Strum, wi

    I have them on the front of my truck and they are leaving. I sent them back under the warranty, and I got over a $100 bill to rebuild them. Still not happy with them. I will match the QA1's I have in the back.

    Tony
     
  25. HemiTCoupe
    Joined: Apr 4, 2013
    Posts: 217

    HemiTCoupe
    Member
    from TN.

    Does anyone have a 15" Aldan coil over, a single, pair, or a set 13.5 - 15" Even one that need rebuilding. I have a 13.5 & a 15" now. I need a mate to the one I have.
     

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  26. okiedokie
    Joined: Jul 5, 2005
    Posts: 4,778

    okiedokie
    Member
    from Ok

    I have QA1 on the front of my 40 and Ride Tech on the rear. I have had to return both for repair, Ride Tech repairs free and quickly, QA1 goes to an authorized rebuilder (independent) and cost $100 and took awhile.
     
  27. bangngears
    Joined: Aug 30, 2007
    Posts: 1,145

    bangngears
    Member
    from ofallon mo

    Just contact them. im sure they will fix or replace for free.
     
  28. WB69
    Joined: Dec 7, 2008
    Posts: 1,958

    WB69
    Member
    from Kansas

    QA1s on my stuff without any issues whatsoever! Had horrible trouble with Monroe's.
     

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