Why are FOA's so cheap?

DAkk · Jan 29, 2017

I've got my buggy about as far as I can without putting some shocks on it.. I'm on a very tight budget but I really wanna wheel this thing by July.. It's a bouncer style chassis, 5.3/700r4/241/ tons, 43 non sticky's.. I don't know what to do for shocks, it's fairly light, so fox 2.0 airs would prolly work, at least in the rear, but I don't know if I want to rely on a seal to get me home.. Foa coilovers are really tempting at around $350ea with springs from Dave's off-road., but I've seen mixed reviews on the foa 2.0's.. Obviously I'd go with big name shocks if I could afford it, but I can't now.. I can always upgrade later, so what's hardline's opinion on some cheap shock options to get me on the rocks for now? This isn't my first buggy, but it is the first I've built from scratch and I'm wanting it to perform better than the last one on unknown scrapyard coils and napa shocks...

FlatlandFSJ · Jan 29, 2017

If I was on a tight budget. I'd buy 2 fox coilovers for the front and toss whatever air shocks I could find on the back, then you can get another set of fox for the rear when the budget allows.

I was going to do the Foa thing....figured it would be cheaper to buy fox once, instead of dealing with Foa issues.

Elliott · Jan 29, 2017

To many people on here have had complaints about those, no sense in buying a cheap set and fighting them, take a little bit longer or sell some stuff and buy a fox, or king set once and be done. You will be glad you did, and it only hurts once

bgredjeep · Jan 29, 2017

They are cheap so your feelings aren't hurt when they leak.

Also, check out this link for a detailed look at several brands of shocks.
http://www.crawlpedia.com/shock_shootout.htm

poolman · Jan 29, 2017

FlatlandFSJ said:
If I was on a tight budget. I'd buy 2 fox coilovers for the front and toss whatever air shocks I could find on the back, then you can get another set of fox for the rear when the budget allows.

I was going to do the Foa thing....figured it would be cheaper to buy fox once, instead of dealing with Foa issues.

X2, I've had foas, they leaked, and so did the air bumps.

FlatlandFSJ · Jan 29, 2017

bgredjeep said:
They are cheap so your feelings aren't hurt when they leak.

Also, check out this link for a detailed look at several brands of shocks.
http://www.crawlpedia.com/shock_shootout.htm

Haha....Quick read through their full write up on FOA and this jumped out at me.

"There was a large amount of fine dust or debris in the shock oil along with two small bugs."

pholmann · Jan 29, 2017

Standard emulsion fox c/o's for the budget win. Foa's aren't supposed to be worth the packaging they come in.

MihlfeldL2005 · Jan 29, 2017

Re:

I'm actually really impressed with my pro fender coilovers. They're beefy, built well, and fairly inexpensive. I'd give them a look if I were you

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

TBItoy · Jan 29, 2017

You should be able to get FOX or Radflo 2.0 coilovers with springs for about $450 each.

taterfab · Jan 29, 2017

My 2.5 FOA coilover shocks must be rare . I've beat on them for close to 3 years now . And only time one leaked was when I bent it because a link mount broke. And I wouldn't hesitate to buy again.

d9marko · Jan 29, 2017

I have a set 2.0 and 2.5 FOA's that have been well worth what I paid for them. Packaging sucks though. One of them were scuffed all to hell when it arrived.

bbone · Jan 29, 2017

Have had mine front and rear since 2010. No issues with the shocks

mckeddie · Jan 29, 2017

My buddy has run road on his dad for at least 4 years now. Once he got passed the initial leaks, he's never had an issue w them. He oaid like $700 for all 4 from someone that bought them for mockup.

BUG-E J · Jan 29, 2017

The only experience I had with them was bad. Then I couldn't get them on the phone. They sent me new parts that were still junk.

72dozer · Jan 29, 2017

I'm running the 2.5 on a jku and haven't had any probs . Been on there close to a year now. Have never had a problem getting in touch with foa for springs swaps or shims
I recently revalved mine and the oil did look a lil dirtier than I thought it would but nothing out of ordinary to me

billstoy · Jan 29, 2017

I have all FOA 4 -2x16 that are 7 years old. I have 4 2 x14 that are 2 1/2 years old. I have 1 brand new spare . All are on light weight buggies, I run my springs at the right weight So I don't over pressurize my shocks and cause leaking. I'm very happy for the price. rebuild kits are cheap, and new shafts are only 28$ I've bent 2.

Rjhoward32006 · Jan 30, 2017

I have foa airbumps and fox coilovers, have been inside both of them. Do yourself a favor and do NOT buy foa. They are crappy, cheap, and leak like a waterfall

croes · Jan 30, 2017

billstoy said:
I have all FOA 4 -2x16 that are 7 years old. I have 4 2 x14 that are 2 1/2 years old. I have 1 brand new spare . All are on light weight buggies, I run my springs at the right weight So I don't over pressurize my shocks and cause leaking. I'm very happy for the price. rebuild kits are cheap, and new shafts are only 28$ I've bent 2.

I've emailed the owner 3x trying to get a new shaft and rebuild kit so I can get these sold for a buddy.

Johnt1985 · Feb 1, 2017

i have had a leak on mine change fluid and some seals and have not had issue and as far as customer service i have called the owner super nice guy but he did tell me not to email either call or order of internet but fastest way is just call