</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by smr4runner:
<strong>Hey Jeff,
Do you know how ofen the SAW's need to be rebuilt? It probably depends on how often you take your rig offroad (guessing).
If so do they need to be sent back to the manufacturer (sp)?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Actually, no I don't know. I've heard conflicting info about that. Some say this design of racing shock is intended to be re-built after every race. Others say after 6 months to a year of use. And the 200 psi of nitrogen should be recharged at least that often. Mine are over a year old since they were re-valved by SAW. I haven't even repressurized mine yet, but I'm noticing some inconsistency between left/right and they aren't as stiff as they used to be. So I figure I need to re-valve and re-pressurize soon (again with the Tundra valving). You wouldn't have to send them back to SAW if you can find someone locally who'll rebuilt them. A while back, some Taco owners at TTORA said they were determined to figure it out themselves and post a how-to web page. I haven't looked for it yet, though. Over a year ago, I had a horrible time trying to find ANY 4x4/motorcycle/ATV/welding shop that even could re-pressurize the nitrogen. I only found one welding supply shop locally that was willing. And SAW only has instructions posted on their web page for how to re-valve their long travel shocks with a remote resevoir, but not the ones with the integrated resevoir. You'd think it would be similar, though. http://www.swayaway.com/RaceRunner%20Revalve%20Install.htm
I read somewhere that you need to also replace the shock "washers" during the rebuild. That's what determines the shock rate (what we call Tundra valving). Of course, you could change the valving exactly how you wanted it then, too. It would make sense if they cavitate after a while, especially if the nitrogen pressure isn't maintained at 200 psi, but I'm not sure. It would sure be nice if someone at least sold a re-valving "kit".