1. REMOTE RESERVOIR
SHOCK ABSORBERS
EXPLAINED BY
SUPERIOR ENGINEERING
Michael Hayes talks
about remote reservoir
shocks for your 4WD.

2. FOAM OR GAS SHOCKS?
While fine for cruising or light-duty off-road use, a typical
foam or gas shock has drawbacks. The biggest one is when
subjected to sustained rough terrain, they can overheat. Aer-
ation (or foaming) is what takes place when the oil and gas
in the shock mix due to sustained heat and motion, and the
result is a shock that loses its ability to dampen suspension
motion correctly. The result is a bouncy ride and also dan-
gerous handling.

3. SOLVE THIS PROBLEM
Remote reservoir shocks can help solve this problem.
They are designed with an external reservoir that in-
creases fluid capacity. This increase in capacity helps
lower fluid temperature, thus offering the ability to blast
over rough terrain without experiencing shock fade.
There are two kinds of remote reservoir shocks...

4. TWO KINDS OF REMOTE RES SHOCKS
Piggyback-style shocks have the reservoir permanent-
ly mounted to the shock body.
While with the second style, the reservoir is attached
by a length of high-pressure hose, meaning it can be
mounted wherever you like.

6. WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE?
What’s the advantage of remote reservoirs? Inside
the reservoir, a floating piston separates the nitrogen
from the oil, preventing aeration. Another advantage
is the increased oil capacity that aids in cooling and
increases service life of the oil. Additionally, the add-
ed gas volume helps the compression and rebound
valves to retain consistency under the most severe off-
road terrain or varying surface conditions.

7. WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE (CONT.)?
Perhaps the most significant benefit of remote reser-
voir-type shocks is that many are valved for specific
vehicle applications, unlike most regular shocks that
use generic valving. Custom valving allows you to fine-
tune the compression and rebound to suit your vehicle
and driving style.

8. DO I REALLY NEED THIS?
I just want a nice ride. Do I really need A REMOTE
RESERVOIR Shock? Remote reservoir-style shocks
are built and tuned to enhance your vehicle’s ride and
performance over a wide variety of terrain. The reser-
voirs are really a necessity if driving long distances on
extremely rough tracks or fully loaded when touring.
Shock fade on a loaded vehicle can become extremely
dangerous when driving at higher speeds.

9. ARE REMOTE RES SHOCKS DURABLE?
Yes.
The bodies consist of a thick high-tensile steel pres-
sure cylinder, which is plated for corrosion resistance.

10. ARE THEY DURABLE?
Inside, the damping work is done by an exclusive valv-
ing designed piston that features a Teflon and bronze
composite wear band to eliminate any metal-to-metal
contact and reduce friction.
Heavy-duty, hardchromed shafts, billet machined com-
ponents and high-grade racing oil are foremost in
quality and durability.

12. CAN I SERVICE THEM?
Can I service my REMOTE RESERVOIR shocks?
Superior Engineering’s shocks are fully rebuildable
and repairable. Parts are available individually or in kit
form. Tuning for ride or performance, servicing, repair-
ing or upgrading can be done by any competent per-
son with the correct tools.

13. CONTACT SUPERIOR ENGINEERING
Phone: (07) 5433 1411
499 Uhlmann Road
Burpengary Queensland 4505
Australia
ASK THE EXPERTS:
4X4 Suspension Tech Talk With Superior Engineering
www.superiorengineering.com.au