nitrogen vs hydraulic shocks. opinions?

[thoughtcriminal]

Looking at shocks for my ranger when I lift it.
Looking at skyjacker shocks because of the decent price and lifetime warranty.

Wondering what the pros and cons are of nitrogen and hydraulic.
which would be better at higher speeds?

If its just a price thing, I will gladly go for the nitros ($5 is worth it). But I am wondering if maybe hydraulics would be better in certain applications

thanks.

also, I think I already know the answer to this, but if I go hydro, am I better off buying James Duff shocks? They are $3 more than the skyjackers (again, worth it if they perform better)

 

[gw33gp]

Nitrogen pressurized shock are still hydraulic shocks. They are just pressurized with nitrogen to reduce the tendency to aerate the shock fluid during rapid movement of the shock. Aerated fluid decreases the damping properties of the shock. I always try to use high pressure nitrogen shocks for everything I drive.

 

[thoughtcriminal]

I'm looking at the james duff 70/30 shocks (http://www.jamesduff.com/eb/suspension_components.html)

and the skyjacker n8000 nitrogen shocks (http://www.jegs.com/i/Skyjacker/825/N8017/10002/-1)

Just trying to figure out which will be the best for my money. The James Duff shocks claim not to aerate and fade. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[Yellowsplash]

Nitrogen shocks have better rebound characteristics than standard hydros. If you get a chance, compress a hydro and then a nitro with your hands and you will see. This means they help to keep the tires planted to the ground. The con to this is they're slightly stiffer, but in no way deteriorates the ride quality but if anything helps it. Personally, with as much lift as I have, and the fact that I daily drive my truck, it can only help with handling and body roll, especially without the front sway bar connected. I would recommend the skyjacker nitro anyday, especially since its only a few bucks more...

 

[AllanD]

And even when you understand Nitrogen shocks you still have yet to learn
that not all Nitrogen shocks are created equally.

There is a WORLD of difference between typical american made Gas shocks
from the cheapest shocks sold through K-Mart and Sears to the better
Monroe Reflex and Sens-A-Trac, to KYB's shocks and on up to european
shocks Koni and Bilstein.

Some of the euro shocks have upwards of 400psi internal gas pressure
(Torching a hole in one can make for some unexpected excitement.)

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