Rear shock replacement options

[soaringDude]

After 4 years of being on the road I had my first real failure. The rear PS shock shaft somehow stripped its threads and separated from the bottom spring pillow. Fortunately very minor secondary damage after this happened. But I am still in shock at why and how this happened. I looked around and it seems a few have experienced this but didn't find any conclusive reason as to why. Is this an isolated case because of material failure in the shock or is it due to a mechanical issue with the suspension that is putting side loads or other type of stress on the shock that caused such an early failure - I've had less than 3000 miles on these shocks.

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On a different note, does anyone have recommendation on where to get replacement shocks? I have a MK4 with standard width track IRS running on FF Koni's. Left messages and emails to FF but haven't heard back from them. The site seems to only sell the assembled coil overs as a set. I just need one shock and the pillow. No damage to the springs. A source or suggestion for replacement options would be greatly appreciated.

[rich grsc]

Contact Koni

[CraigS]

I have a pair of 2015+ IRS Koni's w/ springs. When I did the retrofit from solid axle they came w/ the kit. I used them for maybe 2 months untill I figured how to mount my QA1 DA coil overs. I will be leaving in 10 min and gone all day but send an email to craig stuard at comcast dot net so we can swap emails Monday.

[soaringDude]

Thanks for the replies. FF tech folks suggested the reason for stripping is likely a lose top mount which does not apply in this case. The top mount felt solid when I removed the shock and didn't seem to have any play in it at all. So still no idea why it happened.

I got the shock ordered from FF and it should be here soon. @craigs Thanks for the offer, I didn't see that until after I had ordered the shock from FF. Would have definitely gotten yours ��

[Nigel Allen]

I had the same failure, but was lucky to only have damage to the male thread. Cleaned up with a thread file and used Loctite on reassembly. All good for 5,000 miles. My theory is it partially unscrewed when adjusting preload on the spring and was hidden by the rubber bumper. I would recommend applying Loctite to all of the shock absorbers.

Cheers,

Nigel