ACR owners: are they problematic?

[Viper ACR Lover 02]

Ok, so, I just had the rear tires replaced on my 02 ACR. And coincidentally, both rear shocks are leaking. My question is that I have been noticing people mentioning that they can be rebuilt - what information is available for me to decide where to have the shocks for the car rebuilt? Are there specialists that do this? I've noticed the price is pretty reasonable - what's the finished product like and how long does it last? What kind of turn around time on the shocks can be inspected in the event they are rebuilt? Any information would be great and really appreciated. Thanks

-John

 

[Viper Specialty]

Ok, so, I just had the rear tires replaced on my 02 ACR. And coincidentally, both rear shocks are leaking. My question is that I have been noticing people mentioning that they can be rebuilt - what information is available for me to decide where to have the shocks for the car rebuilt? Are there specialists that do this? I've noticed the price is pretty reasonable - what's the finished product like and how long does it last? What kind of turn around time on the shocks can be inspected in the event they are rebuilt? Any information would be great and really appreciated. Thanks

-John

Dynamic Suspension in Ontario Canada should be able to do the rebuild for you.

 

[RTTTTed]

Shouldn't any shop that rebuilds race shocks be able to do them as well as many Dealerships?

My snowmobiles have similar style racing shocks and the local artic cat dealer rebuilt one a month ago. It doesn't seem difficult to unscrew and take them apart after removing the gas. Change the oil, check seals and re-pressurize. Owners manual should state how often the oil should be changed/rebuilt.

Ted

 

[Viper Specialty]

Shouldn't any shop that rebuilds race shocks be able to do them as well as many Dealerships?

My snowmobiles have similar style racing shocks and the local artic cat dealer rebuilt one a month ago. It doesn't seem difficult to unscrew and take them apart after removing the gas. Change the oil, check seals and re-pressurize. Owners manual should state how often the oil should be changed/rebuilt.

Ted

Dealerships? Thats a laugh. Most of them cant even do things half as intricate as shock work.

If you mean Dynamic shock dealers, assuming they even have a "dealer rebuild" program- as long as the shop was reputable, I guess that would be OK. So far as Joe-Schmoe's shop, no, I wouldnt try it. These are not run of the mill shocks, and they dont use run of the mill shock oil. I dont think you want someone who doesnt know exactly what they are looking at learning on your godaweful expensive shocks.... and thats not even factoring in that shocks keep your car ON THE ROAD. Rebuild them wrong, and you'll find out just how much they really do!

Is this really an area to cut corners? Go with the people who built them in the first place.

 

[cudavip]

Never had to have a set rebuilt, but I did take em off as well as the lightweight BBS and boxed em.
The car was used on the street for 200 miles with the stock set up and was too rough it is intended for the track and feels like it.
Do yourself a favor remove the factory set up (shocks and wheels box em up) go with an after market shock and wheel of your choice if you drive it on the street you will be a lot happier with the ride and save the wheels and shocks from the curbs, *** holes they were never intended to be used this way.

 

[AFL in NJ]

My ACR has 46k miles....no issues with the original shocks at all. As for the rims.....I really want a set of chromed ACR rims with new PS2's for next season (tires should last me through this year only), but yeah, the rims are a matter of personal expression....I LOVE the ACR rims!

Regards,
Aaron

 

[AZTVR]

both rear shocks are leaking. My question is that I have been noticing people mentioning that they can be rebuilt - what information is available for me to decide where to have the shocks for the car rebuilt? Are there specialists that do this?

I'd contact JonB at PartsRack to see whether he has rebuit ones to exchange for a very quik turn-around time, and definitely talk to him about changing original rear springs for the lower rate ones that he recommends. That made a big difference in my enjoyment of my car. That's an inexpensive upgrade to do at the same time.

If you would rather have your original ones rebuilt, I'd recommend sending them back to DSI. I'd suggest PM'ing 2000_black_rt10 for more specifics. I went direct through the DSI website contact (Carl Haas Automobile Imports) before I discovered his connection to DSI.

Here is a recent thread on the subject: http://forums.viperclub.org/tire-wheel-brake-suspension/606487-repair-acr-shock.html

 

[cudavip]

Here is a recent thread on the subject: http://forums.viperclub.org/tire-wheel-brake-suspension/606487-repair-acr-shock.html[/quote]

AZTVR, Bingo!

2000 RT/10 should demand payment that was a quick clinic.

 

[Viper ACR Lover 02]

Thanks for the help, everyone. For the record, cudavip- a previous owner has already curbed the bbs wheels. not everyone appreciates these cars. thanks again for the advice.

john

 

[cudavip]

Thanks for the help, everyone. For the record, cudavip- a previous owner has already curbed the bbs wheels. not everyone appreciates these cars. thanks again for the advice.

john

Bummer, Kinda makes you wish some people who have no clue would just keep their hands in their pockets.

 

[George Murray]

My 2000 has 37K miles (I bought it with 11K) and has had the s**t kicked out of it on the track for over 6 years. Has the Koni setup. No shock issues, except when I had a ton or so of Bugeater weight (owned the car until 4 years ago) in my passenger seat at a recent track event. THUMP coming out of the hogpen at VIR...

Might have to put Skyjackers and a 3 in lift kit on it if I drive that guy around again.

Seat Belts can indeed be a maintenance item. Expiration date matters for some clubs/event (like Viper Days). Had mine re-webbed (got aftermarket Team Techs) this year.

Except for wear items like brake pads, fluids, tires, etc, I've had one repair issue: left front wheel bearing. Which was a 15 minute fix.

The stock BBS' are a nightmare to clean. I usually use CCWs/Hoosiers on the track, though.

Other differences? Don't forget the ACR console badge, and the fender decals! Although my autoform hood lacks the decals...

Got A/C. Gotta charge it once a year, 6.99 for a can of 134a at Autozone. Charging A/C yearly has been my experience with all other Gen 1 & 2 cars I've owned. Don't care about the radio...removed all that when I yanked the carpet and trim.

When people ask me what "ACR" means, I respond "A/C Removed."

Seriously, best Viper I've owned.

 

[Irid]

I've had my Koni's serviced at both Koni North America and Truechoice Motorsports. Truechoice was a *much* better experience for me. Koni took forever and communicated poorly, and the shocks came back nowhere near as nice as the truechoice service (which also broke down the price by each and every component).

 

[cudavip]

Go *******...!



Man, I don't know what it is but, every time I go back and look at this and the way its used in the post just cracks me up I think its the cat fight going on and Go *******...! I have never seen that one before if their tungs were just sticking out and up just a little bit like they were stressing it would make it just too much.

 

[costanZo]

mine is hot and has no stereo..............



I would want it no other way!

Jeeze.. I could not imagine not having a stereo in my Viper.. I just had a whole new sound system put in too haha.. I am an audiophile!