Integy MSR4 Reservoir Shocks

One of the most popular upgrades for a Maxx truck is swapping out the stock plastic shocks for aluminum replacements. Aluminum shocks offer more strength, and look very attractive when mounted on a Maxx. Integy offers a reservoir-style shock that is similar to many high-end shocks, but they offer them at a very attractive price of $120 for a set of 8. That's much cheaper when compared to their competition .

Preparation and Installation

The shocks themselves are shipped without shock oil so that you can use the oil of your choice. Filling these shocks is slightly different from a standard non-reservoir shock, but it's not difficult nor does it add any substantial amount of time to the process. For more information on how to fill a reservoir shock, see the section of this site on Filling and Bleeding Reservoir Shocks. The instructions included with the shocks cover this procedure in detail as well. Installation is simple, as they just replace the stock shocks.

Operation

The shocks themselves work very smoothly as most aluminum shocks do. However, if you're expecting any real benefit from the reservoir-style shock as opposed to a standard aluminum shock, you're likely to be disappointed. While the shock looks nice, the reservoir appears to serve no true function. The oil in the reservoir does not appear to mix with the oil in the rest of the shock from what I've seen. I've based this upon the fact that the shock oil in the main body of the shock becomes dirty, while the oil in the reservoir is still in it's original clear form. This leads me to believe that, despite the reservoir, the shock functions as a standard aluminum shock.

Pre-load adjustment is a snap thanks to the screw-type adjustment on the main body. All you need to do is adjust the screw-type pre-load collar up or down depending upon your needs. This eliminates the need to hunt for pre-load spacer clips in your pit box.

Durability

The Integy shocks are very well built, and very durable from what I've seen. I've experienced no leaking from the caps and they have withstood all punishment I've thrown at them without becoming damaged. To see these shocks in action, you can view some movies on the Videos Section of the site. Good examples are the backyard bashing videos, where the shocks are installed on the Blue T-Maxx, and the Boone videos where they are installed on the Maxx with the Jeep CJ8 body. Throughout all the punishment found in those videos and in general use, the Integy shocks have held up exceptionally well in regards to durability. The only real negative I've discovered with their durability, is that sometimes the spring may slip off of the lower retainer. However this has only happened a couple of times.

Conclusion

The Integy shocks are well built in regards to durability, but offer no real benefit over a standard aluminum shock other than looks. While their price tag is a little higher than a standard aluminum shock, it's still much cheaper than most other reservoir-style shocks on the market. So if it's looks you're after, the Integy shocks are a bargain. However if you don't care about whether you have the reservoir or not, you may want to look at a cheaper standard aluminum shock.

Durability 8 Instructions 9 Looks 10 Quality 8 Value 7

Overall Score 8.4

Rants	Raves

Reservoir Doesn't Appear To Truly Function Spring Can Sometimes Slip Off Of The Lower Retainer

Comes In Several Color Combinations Greatly Enhances The Looks Of Your Maxx Very Durable Screw-Type Pre-Load Spacer

Reviewed 08.29.2003