Shock absorber suggestions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

howzzzit · 03-15-2024, 06:40 PM

I have a C10 short bed with coil springs. Just getting it back on the road after years. I know the current shocks are Monroe with very few miles on them. I don't like them at all. I can run over a trail of ants and feel it in my teeth. What are some suggestions for a smoother ride using a basic shock? Ideas and successes appreciated.

Shifty One · 03-15-2024, 06:41 PM

Bilstein.

cj847 · 03-16-2024, 05:33 AM

I had the same issue. Brand new blue shocks that were worthless. The best shock I have used on these trucks is KYB Gas a just. Makes a huge difference.

KG 5409 front.
KG 5416 rear.

novaX522 · 03-16-2024, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj847

I had the same issue. Brand new blue shocks that were worthless. The best shock I have used on these trucks is KYB Gas a just. Makes a huge difference.

KG 5409 front.
KG 5416 rear.

X2, I’ve been really impressed with my KYBs

**bowtie72** · 03-16-2024, 09:48 AM

I was thinking of making the same thread. The last set of KYB shocks I bought were made in china and didn’t last a year. They for a different vehicle. I’m looking for a little higher end shock. Bilstein? QA1? Both of my trucks are lowered. Just looking for a good gas charged shock that will last.

Mike C · 03-16-2024, 09:54 AM

Bilsteins are great shocks. Probably what I will go to on my 69 short step when I replace the current shocks.

My truck is 4 1/2” drop in front with spindles and 2” springs and I am running a stock length KYB GR2, not Gas-A-Just. My truck is a leaf spring rear which has been flipped and upper shock mount rotated to be more vertical. I also run stock length FRONT shocks on the rear, the same KYB GR2 and I have been very happy with them.

**1970cstblazer** · 03-16-2024, 10:23 AM

I use Bilstein on all my cars, and 2wd trucks. I have used genuine Ranchos on the Blazer and the two 4wd daily drivers with good results.

weq92f · 03-16-2024, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaX522

X2, I’ve been really impressed with my KYBs

.

X3 -- Tried the normal non Gas-A-Just first...not so much. Swapped to Gas-A-Just for the win.

-klb

**cericd** · 03-16-2024, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howzzzit

I have a C10 short bed with coil springs. Just getting it back on the road after years. I know the current shocks are Monroe with very few miles on them. I don't like them at all. I can run over a trail of ants and feel it in my teeth. What are some suggestions for a smoother ride using a basic shock? Ideas and successes appreciated.

Is your truck lowered or stock height?

Rick Bollinger · 03-16-2024, 11:58 PM

X4 KYB gas a just

howzzzit · 03-17-2024, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cericd

Is your truck lowered or stock height?

All stock

Rick Bollinger · 03-17-2024, 01:35 AM

Mine is 2 1/2 spindles front. Back 2" springs 1" blocks for 3 inches

Luke87gt · 03-17-2024, 07:22 AM

How much max drop will those KYB support? They are pretty cheap on RockAuto at $3x a piece

howzzzit · 03-18-2024, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howzzzit

I have a C10 short bed with coil springs. Just getting it back on the road after years. I know the current shocks are Monroe with very few miles on them. I don't like them at all. I can run over a trail of ants and feel it in my teeth. What are some suggestions for a smoother ride using a basic shock? Ideas and successes appreciated.

Gonna try the KYB. Thanks everyone. I'll post when I get them on.

Shifty One · 03-18-2024, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowtie72

I was thinking of making the same thread. The last set of KYB shocks I bought were made in china and didn’t last a year.

They are not the shock that they used to be. A lot of the big "name brands" that we grew to trust over the decades, have fallen to overseas production, and quality has suffered as a result. (try and find an American-made brake rotor nowadays).

howzzzit · 03-24-2024, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howzzzit

I have a C10 short bed with coil springs. Just getting it back on the road after years. I know the current shocks are Monroe with very few miles on them. I don't like them at all. I can run over a trail of ants and feel it in my teeth. What are some suggestions for a smoother ride using a basic shock? Ideas and successes appreciated.

Well installed the KYB shocks, but haven't driven yet. Too rainy lately. When I removed the Monroe shocks all four were shot. No charge at all. Now these shocks were very low mileage and the truck had been sitting for several years, but should they fail from sitting? The only issue I had installing the KYB was the bottom front mount on the truck. The shock bushing was wider than the opening so had to do some grinding to make it fit. Second set of Monroes on this truck, but never again.

03-15-2024, 06:40 PM	#1
howzzzit Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kalifornia Posts: 307	Shock absorber suggestions I have a C10 short bed with coil springs. Just getting it back on the road after years. I know the current shocks are Monroe with very few miles on them. I don't like them at all. I can run over a trail of ants and feel it in my teeth. What are some suggestions for a smoother ride using a basic shock? Ideas and successes appreciated.

03-15-2024, 06:41 PM	#2
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 556	Re: Shock absorber suggestions Bilstein. __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

03-16-2024, 05:33 AM	#3
cj847 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ft Smith, AR Posts: 543	Re: Shock absorber suggestions I had the same issue. Brand new blue shocks that were worthless. The best shock I have used on these trucks is KYB Gas a just. Makes a huge difference. KG 5409 front. KG 5416 rear.

03-16-2024, 09:48 AM	#5
bowtie72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 355	Re: Shock absorber suggestions I was thinking of making the same thread. The last set of KYB shocks I bought were made in china and didn’t last a year. They for a different vehicle. I’m looking for a little higher end shock. Bilstein? QA1? Both of my trucks are lowered. Just looking for a good gas charged shock that will last. __________________ 1968 SWB "Little White Truck" 1972 LWB LS 4l80 "Plain Jane!!"

03-16-2024, 09:54 AM	#6
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,709	Re: Shock absorber suggestions Bilsteins are great shocks. Probably what I will go to on my 69 short step when I replace the current shocks. My truck is 4 1/2” drop in front with spindles and 2” springs and I am running a stock length KYB GR2, not Gas-A-Just. My truck is a leaf spring rear which has been flipped and upper shock mount rotated to be more vertical. I also run stock length FRONT shocks on the rear, the same KYB GR2 and I have been very happy with them. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

03-16-2024, 10:23 AM	#7
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,285	Re: Shock absorber suggestions I use Bilstein on all my cars, and 2wd trucks. I have used genuine Ranchos on the Blazer and the two 4wd daily drivers with good results. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

03-16-2024, 11:58 PM	#10
Rick Bollinger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Colchester IL Posts: 284	Re: Shock absorber suggestions X4 KYB gas a just

03-17-2024, 01:35 AM	#12
Rick Bollinger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Colchester IL Posts: 284	Re: Shock absorber suggestions Mine is 2 1/2 spindles front. Back 2" springs 1" blocks for 3 inches

03-17-2024, 07:22 AM	#13
Luke87gt Registered User Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Pleasanton CA Posts: 103	Re: Shock absorber suggestions How much max drop will those KYB support? They are pretty cheap on RockAuto at $3x a piece __________________ 1969 C10 Shortbed Wanted (pm me): - Pair of 275/60/15 tires Last edited by Luke87gt; 03-18-2024 at 02:26 AM.



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