new shocks

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Jul 23, 2011 | 08:43 PM

abe

Thread Starter

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 25,406

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From: Central PA

new shocks

I ordered new shocks today from NAPA: $18.95 each. Carpenters lists them for $44 each plus shipping. NAPA had 2 in stock and had 2 order 2 from their mid-state warehouse. Not bad. I guess it will improve my ride and my Mrs. won't complain as much when we hit a bump...

Any tips or do's or don't's before I put them on...

thanks!

Jul 24, 2011 | 07:38 AM

f100 1957

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 53

Likes: 0

From: Quebec Canada

yes, last tip, change the padding of the seat in case the roads would not be in good condition.

Jul 24, 2011 | 09:41 AM

Bessie

More Turbo

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 716

Likes: 78

From: Salem

Abe, I found the old washers to be a problem. Mine were worn through and just bearly there at all and, unfortunately, new ones did not come with the shocks I recently purchased.

I had the same experience with price -I paid about $21 for each. I've found that sometimes I get so used to going to the "speciality" providers that I forget to check with the local parts store first.

Jul 24, 2011 | 09:48 AM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,298

Likes: 1,059

From: NM

I've been checking into shocks for my truck, as the AutoZone-sourced Gabriel Red Ryders are woefully inadequate. The AZ/Gabriels don't have the same specs for compressed length and extended length as the stockers. They "fit" but look to be out of their design range. It looked to me like the NAPA shocks might be the same, but NAPA couldn't give me any specs. For one thing, the Gabriels let the axle drop down further when you jack the truck up by the frame, enough that the brake hose would be pulled apart if not disconnected (kind of a drag!). I've been suspecting that the shocks offered for BB's are really the mid-fifties shocks. Could you measure the compressed and extended eye-to-eye distances? (only care about the fronts) Would appreciate it!

Jul 24, 2011 | 10:12 AM

ibuzzard

See A Man About A Horse

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 4,935

Likes: 699

From: Mariposa, Ca.

Does any one know where to buy Bilsteins for our old trucks?Someone had told me they were making them,I was surprised, but after upgrading the ones on my wife's car to Bilsteins,I am sold on the quality difference,even over KYB's.Is it just a rumor about them?

Jul 24, 2011 | 10:46 AM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,298

Likes: 1,059

From: NM

Not for BonusBuilts, I found some that are close to the specs, with the right ends. Believe it or not, Koni also makes some adjustables that could be made to work for the front of 48-52, maybe 53-56, just don't gag on the $250 price tag! (EACH)

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:43 PM

jrfiero

Cross-Country

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 95

Likes: 21

From: Cape Cod

Ross -
Do you have the extended/compressed lengths for stock shocks? The NAPA site has the extended and compressed lengths for thier shocks, but I don't have stock numbers to compare with.

Thanks,
Jonas