Got me some new shocks!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
Cheap shocks are rarely very good....kind of like buying $5 shoes and wondering why they are not very comfortable. The serious truck and van guys like JWA swear by Bilsteins which are about $100 each. Just because a shock fits your vehicle does not mean it's gonna be any good.
I put a set of KYB Gas-A-Just on an old Land Cruiser years ago and those were excellent shocks also--they were a Japanese copy of Bilsteins.
From what I recall, parts numbers on many of the van shocks are the same for 150, 250, and 350 vans, and controlling the suspension and unsprung weight on a 150 is gonna be a whole different world from the much heavier wheels, tires, and axles on a 250 or 350. The twin I-beams in particular have a LOT of unsprung weight and when my old 150 van was brand new, it never seemed to have the shock control I would have wanted. Likewise, a Dana 60 or big Ford rear axle is a LOT of unsprung weight to control.
George
I put a set of KYB Gas-A-Just on an old Land Cruiser years ago and those were excellent shocks also--they were a Japanese copy of Bilsteins.
From what I recall, parts numbers on many of the van shocks are the same for 150, 250, and 350 vans, and controlling the suspension and unsprung weight on a 150 is gonna be a whole different world from the much heavier wheels, tires, and axles on a 250 or 350. The twin I-beams in particular have a LOT of unsprung weight and when my old 150 van was brand new, it never seemed to have the shock control I would have wanted. Likewise, a Dana 60 or big Ford rear axle is a LOT of unsprung weight to control.
George
JWA, what ever happened to that guy? a true gentleman.
the shocks i bought are Monroe Gas Magnum: one level up from their cheapest shocks. I can't imagine Monroe selling any junk (except maybe private label). They were about $45 each.
I wasnt expecting a Cadillac smooth ride, but just an improvement. I bought my van 180,000 miles ago with those shocks on it. Everything I've learned indicates shocks/struts have a life of about 50-100K miles.
We were unable to replace the sway bar end bushings... maybe they work together more than expected...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
No I didn't check suspension travel. For shame.
I was was so mad about this situation that I called Monroe customer service on my drive home. They told me I could get a refund from them or the retailer. I'm leaning heavily towards that.
I also called Advance Auto and asked them. They said they'll do a refund if I want. However he also asked about the rest of my suspension and it got me thinking about the sway bar end bushings. Mine are obliterated. So I am going to temporarily withhold all judgment until I get those fixed.
I was was so mad about this situation that I called Monroe customer service on my drive home. They told me I could get a refund from them or the retailer. I'm leaning heavily towards that.
I also called Advance Auto and asked them. They said they'll do a refund if I want. However he also asked about the rest of my suspension and it got me thinking about the sway bar end bushings. Mine are obliterated. So I am going to temporarily withhold all judgment until I get those fixed.
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