Shock Absorbers - Advice Requested

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by gstewart, Jul 13, 2019.

  1. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    Some time ago, I purchased a set of Gabriel Ultra Shocks for my '72 GS. Car rides like a old International truck my dad owned back in the 50's & 60's, as if the shocks have the piston rods welded to the casing.

    Now I am researching two lines of ACDelco shocks
    1) professional premium gas shocks (88945170 & 169)
    2) advantage conventional gas shocks (88946024 & 025)
    Not interested in kyb.

    Anyone have experience with either shock and can recommend one or the other?
     
  2. '72 Skylark Custom 4bbl

    '72 Skylark Custom 4bbl Well-Known Member

    No interest in Bilstein? I just put a set on the back of my ‘72 & they seem pretty nice.

    Can get all four from Summit for around $300.

    Kyle
     
    69GS430/TKX and Mike B in SC like this.
  3. Mike B in SC

    Mike B in SC Well-Known Member

    Bilstein are the best!
     
  4. 69a-body

    69a-body Well-Known Member

    Bilstein come highly recommended on the pontiac forum too.
     
    69GS430/TKX likes this.
  5. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    I just installed a set of AC Delco gas shocks from Rock Auto. They were around $100 for the set. Painted them GM shock gray. Ride great imo.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  6. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    why no kyb?
     
  7. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    I thought about kyb
    but they were in the same section of the Gabriel Ultras that I had already purchased & installed. I decided to buy a set of ACDelco gas shocks. Installed them today and the ride is much better - not so harsh on the rough roads.
    I will see if I ca sell the Gabriels later.
     
  8. Golden Oldie 65

    Golden Oldie 65 Well-Known Member

    I use KYB Gas-A-Just shocks on both my Buick and El Camino, and I'll put them on my truck when it's ready. For the price they are a great shock. The cars ride and handle excellent for far less money than Bilsteins.
     
  9. Electra Bob

    Electra Bob Well-Known Member

    I swear the first time I drove the Electra I thought it was going to tip over taking the first corner at 10 mph!

    One of the first things I did was to replace the worn out shocks with KYB Gas-A-Just. It now corners flat with a small amount of roll and no drama.

    On a good surface it rides beautifully but on a rough patched, potholed New England road the ride can get a bit jarring.

    I was considering switching them out for something with adjustable damping so I could tune it for the best compromise. Any suggestions?

    Apologies for the thread hijack :)

    Bob
     
  10. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    Bob - that is what the thread is for - information glean..
    I have a very stiff suspension (spring-wise) so i needed to soften up ride and these shocks & that seems to have worked.
     
  11. Electra Bob

    Electra Bob Well-Known Member

    Update: I replaced the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks with Gabriel Load Carrier shocks from Summit. $165 for all four corners. Brought the ride height up maybe an inch at the rear which did look down a bit and the ride is much improved and less jarring on a poor road surface. Only a short run so far but was way more comfortable without being wallowy and still cornered without drama. The slight lift at the back also seems to have corrected the steering geometry a bit because it feels less twitchy. Need to go for a longer drive to get a better feel but with thunderstorms in the forecast it's not going to be today.

    Rear: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/GAB-43049
    Front: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/GAB-34073

    front-and-rear.jpg
    side-after-2048.jpg
     
  12. eric wohlberg

    eric wohlberg New Member

    Hey Electra Bob..
    Think those Load Carriers would work on my 64 Estate Wagon?
    What part # on the KYB's? Did you have enough mounting tab width on the KYB's to secure them with confidence
    Thanks in advance.
    EW
     
  13. Electra Bob

    Electra Bob Well-Known Member

    I can't say for your 64 Wagon, you'd need to check the application list. Probably others here with personal experience and if you start a new thread I'm sure you'll get some good advice.

    What I can tell you is replacing ancient shocks will certainly make for a better ride.

    The part #'s (maybe JEGS specific) for the KYBs are:
    575-KG5507 GAS ADJUST SHOCK GM REAR
    575-KG4515 GAS ADJUST SHOCK FRONT
    Cheers!
    Bob
     
  14. Bygblok

    Bygblok Well-Known Member

    I went from old worn out stockers to a new set of KYB's and some big sway bars. The shocks work amazingly well for the money and a 1 5/16" front and 1" rear sway bar steadied the car up a ton. Now if I can get the old 300 to run cool I'll drive it for a bit while I gather up more parts for my 5.3 swap.
     

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