Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: New Shocks - What Kind to Put On Our Chevy LD? (Read 5 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
New Shocks - What Kind to Put On Our Chevy LD?
Yahoo Message Number: 23537
I have a 1995 22' TK on the Chevy G30 chassis (350 EFI) and it's about time to replace the shocks.  I have read a lot of the previous posts regarding shocks, but most are geared toward the Ford.  I'm looking for input from those who have experience with replacing the shocks on the Chevy.

- What kind do you recommend? - What's your ride experience with them? - Where would you recommend I purchase them?

Thanks for your input.
Bob C.
Re: New Shocks - What Kind to Put On Our Chevy LD?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23538
Quote
I have a 1995 22' TK on the Chevy G30 chassis (350 EFI) and it's about time to replace the shocks.  I have read a lot of the previous posts regarding shocks, but most are geared toward the Ford.  I'm looking for input from those who have experience with replacing the shocks on the Chevy.
Bilstein makes shocks for your chassis - I can't recommend any other brand. I have heard judgements of 'harsh' from some who have put them on their Fords, but so far not for the Chevy. I certainly don't feel ours are on our '83 Chevy, but they will firm up the ride some, particularly if your old ones are as worn as ours were. Mainly, they will remove the transition slop and give the handling a more controlled feel. They will also work much better if you ever tavel rough, unpaved roads, where oem shocks cannot dissipate the heat fast enough to retain control.

I don't know why you feel you need new shocks, but there are other areas of concern on that chassis too. In particular, the idler arm and Pitman arm are probably due for replacement in the steering linkage, and other parts should be examined as well in the steering and front suspension. The rear suspension is less likely a trouble spot. Worn bushings there are likely to show up in a harsher ride, but would have to have completely disintegrated to affect handling.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: New Shocks - What Kind to Put On Our Chevy LD?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23544
Quote
time to replace the shocks....on the Chevy.

- What kind do you recommend?
Bob, I went with Bilsteins on my '84.  I was very pleased, it made a noticeable difference in back/forth side/side motion.  It generally felt firmer.

I would second what Steve said (aq433) about checking all the steering components.  I had a huge amount of steering play when I first bought my '84.  It was like steering a boat in the ocean in a gail. Here's what I replaced:
1. Idler arm - this made the biggest difference in steering play. My  idler arm was in bad shape. (The pitman was in good shape and looked  like it had been replaced by a previous owner).
2. Power Steering pump/hoses.  I was amazed at how much difference  this made.  I had a very small leak in the front of the pump and just  replaced anything that looked worn.  I was surprised at how much it  tightened up the steering.
3. Bilstein shocks all around.  This helped just a little with the
 road wander, but improved the overall firmness considerably.

Quote
- What's your ride experience with them?
I like them.  I wouldn't consider it harsh, but again that's subjective. At some subjective point I guess firm becomes harsh, with the Chevy I don't ever feel like it's "rattling" me, like some people have reported with the Fords.  For me it's just right, a little firm, but not "floating".

Quote
- Where would you recommend I purchase them?
I haven't done my "Web" search in a while, but here's an excerpt from the order confirmation I received when I bought them on the web about a year ago.  If I remember, it shows their item number and the Bilstein part numbers (the front shocks are different than the backs):

Dear autosupermart.com customer,
 Thank you for your order #17179. It is being electronically processed.

Qty  Item No.   Description Price            Each    Total ---
   ------  ------- 2  bil00756    CHEVROLET TRUCKS, VANS &    $91.99  $183.98 UTILITY VEHICLES G30 (Dual rear wheel models) For Rear HD B46-1141

2  bil00755    CHEVROLET TRUCKS, VANS &    $91.99  $183.98 UTILITY VEHICLES G30 (Dual rear wheel models) For Front HD B46-1025

SUBTOTAL    $367.96 SALES TAX     $0.00 SHIPPING     $15.23

ORDER TOTAL  $383.19
 I have no particular knowledge of this web site/dealer, I don't even know if they still sell them. For me, the delivery was prompt, and it was the items I ordered.

Hope that helps, Chuck.
Re: New Shocks - What Kind to Put On Our Chevy LD?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23599
I appreciate the time you all took to answer my questions.  I have a greater appreciation of the underlying systems now.
Thanks for your input.
Bob C.
 
New Shocks - What Kind to Put On Our
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23546
Bilstein, the best all around shock, between design and quality control. Longest life also.
I would highly recommend www.shox.com (w w w dot shox dot com) as a source with good prices and good service.

ken (wannabe, without any relationship with this source, just a happy past customer)