got new shocks and

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by earthmover, Aug 11, 2014.

  1. earthmover

    earthmover Medium Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2009
    castalia , north carolina
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    I ordered new Gabriel shocks was suppose to get them in 3/4 days ended up 3 weeks suppose to came with all new bushing and got 5 ..they was drop shipped from Gabriel now when I open the box the shocks are completely compressed ..every shock I have ever bought had straps on them to keep them from extending ..I took the shocks out the box and could extend and compress them with hardly and force....so I call Gabriel to asked about this was told we cant help call who you ordered from ..I call them they say they called Gabriel and was told they are gas charged shocks and that's how they work...anybody know anything about these gas charged shocks...how does this work if I can extend and compress them with no force and they came compressed... any help here would be great..i plan to take them and put them in the trash as my truck rides just as bad as the shock I took off ......takes no force what so ever to work them...I was told if a shock is warm after a day of driving they are working this or just as cold as can be after 10hrs...

    1981 gmc dump truck
     
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  3. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    My Mack shocks are oil dampened. They have resistance to moving in & out, but no "spring" or "push" behind extending them. The gas-charged Monroe's I've used will extend all on their own. I really don't want or need them to be pressurized...I've got springs to carry the load. All the shock needs to do is dampen the action of the spring...steady the suspension...to keep the vehicle from bouncing down the road as the springs do their thing.
     
  4. rockyroad74

    rockyroad74 Heavy Load Member

    I use an infrared temp gun to check for variations in shock temp after driving every so often. If the shock isn't making some heat, it's not doing its job.
     
    double yellow Thanks this.
  5. GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

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    Are they adjustable shocks? Many Gabriel shocks have settings for dampening and they may be on the lightest setting. If they are adjustable, you'll see #'s on them. You collapse them all the way and turn the end to adjust. Most I've seen have 3 settings, but I have seen some with 7. They should still get warm on the lightest setting though, so I think something is wrong. A little odd that all of them are bad though.

    This is a dumb question, but I have to ask, so don't take offense. You did install them right side up, correct? They do not work upside down.
     
  6. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Mo Via Blackpool,Lancs.
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    Gas charged shocks extend on their own. The ones you have are not gas charged, so that is normal. Should be resistance though.
     
  7. rockyroad74

    rockyroad74 Heavy Load Member

    I've heard from experienced mechanics that Gabriel shocks aren't as good as Monroe shocks. So when the blue ones went bad, I put yellow ones on.Then there is Road King shocks, if you are really picky about quality. Pricey though.
     
  8. SpeedRacer

    SpeedRacer Light Load Member

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    Dec 4, 2007
    Tifton, Ga
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    Odd, I just ordered a set for my steers. (89449 GasSLX) These are 3-way adjustable and also came compressed, but you have to put some serious force on them to pull them out. I ordered mine from Amazon for about $48 each, had them in a couple days with no issues. If these work well I'll get more. The Monroe shocks haven't impressed me, they don't last long at all.
     
  9. Jimmbuds

    Jimmbuds Medium Load Member

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    Apr 20, 2009
    Daytona Beach, FL
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    I have heard the same thing as well in the past. So I had a MONROE shock that got smashed with a big sledge on a SAT AM. Called the parts shop they only had GABRIEL, of course Saturday there is not a lot of parts houses open, so I was forced to get the GAB. Took them home and I experienced the same thing as OP did, not a lot of resistance, hardly any. I could push them down with one finger. Took my GOOD MONROE shock off and needed my hand to push it down. That Monroe shock had been on the truck for 150,000 miles. Needless to say when these GAB reach there mileage cap, I will be putting MONROE's on.
     
  10. Lucar

    Lucar Road Train Member

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    Texas
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    Great topic. Now let's get some feedback on Road Kings for those willing to spend a bit more
     
  11. russtrucker

    russtrucker Road Train Member

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    Central PA
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    I only had front ones replaced. Rear shocks still good.
     
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