Gabriel Shocks

[kevperro]

Just put on a set of the Gabriel Ultra shocks. I couldn't find much information on the site concerning these so I thought I'd document my experience.

 

These use variable valving that Gabriel calls VST. They may be calling it G-Force now.... both just marketing names. Variable valving from what I understand is simply just a difference in force based upon the velocity of the opposing force. Short soft changes in motion have less dampening than swift hard ones.

 

My rig REALLY needed shocks so the subjective change was huge. This would have been the case with any new shock I would have installed so my subjective impressions of performance should be taken with a grain of salt. I also had brakes, alignment and a rear-end fix done at the same time so there are a number of improvements that I've made that don't all pertain to the shock.

 

Anyway... with that in mind I must say my 167,000 mile rig rides like new. Wow... what a difference. No impression of the longevity can be made but my mechanic, who is an honest and trustworthy guy likes the Gabriels for cost/performance ratio and thinks they are better the OEM GM shocks. I think most of the auto brake/muffler/tire superstores would offer some sort of lifetime warrantee so that is some indication of expected life.

 

Seat of the pants opinion.... Thumbs UP

 

Value: ditto

 

How long will they last? Yet to be determined.

[jankemi]

Seat of the pants opinion....  Thumbs UP

 

I put Gabriel's on my 01 K1500 4WD also. I had 40k miles on the original shocks. The Gabriels are not too bad, but I don't think I'll buy them next time around. The shocks seem oriented toward a smooth ride, not toward axle/wheel control. The compression damping is about right, but the redound damping is too light. On large pavement undulations the front of the truck bobs up and down twice when it should only bob once. On small bumps they work quite well.

 

I replace shocks every 30-40K miles anyway, so I'll try something else next time.

 

--Mike

[budhayes3]

Glad you're happy with the shocks kevperro! Truck must feel great with new brakes and alignment also. I just installed new Bilstein HD's on my truck today. I've only put 15 miles on it so far but instantly I was very pleased. I had the original red Z71 shocks on there, and they were very stiff and didn't give a good feel of control. I like a stiff ride, but there needs to be a balance. These Bilsteins feel just right...solid, not stiff, with a good feeling of control over bumps.

[99silveradoz71]

Bud you duplicated my comments when I replaced mine too, solid but not stiff.

[budhayes3]

Bud you duplicated my comments when I replaced mine too, solid but not stiff.

 

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Yea, that seems to be a pretty perfect description. Actually, some of the things that you had to say about the Bilsteins helped me decide when choosing which shock to get...thanks a ton man!

[99silveradoz71]

Not a problem. A little procrastinating before heading out to the store for some Mobil 1 grease and returning to do an oil change.