Best shock for lowered trucks. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FirstGen · 08-17-2005, 05:59 PM

What shocks are you guys running? I've heard good things about the Summit shocks which are re-boxed Doetsch Tech's. Are they pretty stiff? I'm looking for something to take out as much of the bounch that I have right now in the ride.

Any input is appreciated!

rodstored-72 · 08-17-2005, 06:55 PM

i am in the process of rebulding a 72 swb 2wd now. i am running bell tech nitro drop shocks all the way around. i have a 4.5" / 5" drop on the truck. i haven't driven it yet, but i have "bounced" the truck & they feel firm, but not to bouncy. if you have the funds those are what i would recommend. hope it helps!!!

rodstored-72

Fred T · 08-17-2005, 07:46 PM

I put the Doetsch Tech's on my 69 and love the ride. I went with 2.5/3 drop, and she rides and corners almost as good as my last Bonneville.

gashog · 08-17-2005, 08:00 PM

I have Doetsch Tech's on my 69 short bed with a 3" / 4.5" drop and they provide great suspention control without giving a real choppy ride.

FirstGen · 08-17-2005, 08:04 PM

Which series DT do you guys have? The regular or the R series. Can anyone provide me with a part number? Where did you buy them at?
Thanks!

70c10swb · 08-17-2005, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstGen

Which series DT do you guys have? The regular or the R series. Can anyone provide me with a part number? Where did you buy them at?
Thanks!

little off topic but what drop do you have?

i just checked out your truck and fell in love with it

good job on it

FirstGen · 08-17-2005, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70c10swb

little off topic but what drop do you have?

i just checked out your truck and fell in love with it

good job on it

It has bags on all four corners so I don't know exactly how many inches and thanks!

72MARIO · 08-17-2005, 10:55 PM

Doetsch Tech's are really nice. I am running about a 3.5/6 drop. I can take the on ramps to highways at twice the posted speed and it still feels safe.( not to brage but I never drove a car that felt this stable) The ride is great even though I have under 3" between the rear bump stop and the frame. 2.5 spindle and a 1" coil leaf rear.

I can check for par numbers tommorow. I am clean right now I ve had enough dirt on me for the day.

FirstGen · 08-18-2005, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72MARIO

Doetsch Tech's are really nice. I am running about a 3.5/6 drop. I can take the on ramps to highways at twice the posted speed and it still feels safe.( not to brage but I never drove a car that felt this stable) The ride is great even though I have under 3" between the rear bump stop and the frame. 2.5 spindle and a 1" coil leaf rear.

I can check for par numbers tommorow. I am clean right now I ve had enough dirt on me for the day.

Sounds awesome, I'd really appreciate the PN's when you get a chance!
-Taylor

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 08-18-2005, 07:08 AM

Doetsch tech shocks for lowered or stock height trucks are specific to the drop you have and how you dropped it, a 3' front drop with spindles and coils will use a different part# than a 3' drop with coils. Same with the rear coils and blocks or just coils, Eibach progressive rate or some cheap drop coils. These trucks can ride like a caddy and corner like a vette with the right combination of shocks,springs and sway bars, with the wrong combination they ride like a vette and corner like a caddy.

FirstGen · 08-18-2005, 11:16 AM

Ed,
Do you sell the DT's? I would have just thought that you would pick the firmness of the shock and then get one that has the right ride height.

I have a ECE front sway bar with 2" drop spindles and Firestone 2600# bags on all four corners corners. You can see the stance in the pictures in my signature. Do you sell something for my application?

Thanks,
Taylor

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOTHERTRUCKERS

Doetsch tech shocks for lowered or stock height trucks are specific to the drop you have and how you dropped it, a 3' front drop with spindles and coils will use a different part# than a 3' drop with coils. Same with the rear coils and blocks or just coils, Eibach progressive rate or some cheap drop coils. These trucks can ride like a caddy and corner like a vette with the right combination of shocks,springs and sway bars, with the wrong combination they ride like a vette and corner like a caddy.

Elsie72 · 08-17-2005, 10:56 PM

I've got KYB's all the way 'round on my 72 lwb, and am quite satisfied with the ride. Slightly on the firm side without being harsh at all.

Richard Dobson · 08-18-2005, 08:23 AM

I have a 71 Chevy fleetside with a 3-1/2" drop in the rear. My main concern is the way that the shocks are positioned, they are far form being vertical or straight up in the normal position that shocks are on trucks. This is my main concern, I remember that someone makes a kit where you can move the shocks to the end of the trailing arms that mounts them in a vertical position. I will try to find it if anyone is interested.

FirstGen · 08-21-2005, 11:30 AM

Bump! Anyone know when measuring shocks if the are talking about the distance from the center of the eyelet or the entire length of the shock?

Also what series of the DT's are you guys running?

*FormerMember* · 08-21-2005, 11:45 AM

Serious thread high jack.

What HVAC did you install? Is the billet aluminum from the HVAC supplier?

I want a clean firewall!

FirstGen · 08-21-2005, 12:42 PM

Classic Auto Air, I went with their Perfect Fit series and upgraded to a custom control unit extra $100 or 150 I think. The billet side vents were another $88 extra. I had to make an aluminum plate to mount the control unit in because they didn't design it to work with our trucks. Incredible kit overall, blows 40 degrees out the vents on a 95 degree day.

*FormerMember* · 08-21-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstGen

Classic Auto Air, I went with their Perfect Fit series and upgraded to a custom control unit extra $100 or 150 I think. The billet side vents were another $88 extra. I had to make an aluminum plate to mount the control unit in because they didn't design it to work with our trucks. Incredible kit overall, blows 40 degrees out the vents on a 95 degree day.

Got pics of the aluminum plate?

FirstGen · 08-21-2005, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grendel

Got pics of the aluminum plate?

No I just trimmed it till it fit how I wanted it to. You can see it on the outside of the control panel in the pics on my website. Didn't take any pics until it was in the dash...

*FormerMember* · 08-21-2005, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstGen

No I just trimmed it till it fit how I wanted it to. You can see it on the outside of the control panel in the pics on my website. Didn't take any pics until it was in the dash...

Any way you can take dimensions of the plate they sent?

I am doing body work now, so if I can make it smaller, I will.

FirstGen · 08-22-2005, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grendel

Any way you can take dimensions of the plate they sent?

I am doing body work now, so if I can make it smaller, I will.

From their catalog: "Fits 1 3/4 X 6 1/4 opening. Overall size is 2 1/8 X 6 5/8."

Same size for part number 16-2004 and 16-2003 control panels. I have the 16-2004.

Squid4life · 08-21-2005, 03:16 PM

Once you guys get these shocks, are you still using your bumpstops, or do you get rid of them? My truck is dropped 4/5, and it sits on or very near the snubbers.

Squid

57sailplane · 08-21-2005, 03:22 PM

all i no is one of my snumbers was gone and when i lowered it 4/6 the corner that didn't have a snuber would botom out over certian bumps and made for a real rough ride i am putting new back in after rebuild.

*FormerMember* · 08-22-2005, 10:36 AM

Awesome. Thanks!

Sorry for the highjack, but this is great info while my cab's in complete primer and I can weld sheet metal into it

FirstGen · 08-22-2005, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grendel

Awesome. Thanks!

Sorry for the highjack, but this is great info while my cab's in complete primer and I can weld sheet metal into it

No problem. Maybe someone has some part numbers for me now?

*FormerMember* · 08-22-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstGen

No problem. Maybe someone has some part numbers for me now?

Sorry, I have KYB shocks on this truck. 4/6 ece drop kit.

Haven't driven them yet, so I have no clue.

08-17-2005, 05:59 PM	#1
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Best shock for lowered trucks. What shocks are you guys running? I've heard good things about the Summit shocks which are re-boxed Doetsch Tech's. Are they pretty stiff? I'm looking for something to take out as much of the bounch that I have right now in the ride. Any input is appreciated! __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

08-17-2005, 07:46 PM	#3
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	I put the Doetsch Tech's on my 69 and love the ride. I went with 2.5/3 drop, and she rides and corners almost as good as my last Bonneville. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

08-17-2005, 08:00 PM	#4
gashog Active Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lake co. california Posts: 192	I have Doetsch Tech's on my 69 short bed with a 3" / 4.5" drop and they provide great suspention control without giving a real choppy ride. __________________ 69 Custom/10 454 Turbo 400 and 70 Custom/20 350 Turbo 350, 73 cheyanne C/10 also 69 camaro Z/28 and 85 Iroc Z

08-17-2005, 08:04 PM	#5
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Which series DT do you guys have? The regular or the R series. Can anyone provide me with a part number? Where did you buy them at? Thanks! __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

08-17-2005, 10:55 PM	#8
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	Doetsch Tech's are really nice. I am running about a 3.5/6 drop. I can take the on ramps to highways at twice the posted speed and it still feels safe.( not to brage but I never drove a car that felt this stable) The ride is great even though I have under 3" between the rear bump stop and the frame. 2.5 spindle and a 1" coil leaf rear. I can check for par numbers tommorow. I am clean right now I ve had enough dirt on me for the day. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

08-17-2005, 06:55 PM	#2
rodstored-72 chevy truck fan Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gilbert, arizona 85298 Posts: 2,003	i am in the process of rebulding a 72 swb 2wd now. i am running bell tech nitro drop shocks all the way around. i have a 4.5" / 5" drop on the truck. i haven't driven it yet, but i have "bounced" the truck & they feel firm, but not to bouncy. if you have the funds those are what i would recommend. hope it helps!!! rodstored-72

08-18-2005, 07:08 AM	#10
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Doetsch tech shocks for lowered or stock height trucks are specific to the drop you have and how you dropped it, a 3' front drop with spindles and coils will use a different part# than a 3' drop with coils. Same with the rear coils and blocks or just coils, Eibach progressive rate or some cheap drop coils. These trucks can ride like a caddy and corner like a vette with the right combination of shocks,springs and sway bars, with the wrong combination they ride like a vette and corner like a caddy. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

08-17-2005, 10:56 PM	#12
Elsie72 Chinook Arch Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: High River, Alberta, Canada Posts: 218	I've got KYB's all the way 'round on my 72 lwb, and am quite satisfied with the ride. Slightly on the firm side without being harsh at all. __________________ 1972 GMC 1500 Custom - Bought used by Grandpa in '74, currently back on the road after a long hiatus. Elsie's truck 2.5" dual exhaust with Hooker Aero Chambers Holley 670 Street Avenger Edelbrock Performer RPM on GMPP 290HP 350 ECE drop 3.5/5

08-18-2005, 08:23 AM	#13
Richard Dobson Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Easley, South Carolina Posts: 491	I have a 71 Chevy fleetside with a 3-1/2" drop in the rear. My main concern is the way that the shocks are positioned, they are far form being vertical or straight up in the normal position that shocks are on trucks. This is my main concern, I remember that someone makes a kit where you can move the shocks to the end of the trailing arms that mounts them in a vertical position. I will try to find it if anyone is interested. __________________ Richard Dobson

08-21-2005, 11:30 AM	#14
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Bump! Anyone know when measuring shocks if the are talking about the distance from the center of the eyelet or the entire length of the shock? Also what series of the DT's are you guys running? __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

08-21-2005, 11:45 AM	#15
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Serious thread high jack. What HVAC did you install? Is the billet aluminum from the HVAC supplier? I want a clean firewall! Last edited by FormerMember; 08-21-2005 at 11:46 AM.

08-21-2005, 12:42 PM	#16
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Classic Auto Air, I went with their Perfect Fit series and upgraded to a custom control unit extra $100 or 150 I think. The billet side vents were another $88 extra. I had to make an aluminum plate to mount the control unit in because they didn't design it to work with our trucks. Incredible kit overall, blows 40 degrees out the vents on a 95 degree day. __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

08-21-2005, 03:16 PM	#21
Squid4life Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 122	Once you guys get these shocks, are you still using your bumpstops, or do you get rid of them? My truck is dropped 4/5, and it sits on or very near the snubbers. Squid __________________ '69 C10 LWB- 305, Holley 2 barrel, 700R4, 4/5 drop, dark blue primer!, cheap driver project... Back on the road... In time to sell on Ebay.

08-21-2005, 03:22 PM	#22
57sailplane Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nebraska Posts: 583	all i no is one of my snumbers was gone and when i lowered it 4/6 the corner that didn't have a snuber would botom out over certian bumps and made for a real rough ride i am putting new back in after rebuild.

08-22-2005, 10:36 AM	#23
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Awesome. Thanks! Sorry for the highjack, but this is great info while my cab's in complete primer and I can weld sheet metal into it



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