What shocks should I go with? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Project1970 · 07-03-2005, 07:40 PM

Well, after 50,000 miles (and especially so with less weight up front, courtesy of the LS1) the Belltech Nitrodrops are showing their age. I've never been much of a fan - the rear end bounces and bangs over stuff, and the front end takes way too long to stop again after a bump.

So, I need new shocks for my truck. For those who don't know, it's a '70 GMC, half-ton, two-wheel drive, with leaf springs in the back. It's also lowered 2.5" in front (spindles) and 4" in rear (springs). Interestingly enough, many catalogs just don't list the '67-'72 C10; but most list the '73-'87 C10. Every catalog that I've seen both in, lists the same exact part numbers for the leaf-spring '67-'72 as they do for the '73-'87 - so a shock available for either would be fine.

Here's what I've come across as available so far:
Edelbrock has the IAS shocks...$75 apiece from Jegs.
Koni has the 'Koni Special', $86 apiece from Jegs.
KYB has the GR2, the Gas-A-Just, and the Monomax, from $30 to $80 at Jegs. The GR2 appears to be what Early Classic has switched to from the Belltechs (my spindles / disc conversion / rear springs are Early Classic pieces).
Bilstein has the Heavy Duty, $60 apiece from Autozone.

Which of these is the best idea, or are there other shocks I should consider?

fastwillie 696969 · 07-03-2005, 07:52 PM

i went with bilstein but not from autozone
when i first got my truck it had air shocks one side was blown out so i change them out

Justins76 · 07-04-2005, 02:15 AM

The GR2 is a rather soft shock. I got the Bilsteins from Autozone.

jermasaurus · 07-04-2005, 01:57 PM

I have only heard good things about KYB. Monomax shocks are basicly one huge cylinder. I was told the width of the shock itself is actually about the size of the cylinder. As far as I know they only have monomax application for trucks too, so you could take advantage of that if you want.
I don't have them on my truck, but I drive a 99 ranger most of the time at work, which has monomax shocks all around. It was a huge difference from some monroes that were on there. I have driven the same routes so many times and its pretty pathetic that I know like every bump in every road around here. But the bumps feel smoother and the truck leans a little less into the turns.
I am gonna give them a try on my truck when it is time for some.
-Jeremy

**special-K** · 07-06-2005, 05:49 PM

KYB Gas-Adjusts.Check EarlyClassicsEnterprises.

plumberkrak · 07-07-2005, 01:42 AM

go with the Bilstiens. i will be getting them soon for my 87 with a 6" lift. i think you will want the 5100 series. go to Bilstiens website and you can see all the different kinds they have. let us know what you go with and how they ride. good luck.

07-03-2005, 07:40 PM	#1
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	What shocks should I go with? Well, after 50,000 miles (and especially so with less weight up front, courtesy of the LS1) the Belltech Nitrodrops are showing their age. I've never been much of a fan - the rear end bounces and bangs over stuff, and the front end takes way too long to stop again after a bump. So, I need new shocks for my truck. For those who don't know, it's a '70 GMC, half-ton, two-wheel drive, with leaf springs in the back. It's also lowered 2.5" in front (spindles) and 4" in rear (springs). Interestingly enough, many catalogs just don't list the '67-'72 C10; but most list the '73-'87 C10. Every catalog that I've seen both in, lists the same exact part numbers for the leaf-spring '67-'72 as they do for the '73-'87 - so a shock available for either would be fine. Here's what I've come across as available so far: Edelbrock has the IAS shocks...$75 apiece from Jegs. Koni has the 'Koni Special', $86 apiece from Jegs. KYB has the GR2, the Gas-A-Just, and the Monomax, from $30 to $80 at Jegs. The GR2 appears to be what Early Classic has switched to from the Belltechs (my spindles / disc conversion / rear springs are Early Classic pieces). Bilstein has the Heavy Duty, $60 apiece from Autozone. Which of these is the best idea, or are there other shocks I should consider? __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

07-03-2005, 07:52 PM	#2
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	i went with bilstein but not from autozone when i first got my truck it had air shocks one side was blown out so i change them out __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

07-04-2005, 02:15 AM	#3
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	The GR2 is a rather soft shock. I got the Bilsteins from Autozone. __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!! Last edited by Justins76; 07-04-2005 at 02:16 AM.

07-06-2005, 05:49 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	KYB Gas-Adjusts.Check EarlyClassicsEnterprises. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-04-2005, 01:57 PM	#4
jermasaurus Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Lenox, IL Posts: 442	I have only heard good things about KYB. Monomax shocks are basicly one huge cylinder. I was told the width of the shock itself is actually about the size of the cylinder. As far as I know they only have monomax application for trucks too, so you could take advantage of that if you want. I don't have them on my truck, but I drive a 99 ranger most of the time at work, which has monomax shocks all around. It was a huge difference from some monroes that were on there. I have driven the same routes so many times and its pretty pathetic that I know like every bump in every road around here. But the bumps feel smoother and the truck leans a little less into the turns. I am gonna give them a try on my truck when it is time for some. -Jeremy

07-07-2005, 01:42 AM	#6
plumberkrak Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 45	go with the Bilstiens. i will be getting them soon for my 87 with a 6" lift. i think you will want the 5100 series. go to Bilstiens website and you can see all the different kinds they have. let us know what you go with and how they ride. good luck.



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