Dual shocks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bill W · 03-03-2006, 11:59 AM

I just helped a friend remove a new 2 1/2 soft ride lift for 73-87 Chevy 1/2 ton with dual front shocks. I didn't mark the fronts as to which order they go on and I'm only planning on running single shocks on mine. Does it matter which shock? Are all four in front the exact same shock just doubled up?

Bill

qksilver · 03-03-2006, 12:52 PM

it depends...........is there a way to check part numbers? I remember that used to be the hot lick. I have them for a little while back in the 80's but they rode to rough and the suspension was way to stiff.
I also went to single, much happier. If you have all four shocks, bolt a set on, try it out, then bolt the other set on.
They are probably the same shocks, some were fancy with 2 different types.

bowtier · 03-03-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Are all four in front the exact same shock just doubled up?

I betcha they're all the same.

Just extend fully & see if they're the same length eye to eye.

**Yukon Jack** · 03-03-2006, 02:25 PM

Shocks that are to be used in pairs are supposed to be valved different than a shock that is designed to be used as a single.

*gn4u2c* · 03-03-2006, 05:08 PM

Depends on what type of mounts !! were the tops bolted at the same point?? or did it have a seperate mount higher up?? these kind will have the passenger innner fenderwell trimmed to fit shock.
first style are both the same 2nd style uses 2 diffrent models.
upi can always extend the shocks all the way and check length then check you truck and use the set that gives you the most fore and aft travel (that would be best)
good luck let us know if you need any more help.

**special-K** · 03-04-2006, 10:21 AM

Factory quad shocks:2 different lengths
Aftermarket:2 identicle shocks

LONGHAIR · 03-04-2006, 06:27 PM

Yukon Jack is right on this one.............If you just double-up the standard single shocks, the ride will be stiffer. This is mostly an off-road racing thing taking to the street. The point of multiple shocks is to spread the load out among them. Dual shocks shoud in theory be about half as stiff as the single unit that they are replacing. Then when they are subjected to long wheel travel over and over during a race, they don't build up as much heat. When they over-heat the oil foams up and the shock's effectiveness is gone. This is also the idea behind gas charged shocks. Keeping the oil under pressure inhibits the foaming too.

03-03-2006, 11:59 AM	#1
Bill W Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 229	Dual shocks I just helped a friend remove a new 2 1/2 soft ride lift for 73-87 Chevy 1/2 ton with dual front shocks. I didn't mark the fronts as to which order they go on and I'm only planning on running single shocks on mine. Does it matter which shock? Are all four in front the exact same shock just doubled up? Bill

03-03-2006, 12:52 PM	#2
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Dual shocks it depends...........is there a way to check part numbers? I remember that used to be the hot lick. I have them for a little while back in the 80's but they rode to rough and the suspension was way to stiff. I also went to single, much happier. If you have all four shocks, bolt a set on, try it out, then bolt the other set on. They are probably the same shocks, some were fancy with 2 different types.

03-03-2006, 02:25 PM	#4
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Dual shocks Shocks that are to be used in pairs are supposed to be valved different than a shock that is designed to be used as a single. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-03-2006, 05:08 PM	#5
gn4u2c Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: southern pa Posts: 698	Re: Dual shocks Depends on what type of mounts !! were the tops bolted at the same point?? or did it have a seperate mount higher up?? these kind will have the passenger innner fenderwell trimmed to fit shock. first style are both the same 2nd style uses 2 diffrent models. upi can always extend the shocks all the way and check length then check you truck and use the set that gives you the most fore and aft travel (that would be best) good luck let us know if you need any more help.

03-04-2006, 10:21 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Dual shocks Factory quad shocks:2 different lengths Aftermarket:2 identicle shocks __________________ "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 ~

03-04-2006, 06:27 PM	#7
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Re: Dual shocks Yukon Jack is right on this one.............If you just double-up the standard single shocks, the ride will be stiffer. This is mostly an off-road racing thing taking to the street. The point of multiple shocks is to spread the load out among them. Dual shocks shoud in theory be about half as stiff as the single unit that they are replacing. Then when they are subjected to long wheel travel over and over during a race, they don't build up as much heat. When they over-heat the oil foams up and the shock's effectiveness is gone. This is also the idea behind gas charged shocks. Keeping the oil under pressure inhibits the foaming too.



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