A little "Shock" advice... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JAB'70 · 11-19-2008, 10:13 AM

Seeking advice from the experts. Driving a '70 c10, with rear coil and leaf. Want to put on new shocks, any recommendations? Street driving only...

myoldchevytruck · 11-19-2008, 10:26 AM

For Stock Shocks, I've seen allot of members using KYB Shocks. I am going to use either Belltech or Toxic Drop Shocks for my lowered 69' Stepside. Right now, I have a 3/6 drop but do have plans to bag it.

C10-Driver · 11-19-2008, 11:35 AM

I'm using Monroe SensaTrac and am real happy with them. I believe quite a few others on the board are running them too.

Tx Firefighter · 11-19-2008, 12:20 PM

I like KYBs for either stock or lowered trucks. They are money well spent.

For stock height trucks, buy them from Summit or local parts store.

If your truck is lowered, ECE sells the proper short KYBs.

BigDaddyDave · 11-19-2008, 03:13 PM

I put KYBs on mine,it was dropped 2/4 and i think it rode like crap.I will use different shocks the next time.

Brad · 11-19-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10-Driver

I'm using Monroe SensaTrac and am real happy with them.

I've had KYB's and they're stiffer than the SensaTrac shocks.

VDOG · 11-19-2008, 04:35 PM

Im running CPP shocks and lowering springs 3/5 drop. My truck rides like a dumptruck!
It rode smoother with the 38 year old suspenssion. I hear guys saying there trucks ride smooth once its changed over, but I have not seen it yet.

**leddzepp** · 11-19-2008, 05:28 PM

When you change to lowering springs, you will definitely lose ride quality. Airbagging is the way to go to maintain ride quality, while getting the lowered stance. If you cannot afford air bags and do not want ride quality to suffer, I would go no lower than 2.5" in the front, using dropped spindles, NOT springs.

VDOG · 11-19-2008, 05:58 PM

I used stock height spindles when I did my upgrade. Also used heavy duty springs in the rear in case I carry a small load. The guy at CPP said it would be the same smooth ride if I got the regular springs. I think he was wrong.

Tx Firefighter · 11-19-2008, 06:00 PM

Keep in mind, there are two levels of KYBs. The Gasadjusts (white in color ) are super stiff and the GR2s (grey in color) are much softer.

I've had more than a handful of deeply lowered trucks with KYB GR2s and none of them have ridden worse than stock truck did.

chevydog66 · 11-19-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAB'70

Seeking advice from the experts. Driving a '70 c10, with rear coil and leaf. Want to put on new shocks, any recommendations? Street driving only...

rear coil and leaf?????????

JAB'70 · 11-20-2008, 09:54 AM

Thanks appeciate the info...I'm leaning towards the Monroe Sensa Tracs...Chevydog, Yep!! Rear coils and Leaf...

By the way TX, excellent info on installing the sway bar, I just finished the install yesterday and your posts were a big help and saver of time...

ChevLoRay · 11-20-2008, 11:24 AM

I am running KYB's on the aft of my '69. The comfort of the ride far exceeded my '96, before I "fixed" the late model. I have 4-inch drops on both, the difference being coils on the early one and leaves on the later one. On the '96, I installed Toxic Shocks. The piston shaft on them is huge x large. DJM didn't offer/recommend an upper shock mount relocator when we did the lowering in '01. However, after getting the truck back from CA in '06, and doing some trading w/youngest son, I have the '96 and got tired of the poor ride. After getting a pair of upper shock mount relocators from BellTech, and getting them installed, I have a lot better ride, but is still isn't as comfy as the coil-sprung '69. I am also running SensaTracs on the rear of the '96. As to a replacement shock, I went to my NAPA store and looked at their shock catalog. I located the stock shock (length/mounting), then looked for a shock that had the same upper/lower mountings and was approximately 4-inches shorter (only applies to the rear). For the front ends, both were lowered with spindles and that doesn't require anything but a stock-length shock. If you use cut/shorter springs to lower the front, you'll need shorter-length shocks.

My point is saying all this is that if you lower your truck 4-inches, you really need to do the shock relocation step. It will restore the correct angle to the shocks and you will be able to count on a nice, comfy ride. If you don't, the shocks don't work properly, effectively holding the body away from the axle, almost to the point of being rigid.

67ChevyRedneck · 11-20-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAB'70

Thanks appeciate the info...I'm leaning towards the Monroe Sensa Tracs...Chevydog, Yep!! Rear coils and Leaf...

You mean you have a coil spring rear suspension with helper/overload leaf springs at the back of the frame? The suspension won't come in contact with the leafs until the truck is really loaded down. Is that what you have?

*MonteSS454* · 11-20-2008, 02:52 PM

I had rear coil over springs and leafs on my 71, but I got rid of the coil overs and went with Monroe Reflex's all the way around.

JAB'70 · 11-21-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

You mean you have a coil spring rear suspension with helper/overload leaf springs at the back of the frame? The suspension won't come in contact with the leafs until the truck is really loaded down. Is that what you have?

Yeap, pretty what it is....

11-19-2008, 10:13 AM	#1
JAB'70 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 54	A little "Shock" advice... Seeking advice from the experts. Driving a '70 c10, with rear coil and leaf. Want to put on new shocks, any recommendations? Street driving only...

11-19-2008, 10:26 AM	#2
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: A little "Shock" advice... For Stock Shocks, I've seen allot of members using KYB Shocks. I am going to use either Belltech or Toxic Drop Shocks for my lowered 69' Stepside. Right now, I have a 3/6 drop but do have plans to bag it. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors Last edited by myoldchevytruck; 11-19-2008 at 10:27 AM.

11-19-2008, 11:35 AM	#3
C10-Driver Chevy Truck Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC Posts: 1,176	Re: A little "Shock" advice... I'm using Monroe SensaTrac and am real happy with them. I believe quite a few others on the board are running them too. __________________ . 1970 Chev C/10 SWB, 355 SBC, 700R4, 3.73 Posi, Air Ride (Click to view Build Thread) (SOLD) 1978 Chevy C/10 SWB 1970 Pontiac Lemans .

11-19-2008, 12:20 PM	#4
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: A little "Shock" advice... I like KYBs for either stock or lowered trucks. They are money well spent. For stock height trucks, buy them from Summit or local parts store. If your truck is lowered, ECE sells the proper short KYBs. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-19-2008, 03:13 PM	#5
BigDaddyDave RIP BigDaddyDave ~7-23-09~ You will be missed~ Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Concord NC Posts: 1,361	Re: A little "Shock" advice... I put KYBs on mine,it was dropped 2/4 and i think it rode like crap.I will use different shocks the next time. __________________ BigDaddyDave's Truck: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves71chevy/ \| See it in Action! Last edited by BigDaddyDave; 11-19-2008 at 03:14 PM.

11-19-2008, 04:35 PM	#7
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Re: A little "Shock" advice... Im running CPP shocks and lowering springs 3/5 drop. My truck rides like a dumptruck! It rode smoother with the 38 year old suspenssion. I hear guys saying there trucks ride smooth once its changed over, but I have not seen it yet.

11-19-2008, 05:28 PM	#8
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: A little "Shock" advice... When you change to lowering springs, you will definitely lose ride quality. Airbagging is the way to go to maintain ride quality, while getting the lowered stance. If you cannot afford air bags and do not want ride quality to suffer, I would go no lower than 2.5" in the front, using dropped spindles, NOT springs.

11-19-2008, 05:58 PM	#9
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Re: A little "Shock" advice... I used stock height spindles when I did my upgrade. Also used heavy duty springs in the rear in case I carry a small load. The guy at CPP said it would be the same smooth ride if I got the regular springs. I think he was wrong.

11-19-2008, 06:00 PM	#10
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: A little "Shock" advice... Keep in mind, there are two levels of KYBs. The Gasadjusts (white in color ) are super stiff and the GR2s (grey in color) are much softer. I've had more than a handful of deeply lowered trucks with KYB GR2s and none of them have ridden worse than stock truck did. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-20-2008, 09:54 AM	#12
JAB'70 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 54	Re: A little "Shock" advice... Thanks appeciate the info...I'm leaning towards the Monroe Sensa Tracs...Chevydog, Yep!! Rear coils and Leaf... By the way TX, excellent info on installing the sway bar, I just finished the install yesterday and your posts were a big help and saver of time... Last edited by JAB'70; 11-20-2008 at 09:55 AM.

11-20-2008, 11:24 AM	#13
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: A little "Shock" advice... I am running KYB's on the aft of my '69. The comfort of the ride far exceeded my '96, before I "fixed" the late model. I have 4-inch drops on both, the difference being coils on the early one and leaves on the later one. On the '96, I installed Toxic Shocks. The piston shaft on them is huge x large. DJM didn't offer/recommend an upper shock mount relocator when we did the lowering in '01. However, after getting the truck back from CA in '06, and doing some trading w/youngest son, I have the '96 and got tired of the poor ride. After getting a pair of upper shock mount relocators from BellTech, and getting them installed, I have a lot better ride, but is still isn't as comfy as the coil-sprung '69. I am also running SensaTracs on the rear of the '96. As to a replacement shock, I went to my NAPA store and looked at their shock catalog. I located the stock shock (length/mounting), then looked for a shock that had the same upper/lower mountings and was approximately 4-inches shorter (only applies to the rear). For the front ends, both were lowered with spindles and that doesn't require anything but a stock-length shock. If you use cut/shorter springs to lower the front, you'll need shorter-length shocks. My point is saying all this is that if you lower your truck 4-inches, you really need to do the shock relocation step. It will restore the correct angle to the shocks and you will be able to count on a nice, comfy ride. If you don't, the shocks don't work properly, effectively holding the body away from the axle, almost to the point of being rigid. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

11-20-2008, 02:52 PM	#15
MonteSS454 Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 821	Re: A little "Shock" advice... I had rear coil over springs and leafs on my 71, but I got rid of the coil overs and went with Monroe Reflex's all the way around.



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