New shocks...which ones/how to? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

R@nger · 03-14-2006, 08:09 PM

I got my truck running good and I'm ready to start driving it but first I'm going to replace the front and rear shocks and get an alignment. I think I'm going to go with the KYB Gas-a-just shocks.

One question I have is for the front shocks it says to go with the KG5409 and for the rear the KG5419 for 67-72 leaf spring or the KG5415 for 1973-87(here's the KYB parts catalog). Since I'm not exactly sure what year my frame is(frankenstein truck) I'm not to sure on which one I should get. Is there a way to get the year of the frame?

Second question is how is the best way to change both sets of shocks.

Oh and also...my front left tire leans in up top and is kicked out at the bottom, is that an alignment problem or is something else going on?

Thanks

71SWBChevy · 03-14-2006, 10:27 PM

I would think that your truck, being it is a 71 GMC would have a 67-72 frame under it. I remember reading something about it being very difficult to put a 67-72 cab and box on a 73-87 frame, could be wrong though.

R@nger · 03-14-2006, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71SWBChevy

I would think that your truck, being it is a 71 GMC would have a 67-72 frame under it. I remember reading something about it being very difficult to put a 67-72 cab and box on a 73-87 frame, could be wrong though.

Well I would like to think so....however after seeing the things the previous owners did to the truck I'd rather not chance it

.

dougs69c10 · 03-14-2006, 10:47 PM

your leanin problem is prob old saggy springs

71SWBChevy · 03-14-2006, 11:25 PM

Well can you get some pictures of the rear end under the truck? I am sure that it would look different and the mounts would be in different places if it is the newer frame.

R@nger · 03-15-2006, 02:46 AM

Heres some old pics of the shocks...if I need to take new ones I'll do that tomorrow.

ACES · 03-15-2006, 03:46 AM

I'm pretty sure that those are stock shocks for 67-72.

R@nger · 03-15-2006, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACES

I'm pretty sure that those are stock shocks for 67-72.

Cool...I think I'll go with those for the 67-72 then. What about installation?

68Stepbed · 03-15-2006, 02:19 PM

Hey dude, I was wondering if you got your truck running or not. How is it? Do you like it?

Shock installation is pretty basic. Unbolt old and put new on. You won't have to jack it up or anything. I made some stands out of 4x4's and a 2x10 that you jack the truckup and set the wheels down on em. Gives you room and it's safer than jackstands.

R@nger · 03-15-2006, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

Hey dude, I was wondering if you got your truck running or not. How is it? Do you like it?

Shock installation is pretty basic. Unbolt old and put new on. You won't have to jack it up or anything. I made some stands out of 4x4's and a 2x10 that you jack the truckup and set the wheels down on em. Gives you room and it's safer than jackstands.

Running like a champ for the first time and I'm diggin it!...that 570cfm was a great call. Had a few hangups(which you can read about in my thread you were helping me in) but I got them all sorted out and now I'm working on getting all the little things fixed so I can have myself a sweet truck. Thanks again for all your help.

68Stepbed · 03-17-2006, 01:25 AM

SWEEEEEEEET!!!!!! We need burnout videos now!

Brad · 03-17-2006, 03:43 AM

I've got the 5409 on all 4 corners of my coil spring truck. It's also lowered 4/5.

R@nger · 03-17-2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougs69c10

your leanin problem is prob old saggy springs

Is there anyway I can tell if that is for sure the problem?

70rs/ss · 03-17-2006, 05:11 PM

That is it or else the upper A-arm is not shimmed correctly. New springs is almost a guarentee to need changing on these 30+ year old trucks, then a front end alingment and all will be good (check your tie rod ends and your ball joints, come to think of it, you may have a ball joint issue (it would be real bad if this is the case) Take some picts with the wheel tured all the way out so we can see everything and then we can offer better advice.

R@nger · 03-18-2006, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

That is it or else the upper A-arm is not shimmed correctly. New springs is almost a guarentee to need changing on these 30+ year old trucks, then a front end alingment and all will be good (check your tie rod ends and your ball joints, come to think of it, you may have a ball joint issue (it would be real bad if this is the case) Take some picts with the wheel tured all the way out so we can see everything and then we can offer better advice.

I'll try to take pics tomorrow...thanks for the help

R@nger · 03-18-2006, 09:00 PM

Here we go...pics. If you want any different angles let me know.

Showing the wheel tilted:

Tilted wheel close up with wheel turned all the way out:

Closer shot:

Other side:

Close up:

If I need new springs where can I get them and how much do they usually run?

R@nger · 03-21-2006, 02:47 PM

Whatcha think?

67ChevyRedneck · 03-21-2006, 03:06 PM

Jack the truck up by the frame (not by the lower control arm) and see if you can wiggle the tire. With it kicking out that bad I'd doubt its the shims, looks more like ball joints. If you can wiggle the tire back and forth the ball joints are shot. Be carefull doing this. It could also be bad wheel bearings (also evident by wiggling the tire) but I would think that would make some kind of squealing sound. Something is definately off though.

R@nger · 03-25-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Jack the truck up by the frame (not by the lower control arm) and see if you can wiggle the tire. With it kicking out that bad I'd doubt its the shims, looks more like ball joints. If you can wiggle the tire back and forth the ball joints are shot. Be carefull doing this. It could also be bad wheel bearings (also evident by wiggling the tire) but I would think that would make some kind of squealing sound. Something is definately off though.

Cool I'm about to go do that right now(I finally found some spare time).

R@nger · 03-25-2006, 04:27 PM

I jacked up the frame and tried wiggling the tires top and bottom but they didn't move.

Reading my Haynes manual though it said that I need to jack up the truck by the frame and then jack up the lower control arm so the upper control arm is off it's stop and then try to wiggle it...I didn't jack up the lower control arm at all...should I do that?

R@nger · 03-25-2006, 05:28 PM

UPDATE:

I my have found my problem....when I jacked up the truck by the frame and then jacked up the lower control arm and got the upper arm off the stop when I wiggled it in and out the entire cross-shaft moves back and forth and I can wiggle the shims all around. The bolts that hold the cross-shaft to the crossmember appear to be all loose as well cause when I wiggle the tire they wiggle around as well.

R@nger · 03-29-2006, 06:13 PM

Any advice on how I can fix this?

Professor · 03-29-2006, 07:06 PM

It could be that the bolts that hold the upper A-arm to the frame came loose and lost the shims that are put in to align the front end. While this is not likely, it can happen (happened on mine!). Most likely your upper A-arm bushings are shot. They can be replaced, but you have to know how to relieve the pressure of the spring. If you don't know how, take it to a shop. You'll have to have the front end re-aligned after bushing replacement, anyway. It is also a good time to check (and replace as necessary)on both sides the upper and lower bushings, ball joints, and tie-rod ends. Any / all of these replacements should be followed by a re-alignment. If you do all / several at once, you only have to pay for one alignment.

03-14-2006, 08:09 PM	#1
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	New shocks...which ones/how to? I got my truck running good and I'm ready to start driving it but first I'm going to replace the front and rear shocks and get an alignment. I think I'm going to go with the KYB Gas-a-just shocks. One question I have is for the front shocks it says to go with the KG5409 and for the rear the KG5419 for 67-72 leaf spring or the KG5415 for 1973-87(here's the KYB parts catalog). Since I'm not exactly sure what year my frame is(frankenstein truck) I'm not to sure on which one I should get. Is there a way to get the year of the frame? Second question is how is the best way to change both sets of shocks. Oh and also...my front left tire leans in up top and is kicked out at the bottom, is that an alignment problem or is something else going on? Thanks __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy Last edited by R@nger; 03-14-2006 at 09:56 PM.

03-14-2006, 10:27 PM	#2
71SWBChevy Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Owensboro KY Posts: 11,905	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? I would think that your truck, being it is a 71 GMC would have a 67-72 frame under it. I remember reading something about it being very difficult to put a 67-72 cab and box on a 73-87 frame, could be wrong though. __________________ Drew '71 Chevy 350/TH350 Hugger Orange Currently just a rolling frame, body work soon to follow!!! Check out my Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212927 Daily Driver: 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with more gears than pistons

03-14-2006, 10:47 PM	#4
dougs69c10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Birmingham,Alabama Posts: 260	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? your leanin problem is prob old saggy springs __________________ 1969 c10 stepside 250 inline six, 4speed granny tranny, 4.11 posi rear end

03-14-2006, 11:25 PM	#5
71SWBChevy Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Owensboro KY Posts: 11,905	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? Well can you get some pictures of the rear end under the truck? I am sure that it would look different and the mounts would be in different places if it is the newer frame. __________________ Drew '71 Chevy 350/TH350 Hugger Orange Currently just a rolling frame, body work soon to follow!!! Check out my Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212927 Daily Driver: 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with more gears than pistons

03-15-2006, 02:46 AM	#6
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? Heres some old pics of the shocks...if I need to take new ones I'll do that tomorrow. __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy

03-15-2006, 03:46 AM	#7
ACES Life is a gamble Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 796	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? I'm pretty sure that those are stock shocks for 67-72. __________________ 1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

03-15-2006, 02:19 PM	#9
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? Hey dude, I was wondering if you got your truck running or not. How is it? Do you like it? Shock installation is pretty basic. Unbolt old and put new on. You won't have to jack it up or anything. I made some stands out of 4x4's and a 2x10 that you jack the truckup and set the wheels down on em. Gives you room and it's safer than jackstands. __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

03-17-2006, 01:25 AM	#11
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? SWEEEEEEEET!!!!!! We need burnout videos now! __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

03-17-2006, 03:43 AM	#12
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? I've got the 5409 on all 4 corners of my coil spring truck. It's also lowered 4/5. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

03-17-2006, 05:11 PM	#14
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? That is it or else the upper A-arm is not shimmed correctly. New springs is almost a guarentee to need changing on these 30+ year old trucks, then a front end alingment and all will be good (check your tie rod ends and your ball joints, come to think of it, you may have a ball joint issue (it would be real bad if this is the case) Take some picts with the wheel tured all the way out so we can see everything and then we can offer better advice.

03-18-2006, 09:00 PM	#16
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? Here we go...pics. If you want any different angles let me know. Showing the wheel tilted: Tilted wheel close up with wheel turned all the way out: Closer shot: Other side: Close up: If I need new springs where can I get them and how much do they usually run? __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy Last edited by R@nger; 03-18-2006 at 09:23 PM.

03-21-2006, 02:47 PM	#17
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? Whatcha think? __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy

03-21-2006, 03:06 PM	#18
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? Jack the truck up by the frame (not by the lower control arm) and see if you can wiggle the tire. With it kicking out that bad I'd doubt its the shims, looks more like ball joints. If you can wiggle the tire back and forth the ball joints are shot. Be carefull doing this. It could also be bad wheel bearings (also evident by wiggling the tire) but I would think that would make some kind of squealing sound. Something is definately off though. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-25-2006, 04:27 PM	#20
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? I jacked up the frame and tried wiggling the tires top and bottom but they didn't move. Reading my Haynes manual though it said that I need to jack up the truck by the frame and then jack up the lower control arm so the upper control arm is off it's stop and then try to wiggle it...I didn't jack up the lower control arm at all...should I do that? __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy Last edited by R@nger; 03-25-2006 at 05:00 PM.

03-25-2006, 05:28 PM	#21
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? UPDATE: I my have found my problem....when I jacked up the truck by the frame and then jacked up the lower control arm and got the upper arm off the stop when I wiggled it in and out the entire cross-shaft moves back and forth and I can wiggle the shims all around. The bolts that hold the cross-shaft to the crossmember appear to be all loose as well cause when I wiggle the tire they wiggle around as well. __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy



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03-29-2006, 06:13 PM	#22
R@nger Psalm 23 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 360	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? Any advice on how I can fix this? __________________ 71 GMC Fleetside C15(cab), 3/4 ton, 350, Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb, TH350 trans, Leaf-springs, 2WD. "Peter are you sleeping on the job? No I have a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him." - Family Guy

03-29-2006, 07:06 PM	#23
Professor Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Posts: 160	Re: New shocks...which ones/how to? It could be that the bolts that hold the upper A-arm to the frame came loose and lost the shims that are put in to align the front end. While this is not likely, it can happen (happened on mine!). Most likely your upper A-arm bushings are shot. They can be replaced, but you have to know how to relieve the pressure of the spring. If you don't know how, take it to a shop. You'll have to have the front end re-aligned after bushing replacement, anyway. It is also a good time to check (and replace as necessary)on both sides the upper and lower bushings, ball joints, and tie-rod ends. Any / all of these replacements should be followed by a re-alignment. If you do all / several at once, you only have to pay for one alignment.

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