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Goal: Improved Handling


OK, so I've been reading a lot of posts and old threads. I've also been touching base with Brad and a couple other folks. The front of my truck sounds like it's planned out, Bilsteins & Coilovers.

Now to the rear...

I have been looking at Bilstein(not avail), Koni's (impossible to find), Tokiko Blue(HP), KYB, Gabriel(air & non-air) and Monroe(air & non-air).

I was leaning towards Air Shocks in the hopes that I can raise the pressure to increase roll stiffness, even a little bit. The thinking is that I will get a little better rotation this way. As I read into this, it seems the air pressure has very little to do with rebound and that it only affects the surface of the rod, having no impact on the valve oil.

Any clarity would be greatly appreciated.

Should I just get the basic KYB-Excel-G(only shock available) or look further into "Air" shocks? If "Air" then what is the better brand, Gabriel or Monroe?

Anyone know the correct part number for the Gabriel HI-Jacker rear application?

Thanks for reading.

Massi

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Massi,

I have one Gabriel Hi-Jacker still new in the box in my garage part # 39160. They definitely increase compression rate, as for rebound the truck does bounce back up faster with more air, if you want data you'd have to put one on a shock dyno not cheap. But you want to tune shocks with the valving not an air bladder. I can say increasing pressure does raise the rear of the truck too and that plus more compression leads to a higher wheel rate and a higher center of gravity both which will cause the rear to roll more, albeit not effectively with the higher CG. When I autocross I set the rear shocks to 45psi and tune with tire pressures since thats the only other thing I got to tune with back there. If someone would fab up a Panhard Rod or Watts Link kit I'd give them my first born.

Solid steel blocks are heavy but will never crack. Replaced them with hollow aluminum, much lighter at each end of the axle where it counts most and I haven't found a crack yet.

Removing one leaf is easy just time consuming. Clamp the spring at each end and remove the center pin. Loosen the little stock clamp(s?)then remove your clamps, then tap that leaf out with a punch and 2.5lb mallet and WD-40. If you guys lived around me in SoCal I could swing by.

Oh just remembered if you really want the rear to rotate more install a steel bumper. Man that thing rotated. Less predictable...more pendulum effect...but it did rotate more.

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I have one Gabriel Hi-Jacker still new in the box in my garage part # 39160.

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I have one Gabriel Hi-Jacker still new in the box in my garage part # 39160.

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Brad, that part number doesn't come up with anything. I know we bug you a lot but if you get a chance, can you find the replace part number for Hi-Jacker application?

Oh and I'm also ready when you are for the coilovers.. I can't seem to decide between 500# or 600#.

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I have one Gabriel Hi-Jacker still new in the box in my garage part # 39160.

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Brad, that part number doesn't come up with anything. I know we bug you a lot but if you get a chance, can you find the replace part number for Hi-Jacker application?

Oh and I'm also ready when you are for the coilovers.. I can't seem to decide between 500# or 600#.

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That's all I got for the Gabriel. They haven't been manufactured in a LONG time. I was buying new old stock.

You can buy Monroe air shocks today.

Let me know what spring rate you want. Your choice. No returns. 600# is REAL STIFF. I rode in a truck with 612 # once way too stiff for me. My kidneys still hurt.

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Email sent.

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