Shock Question(s)?

[SCOTI]

If you bought the same type of shock from the same manufacturer (1 front & 1 rear shock), how different do you suppose the shocks are as far as valving & stiffness?

I'm curious because for the rear of my 74 I used what fit the location given the compressed, extended, & ride height requirements. The shock that fit was actually for a 73-87 Chev 4wd front. I haven't really noticed an "oh sh**, that rides like crap" sensation & they were easy enough (& cheap enough) that it was worth trying..... so they've worked fine.

I'm trying to get my 68 sorted & wanted to get a better quality shock (Bilsteins). My dilemma is they don't make a rear shock for 67-72 trucks & later years seem to have wayyyyyy wrong dimensions to be able to retrofit. I can however adapt a few different shocks that are again intended for the front of a vehicle.

Please.... I'm not interested in the 'drop shocks' that several companies offer. I prefer to make my own brackets & use the correct (or close to it) shocks.

Think the valving is that different (or does anyone have some technical input?).
Let me know your thoughts on the subject.

[CochinoFilipino]

Have you considered an adjustable shock? Then you can dial it in to your personal preference.

[jimmydean]

My shocks looked and felt the same before I installed them. The valving should be the same as well. Most of my shock experience is with off road shocks and all of them are valved the same unless you have them valved different.

[CochinoFilipino]

If you can get a Bilstein shock to fit and find that you don't like the feel, you can have it revalved.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by CochinoFilipino

If you can get a Bilstein shock to fit and find that you don't like the feel, you can have it revalved.

I went ahead & got the correct front Bilsteins (stock height) & got some 88-98 rears (4-6" drop). I"ll have to fab some brackets but hopefully it won't be too bad.

I just wanted to keep the valving close for the front/rear of the truck. Since they had a 'lowered' application for the later model (chevy truck @ that)..... I figured I would give it a shot.

[thekid54]

Hey SCOTI, do you have any dimensions on those rear shocks, like compressed and extended height? What type of mounts do they use top and bottom?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by thekid54

Hey SCOTI, do you have any dimensions on those rear shocks, like compressed and extended height? What type of mounts do they use top and bottom?

I'll have something for ya' in a few days.

I measured a buddys truck in the parking lot @ work today. It's stock (stock height) & the shock length @ ride height was 18". They use a 9/16" x 1 5/8" bolt on bottom & a 'T' bracket on top (I'll just pull the 'T' out of the top shock eye & stick a bolt through).

The rear shocks I ordered are for trucks w/a 6" drop so I figure (ok, I'm hoping) they're shorter than stock.

[dirtball]

SCOTI,
Keep us posted on how all this turns out with the Bilsteins. I have had good experiences with them on other vehicles and would like them on my lowered 68. Where did you order them from and how much $?
Brett