Shock absorber recommendations?

[brossow]

Looking for advice and recommendations on shocks for my project. '72 shortbed stepside, 2.5" drop spindles plus 1" drop springs on the front, 4" drop leaf springs plus 2" drop shackles on the rear. Engine's gonna be an aluminum LS1, so I don't know that I'll get the same drop up front as with an iron smallblock. Right now it's a rolling chassis and I don't know what the exact measurements will be with the body and drivetrain in place, but it should be in the neighborhood of a 3.5/6 drop.

Don't know the first thing about selecting shocks, so any advice is welcome. Need to know what specs to look for and what product line(s) would be best. Don't want to spend a fortune but don't want the $15 Auto Zone specials, either.

Thanks a ton (or at least a half-ton),
Brent

[XXL]

There are about 50 threads in this very forum on shocks. Even if Search isn't working for you (it does for me, so not sure why it doesn't always work for others), just look at the discussion titles. They're jumping out at you.

[brossow]

Gosh, I never would have thought to look for my own answers before asking!

Seriously, the search was useless and I scanned through 20 pages of the forum index before posting. I found a spreadsheet and PDF you linked to for someone else, and it meant virtually nothing to me. I found some KYB numbers that left some questions unanswered and didn't tell me anything about what I need for my leaf-spring-equipped truck (only saw info for guys with coils). On the other hand, if I want to do airbags or a dropmember, there truly are a bazillion posts for my reading pleasure.

So ... anyone else care to actually be helpful? Thanks in advance.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by brossow

I found a spreadsheet and PDF you linked to for someone else, and it meant virtually nothing to me.

Gosh...

If that spreadsheet doesn't help you, you may need to rethink your question. It provides compressed and extended dimensions, and part numbers for each. It's filterable for different mount types, etc. There's not much more info that even exists.

You're welcome.

[N2TRUX]

I suggest looking at kits available from our forum vendors. They can tell you what you will need.

Compare their prices with Summit and get your best deal.

[brossow]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I suggest looking at kits available from our forum vendors. They can tell you what you will need.

Compare their prices with Summit and get your best deal.

Thanks. I was hoping to find some specific part numbers (or at least specs) yet this weekend and spend some time searching for the best deal. Every dollar (and penny) counts.

Would also like to hear some more opinions on brands and models. Specifically I'm looking at KYB GR2 vs. Deutsch Tech options.

[XXL]

bump

[brossow]

Ended up going with Doetsch Tech 4809G and 4052G (can't recall which is front and which is rear but easy enough for someone else to look up). They look to be perfect for my application.