ShockWareHouse.com : Blog

Question:

What is recommonded to use to get more rear support

when towing a pop-up camper?

Answer:

Depending on the specific  model you have (listed in our online catalog), you can use an Airlift Kit, or Monroe Loadlevelers.

Both support about the same weight capacity, around 1,000 lbs.

More about these products -

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/towing_products.cfm

Online catalog -

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=make&type=T

If available for your model, the Airlift does not require you to change the shock absorbers.

Question:

I’m tring to lift my xtreme/inline5/4door up to fit 22″ with 35 series tires. so, i was wondering if the standard colorado after market bilstein struts then lower it with eibach springs. my truck has the ZQ8 suspenison the standard has the Z85 suspenison. please help!

Answer:

None of the shock companies we have mention the Xtreme Colorado trucks.

So at this time, we do not have any information on what partts might be compatible with those.

The height of a vehicle is generally determined by the springs. A strut or shock would not have any effect on height.

(unless it was specifically manufactured to change the height, with something such as a spring perch re-location).

The Bilsteins we show online for a stock Colorado would be the same dimensionally on the outside as a stock Colorado O.E. unit.

Your best bet would be to set the suspension / height where you want it, then use the appropriate tire rim size to get the maximum handling and control out of the setup. (rather than setting a rim/tire size, and building the suspension truck around that).

Question:

2003 Chevy Sub 1500/4 door with ZW7 option, mileage

140k.  Comfort big thing - this ain’t a rally car.

Would like to replace ALL corners - thinking of doing (2) KYB 565067

MonoMax in front or Edelbrock IAS 33024.

In the rear (ZW7 premium smoothride option) can I use the Monroe 40209 -

or do I need to use KYB SR2004 ?

Answer:

More about “ride” is mention on our site here - http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/shock_absorber_myths.cfm

For great handling and control, especially at highway speeds, the Monomax are a good choice.

Same thing with the Edelbrocks. Mixing the two is ok, they are very similar in design, both are a high pressure monotube.

The Monroe 40209 and KYB SR2004 are both Nivomats.

You should not use a Nivomat unless your vehicle came with one from the factory.

If it DID come with Nivomats, you have to use them, you CANNOT use a shock absorber of any kind.

Question:

This is the Bilstien shock that is on my truck now.

Do you carry this. I can’t seem to find it. F4-BE5-2536-HO If not what is

the new number I need a new one it blew all the oil out.

Answer:

The BE5-2536 is a shock for a Rousch F150.

We do have shocks for a 2000 Lightning, and we list those in our online catalog - http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=4022&selected_year=2000

You can only buy the BE5-2536 from Rousch, they are specifically made and contracted to them only.

If you bought the truck used, possibly someone put that shock on the truck for some reason.

If you have owned the truck since new, then it has probably been modified from a stock Lightning to something Rousch has changed as frar as the suspension.

Question:

I would like you to recommend a total package for do

it yourself replacement of the struts and shocks on this van. I think I

need the upper mount/bearing as well (makes a  tock-tock-tock sound when

turning the steering wheel and not going forward or reverse.) It is a van,

so heaven knows, you probably cannot improve the ride, but I prefer high

quality/durability over saving a few bucks.

Answer:

The Monroes and KYB GR2s are very similiar, but the KYBs would be slightly better.

Both KYB and Monroe offer the front upper mounts.

They are essentially the same part in a different box, so either one will do.

(The Monroe’s are less money in this case).

These are all listed in our online catalog -

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=4072&selected_year=2002

Question:

Hello. I was told that i need rear upper and lower

strut insulators. #904953 i guess would be the lower. Would #903904 be

considered the upper insulator? I’m also looking for front and rear struts

if you would recomend a brand for me.

Answer:

We list the 904953 online, if you click on the part number, it will also show a picture of the product.

There are several choices for the ES300s for units, the KYB GR2s are the probably the popular choice among Customers. (as far as sales).

These are all listed in our online catalog, here’s the link -

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=4161&selected_year=1997

Question:

I’m living in a hilly, curvy area and just replaced

the upper and lower ball joints/bearings and noticed that the truck rolls

on curves. What would you recommend. I do very seldom off road, mainly

poorly banked interstates/state roads. Thanks.

Answer:

To get the best handling and control, you want to use a high pressure gas monotube design shock.

Of that design, the Bilsteins would be the best - http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/bilstein_info.cfm

Online catalog link -

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3842&selected_year=1999

QUESTION:

I have a 1999 Dodge Neon with 125,000 miles on it.

The right rear strut finally went bad about a week ago. I want to replace

the front and rear struts. What do you recommend for normal driving for an improvment over stock struts? Should I also replace the springs or are the springs ok? How do I test the springs for wear? Thanks.

ANSWER:

You should not need to replace the springs unless the old ones are bad.

Typically, if they are bad the ride height of the car will be off. Something that an alignment tech would measure and detect when aligning the suspension / car.

However, Monroe makes a Quickstrut for the Neons that includes new springs, and is preassembled in the box.

These can be less expensive then buying all the parts seperately, and they are much easier and faster to install.

Plus you know all the parts are new, so you don’t have to worry about an individual part failing later.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/monroe_quickstrut.cfm

If you just want to replace the units, the Monroe Sensatracs or KYB GR2s are fine for everyday driving.

We list all these parts in our online catalog -

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3932&selected_year=1999

The AP just ran a story that in the NY area they have found that rising oil prices are making road repairs more expensive. Since asphalt is made from an oil based binder of stones and other materials, the price to repair roads has gone way up, like 40% since last year. And as this article shows, with our roads getting less repairs, the condition of your shock absorbers becomes more important if you want a nice ride to work.

If these issues are showing up in discussions in the NY area, you can bet they will be showing up in towns and cities across the country. With the current economic situation fewer people are looking to research and buy a new car, repairs of existing cars and trucks are looking alot more cost effective. Be sure to check out our full line of replacement shocks and struts to keep you riding smoother during harder times.

See the full story here:

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/22697474.html

QUESTION: