What are peoples opinions on shockies?

[VYMAD]

Well as the title suggests I'm after some opinions on different makes of shockies.
I was under the VY the other day changing my fuel filter and noticed one shockie covered in oil, so I went to s/cheap today and got prices, they only stock Gabriel and they want $55.95 each for rear gas shocks. The car is at standard ride height.

Years ago I used Monroe on my H.T. Do you reckon they are six of one for half a dozen of the other as far as perfomance and life goes? Thanx.

[shiftySLE]

Like most things if it cheaper than the others (apart from paying for the name) then the components used to make them are probably cheaper. I would probably rather pay a bit more if you can. Its still a very decent car worthy of the extra $100 or so. Shock play a bigger part than people think with safety as much as ride comfort.

[Calaber]

I used to think that Gabriels were a quality brand until I purchased a set of rears for my VR from Supercheap.

I have never heard such a racket from shocks, new or old. Both squeaked all the time at the slightest movement, even when you got in the car. No amount of adjusting the mountings got rid of the noise - they squeaked internally from what can only be poor quality. I was fortunate to be able to take them out and take them back for a full refund, then purchased GT140 Monroes. Dearer, but so much better.

I would never waste my time or money with Gabriels again. On top of the racket they made, they weren't even all that good on the road. The Monroes were firmer and held the rear end in place significantly better.

[VYMAD]

Thanx guys, I've rung around and the difference in price is quite unreal! I think I'll go with Monroe though as they served me well years ago and Calaber has talked me into it. Thanx again. By the way a pair of Monroe is about $130 from Auto barn here in Bundaberg and Autopro want $166 for Gabriel gas riders! What the?

[Darren_L]

I only use Koni - cost a fortune, but geez they are good

[Calaber]

I only use Koni - cost a fortune, but geez they are good

I agree. I just didn't think a 330,000km VR was worth spending that sort of money on, no matter how good it was. But if you have a late model, or a valuable car, Koni's, Bilsteins, KGB's - all top quality stuff and worth the expense.

Monroes are a good budget shockie.

[Darren_L]

I agree. I just didn't think a 330,000km VR was worth spending that sort of money on, no matter how good it was. But if you have a late model, or a valuable car, Koni's, Bilsteins, KGB's - all top quality stuff and worth the expense.

Monroes are a good budget shockie.

for sure, it's more a case of what sort of performance you are prepared to pay for from your suspension. And of course, unless you have spent the money on the rest of the suspension, then doesn't matter how good the shocks are, you won't get their full benefit.

Can't go wrong with Munroes, good all rounder

[Calaber]

for sure, it's more a case of what sort of performance you are prepared to pay for from your suspension. And of course, unless you have spent the money on the rest of the suspension, then doesn't matter how good the shocks are, you won't get their full benefit.

Can't go wrong with Munroes, good all rounder

At the time, I had just completed a complete re-bush of the suspension from front to rear and the car felt very smooth and tight over rough roads. I just couldn't see the sense in spending the big bux required, even though I would have felt the difference.

The Monroes did the job well. Perhaps, when the shocks on my VY clap out, it might score some really superior replacements.

[Holdfast]

Had Gabriel Hyjackers on the VN and VL but got the shits with them leaking and what not. Now I just use standard shocks on the VL.

[jaywa]

I got pedder's suspension and there pretty decent. Rides not to rough and is fairly good at corners. I plan on doing all the bushes in it since it's on a 1979 car but still peddars are pretty ok

[H1GHROLLR]

another vote for koni

[Reaper]

You won't be disappointing with Bilstein. I rate pedders/monroe/oem all in the same under performing bucket.

Reaper

[Commydoor]

i always go for KYB silver...they a good middle of the road unit...way way firmer than monroe but way way cheaper than bilsteins and konis

[Calaber]

You won't be disappointing with Bilstein. I rate pedders/monroe/oem all in the same under performing bucket.

Reaper

Reap

I think they ARE all in the same bucket. I'm pretty sure Monroe makes the OEM shocks for local cars and supply Pedders too, with the ones for Pedders painted in their colour and with Pedders stickers. I'm sure Pedders don't make their own.

[gslrallysport]

^ Correct!

Definitely KYB in the entry level, Bilstein/Koni in the middle range, and DMS at the tops end.

[VYMAD]

Well thanx guys for your input. I've decided on Monroe as I used them years ago and they were ok. I had never had any experience with Gabriel though, but thanx to some of the above posts I'm gunna steer clear of them.
As for Koni, DMS, etc, well it's just a road car and I aint racing it or driving over rough roads all the time so I reckon a pair of Monroe should do the trick.

[Escape-The-Fate]

ive got BOGES in mine and couldn't be happier, been told boges are second best to blisten but i didnt feel like paying an extra 300 bucks total for blisten when i got my car lowerd...ride is awesome i got sl front and ssl rear kings and shortend shocks, i can feel it more firmer because im in it all day everyday but my oldman hopped in my car the otherday and he said it rides like new which was suprising..

[gslrallysport]

I've decided on Monroe as I used them years ago and they were ok

Yep, that's about all Monroe are.... ok.....

Do yourself a favor, and for the same dollars, get KYB!

[Commydoor]

ive had my KYB's in for almost 8yrs or longer....no signs of leaks and still just as stiff and with a great road feel as ever....