1980 k10 dual shocks to single

[Raider L]

@lifeofbriank10,
In the last pic it looks like the upper rear bracket has been whacked on that one side. Were you still planning on using double shocks? If so and you plan on staightening that bracket out I would inspect it afterwards very very carefully for cracks on that one ear. Our old trucks don't like to have metal beaten back and forth without breaking off suddenly.

 

[vr1967]

One thing to remember, is, on trucks with original quad front shocks, the valving was cut in 1/2 on the shocks used. 2 - 1/2 valved (probably not the right term) shocks equal the same stiffness as the regular shocks used on the normal dual shock setup. “Front quad shocks” is how it is listed on my SPID
I’ve been searching for a set for the front of my truck, since I put the lift on 20 years ago, and while some manufactures say they are to run as “pairs” they are entirely too stiff to run together.

 

[Grit dog]

The shorter one looks a little compressed in this position as well. Am I wrong in thinking this looks as it should?

These are the shocks I ordered. Sorry for all the newb questions.

Kit of 4 Rancho Front & Rear RS5000X Gas Shocks for Chevrolet K10 4WD 69-86 | eBay

2 Front and 2 Rear RANCHO Shocks with your purchase!VERIFIED FIT: 1969-1986 Chevrolet K10 4WD (1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986)Front & RearType: Nitrogen Gas Charged, Internal Design: Twin Tube, Adjustable: No, Extended Length (IN): Rear...

www.ebay.com

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Shock looks to be an inch or 2 too long. But then again your springs look pretty sacked so could be the right application. That pic makes it look like you need to compress it another inch or so just to get the bolt to make up.
It’ll probably be fine but you need to do the measuring. Hard to measure your truck from the internet….

 

[89GMCJimmy]

Everyone has their own opinion for me the auxiliary position more vertical up and down makes my truck handle much better but I do have the 5100s as far as the bottom bolt. I would run it through both holes with a long bolt.

 

[SquareRoot]

Newb question here. Why run two shocks and was it really an OEM thing? Was it an option or across the board.

 

[vr1967]

Newb question here. Why run two shocks and was it really an OEM thing? Was it an option or across the board.

Option. what I was told by a dealer back in the 80s was that it took longer to heat up the oil in 4 shocks if using off road than it did 2.

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[SquareRoot]

Option. what I was told by a dealer back in the 80s was that it took longer to heat up the oil in 4 shocks if using off road than it did 2.

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That answers two of the questions. Thanks

 

[nvrenuf]

That answers two of the questions. Thanks

Something left out?

 

[SquareRoot]

Something left out?

The "why run two shocks". What was the logic back then? If it was a good idea, it would still be around. I'm just curious because these trucks weren't exactly made to run the Baja 500.

 

[Frankenchevy]

The "why run two shocks". What was the logic back then? If it was a good idea, it would still be around. I'm just curious because these trucks weren't exactly made to run the Baja 500.

Because ADS hadn’t built these yet…

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[nvrenuf]

The "why run two shocks". What was the logic back then? If it was a good idea, it would still be around. I'm just curious because these trucks weren't exactly made to run the Baja 500.

As previously stated by @vr1967, the idea was to add shocks to compensate for old technology that caused shocks to get stiff / somewhat rigid when cycled fast and hard. You don’t see dual shocks now because technology has advanced to the point that 1 can do the job of 2 now.

That said, I always loved the look of the quad shock option.

 

[SquareRoot]

get stiff / somewhat rigid when cycled fast and hard.

I understand that concept. Carry on.

 

[lifeofbriank10]

Starting on the rear and the bottom has way to much wiggle room as you can see. Am I supposed to put the washers on the inside?

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[nvrenuf]

Yeah, you need to fill the gap. stock shocks may have a tad bit of the bolt sleeve sticking out on each side to take up that slack.

If you don't want to stack washers DIY4X.com sells "Heavy Washers" that are 1/4" thick that might look cleaner.