Dual front shocks

[Dwayne Newsom]

Is that a special package for certain year trucks ? Not sure what it would help ?It looks to be original for factory. Just have single shocks per side in rear. Seems odd to me .

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Yep it was a package you could get from factory.

 

[Keith Seymore]

RPO Z75.

I think it was mostly some "zoom" that the factory could use to entice more money from the customer's pocketbook.

K

 

[Dwayne Newsom]

Does the dual shocks actually help anything or even make the front more rigid? I thought it may have been an option for a plow truck or something.

 

[Tyger13us]

I can only go on what i have tryed,, on factory re-curved springs,, it helps with the wash board dirt roads and weak springs..
if there new rancho twin shocks kit its over kill......IMO.

i went with new tough country springs multi leaf flat arc and it was so rough with duel shocks,, hit a bump and smack your head in the roof..

i just used a single shock and it sure smoothed out the ride alot...

the trick about wash board roads? go fast enough to only catch the tops of the wash boards.......lol...

 

[shiftpro]

Dual shocks would come in a set and be valved much lighter than a single shock. Two non-dual shocks, (well 4 both side) would yes in fact give you brick ********* ride.
The only advantage is they wear out slower than a single shock.
Dual shocks certainly do not give you any more weight capacity, they just last longer in use.

 

[73c20jim]

Dual shocks certainly do not give you any more weight capacity, they just last longer in use.

But you paid twice as much!

 

[Big Chip]

My dad had an ‘86 K5 with a 6.2 diesel and twin shocks. I had always assumed it was a diesel thing but the OP clearly doesn’t have a diesel.

 

[75gmck25]

Dual shocks were an option at a time when dual shocks meant you were more like a real off-roader. They looked cool and kept up with offerings from other manufacturers. However, they get mixed reviews from those who owned them.

Bruce

 

[Blue Ox]

Quad shocks (we all have dual shocks, just trying to get the nomenclature straight) was really just an additional shock. GM uses the same part number for the shock that's in the same position in dual and quad shocks installations regardless of which option you have..

My 'burb had quads and I felt it helped a lot in damping bounces. However, that's compared to the pickup without them. Not quite apples to apples. However, since the 'burb is going to the crusher I plan to transplant the extra shock to the pickup. We'll see what kind of a difference it makes.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

My 84 suburban came with the quad shock option, gas motor, 1/2 ton.

 

[shiftpro]

Quad shocks (we all have dual shocks, just trying to get the nomenclature straight) was really just an additional shock. GM uses the same part number for the shock that's in the same position in dual and quad shocks installations regardless of which option you have..

My 'burb had quads and I felt it helped a lot in damping bounces. However, that's compared to the pickup without them. Not quite apples to apples. However, since the 'burb is going to the crusher I plan to transplant the extra shock to the pickup. We'll see what kind of a difference it makes.

Good info thanks Blue...
I guess the factory shocks were so soft doubling up on them wasn't too much.

 

[Blue Ox]

Good info thanks Blue...
I guess the factory shocks were so soft doubling up on them wasn't too much.

I don't know what the valving on the second shock was like. But I'd doubt it was as aggressive as the other shock.

 

[Downeastbeast22]

I had an 85 1/2 ton with quads and currently own an 87 3/4 ton with dual shock absorbers both diesel. I thaught the 85 felt nicer for the ride but it also had 31’s with smaller rims sooo...... who knows I’m putting an ord custom spring setup in it now. I’m hoping to get a good ride out of it. We will see.

 

[85 CUCV]

The advantage of dual (quad) shocks is the ability to better control unsprung weight.
BIG tires (heavy) will benefit otherwise it's mostly show IMO