Quad Shocks

[Mango]

Hey All
Quad Front shocks for a 1989 4x4 burb V1500, replaced them with some random brand from NAPA about three years ago. Feels like I am driving the Flinstone Car, Stock height, Any suggestions on replacements? Also original leaf springs with 198,000 miles

 

[dd1990]

Always been a fan of Bilstein 4600 and 5100 shocks

 

[Grit dog]

Can’t see OE half ton leafs with 200k and 35 years on them being overly stiff.
I’d say too much shock for the application.
Easy enough to disconnect 1 set, or both sets and see how much softer it rides.
Although it may be almost un driveable with no front shocks. I thought the stiff springs on the blue truck may drive “ok” with no shocks. It was like being in a bouncy house. It never stopped moving.
Also verified the front springs aren’t bottoming out at the rear shackle.
Have yet to disconnect the ORD sway bar disconnect that a friend gave my son and we installed.
I don’t drive it much and he don’t care.

 

[legopnuematic]

Are you sure it’s the shocks and not the spring or spring hanger bottoming out?

Those factory negative arch springs seem to always sit low when they are old, and the spring hangers always seem close to the frame. Bad bushings could contribute too.

If a spring bottoms out, you don’t really have a spring anymore, things get rough fast.

 

[Zelph]

Remove the auxiliary shocks. No need for them.

 

[calredneck]

My 84 K20 came with duel front shocks four wheel sold me the lift I wanted to keep the duel shocks they sold me duel shocks it rode ruff I took off the rear shocks and it rides better the problem is there full rate shocks they should be half rate shocks hard to find them and they are expensive

 

[SquareRoot]

My 84 K20 came with duel front shocks four wheel sold me the lift I wanted to keep the duel shocks they sold me duel shocks it rode ruff I took off the rear shocks and it rides better the problem is there full rate shocks they should be half rate shocks hard to find them and they are expensive

al

 

[Grit dog]

My 84 K20 came with duel front shocks four wheel sold me the lift I wanted to keep the duel shocks they sold me duel shocks it rode ruff I took off the rear shocks and it rides better the problem is there full rate shocks they should be half rate shocks hard to find them and they are expensive

Maybe expound on that. I don’t see removing the rear shocks doing much either way for ride in a 3/4 ton (with no weight in the back).
Not sure I can even tell the difference between blown shocks, no shocks and new shocks on the back of the K20. The difference is subtle.
Now the front is a whole different story.

 

[Grit dog]

al

Who’s Al?

 

[vr1967]

When GM put quad shocks on the trucks, they cut the valving/stiffness of the shocks in half. I have not found a set of aftermarket shocks valved this way.

Idea was, as I was told by an old GM parts man, there was twice the oil to heat up when offroading

 

[89GMCJimmy]

Bilstien I prefer the Aux position more vertical more travel 360/80 valving.
Stock position is less travel and lighter 255/70 valved shocks.
I went with 33-230344 10.00 travel 25.9 ext 15.9 collap 360/80 valving in the Aux position on my 89'
Handled better on the highways getting to and from hunting spots and Off Highway hard pack dirt roads. The 255/70 valving was too soft and felt boaty or warbly if that makes sense.

 

[WFO]

Maybe expound on that. I don’t see removing the rear shocks doing much either way for ride in a 3/4 ton (with no weight in the back).
Not sure I can even tell the difference between blown shocks, no shocks and new shocks on the back of the K20. The difference is subtle.
Now the front is a whole different story.

I'm thinkin he meant the rear 2 of the front 4 shocks.

 

[Grit dog]

I'm thinkin he meant the rear 2 of the front 4 shocks.

Thanks. Makes sense. I misinterpreted

 

[Mango]

Leaf Springs not bottoming out, the bushings have been replaces last summer, Still looking for the OEM or similar shocks
Thanks for all the replies

 

[Ricko1966]

Who’s Al?

Dual AL,not duel EL