Shock Absorber question

[CycleJay]

Hi all,

Question:

Can shock absorbers be interchanged between makes, models, years, etc?

My M1009 needs shocks, which I plan to get stock replacements from Saturn Surplus at $8.00 per shock.

But I have an opportunity to get 4 good condition shocks for free from a Ford F150 pickup truck.

Would these shocks work at all?

Any information would be appreciated, thank you...

Good day,

CJ

 

[rnd-motorsports]

shocks them self are no diff bye aplications except for the way they are mounted as long as the length and strock is close to what you have or will need then you can use shocks from other things. NEVER cut or weld the mounts on the body end of a shock they are filled with gas or oil and its not a good thing to burn a hole in the shock body WE WILL MISS YOU ON THE FORUM but to answer your question yes you can use shocks from dif years or makes the way they mount is what will be dif.

 

[CycleJay]

Hello Rnd,

Thank you for the information, advice, etc.
I would not use it, unless it would be a good fit WITHOUT any form of modification.
Besides, I do not have the tools or know-how to do any mods or fabrication to,
"Make it fit".

So I will see what happens, if I cannot simply bolt them on, then I will make them available
to anyone who can use them.

Good night,

CJ

 

[TulsaME]

Years ago, I was an engineer for one of the big name shock manufactures. To answer your specific question, yes if the end mounts and the stroke of the two shocks are the same then yes they could be interchanged. The valving inside the shock could easily be different giving you poor control or produce strange sounds. However, in the case of similar sized vehicles you would probably be okay.

Now looking a bit further into the subject… I took a look at the Saturn Surplus website because an $8 shock seems like a good deal. What I found was a listing for the front shock only. The picture shown on their website (unknown if it is the actual shock being sold) is of a 1” diameter inner tube shock which is probably not a gas charged shock. To the non-shock suave, that is the most economical option available for a replacement shock.

I then took a look to see what is under my 1009. They are larger diameter gas filled shocks manufactured by Gabriel. Looking at Gabriel’s webpage, I believe the front shocks are their “Ultra Truck Shock” part number G63347. The rear shocks are not listed on-line. I copied down an identifying number from the rear shock, 737937, so I can contact them tomorrow and inquire if that shock is still produced. Gabriel does sell a new style mono-tube shock for the rear of the 1009 (looked up as a 1985 K5 with 6.2L V.

Next, I looked at Monroe’s website. They list both front and rear “Gas-Magnum” shocks for the 1009. The Gabriel currently on my 1009 and the Gas-Magnum Monroe are in my opinion equal shocks. Monroe’s website describes the “Gas-Magnum” as having a 1 3/8” bore, 2” Reservoir tube and a 5/8” Piston rod.

When the time comes for new shocks on my 1009, I am going to look for the large diameter tubes and nitrogen gas filled. Here is why… The larger tubes have more oil capacity which allows the oil to stay cooler and work better under more demanding situations. A larger diameter piston rod providing a little more strength also comes with the larger tubes. The nitrogen gas fill helps prevent the shock oil from foaming under certain situations and gives a few extra pounds of lifting force to the time weakened suspension. So the long and the short is when I need shocks I’ll pick between the Gabriel “Ultra Truck Shock” and the Monroe “Gas-Magnum” based on price. Oh let’s not forget that Gabriel and Monroe manufacture shocks that are sold under house brands so don’t forget to price shop those as well… they used to be all the same shock with the exception of paint color and box.

Pictured are a small bore shock (black) and a larger bore shock (white). Notice the small bore shock tubes are straight and the large bore tubes are tapered at the ends.

 

[Wolf.Dose]

I used Rancho HD shocks for about 14 years under my M1009 and never had any problems with them. However, they are a little more expensive than 8$ each.
Wolf
To my oppinion, an 8 $ shock can not be a good quality!

 

[Cucvnut]

I used Rancho HD shocks for about 14 years under my M1009 and never had any problems with them. However, they are a little more expensive than 8$ each.
Wolf
To my oppinion, an 8 $ shock can not be a good quality!

I agree ! if your going to get shocks get the right ones and spend a little more for better ride quality

 

[Brad M]

The rear shocks on the M1009 have diffrent upper mounts than the other CUCV's. You can see it in he TM's.