replacement Shocks

Hey,

I need to do all four shocks. I am going to do the front first ( it shouldn't make a difference if i do the fronts before the rear and not at the same time should it?). What I am wondering is what i should get for shocks. I went to the local parts store and they typed in the computer 1966 G10 chevy van and quoted me a price, but are there different styles, lengths, air, coil??? I am pretty new to the automotive repair world so i am just wondering since I am replacing them if should I be upgrading to something other than stock? Any info appreciated.

Thanks

I was looking for longer shocks myself, found some,, but they didnt have enough diameter clearance for the sway bar linkage, going to go to stock shocks and make up some exstensions, unless somebody else has found something I dont think we have alot of choices on the front.

I replaced all 4 of mine. Stock shocks in frount and Air in the back. Have both front and back swaybars that are not installed yet. Thinking it might be a challange....

So when you say stock shocks, are there different brands? Or will there be just one manufacturer of the shocks required?

These work.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Frt-shock-absorbers-64-66-Chevrolet-G10-Van_W0QQitemZ370220233809QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5632d87451&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1171%7C240%3A1318

The fronts I got are Monroe Sensatrac. Part # 37188 if Im reading the invoice right, they ended up 64$ for the pair. maximum extended length is 24 inches.

just did the monroe sensatracs on the front and they ride nice. Bill

The link that Dan posted shows the same shocks I just put on my van. You can get them at autozone for 16 bucks a piece. And I must say they work great! I was rollin on the stock twisty shocks before so as soon as I put these on there was a noticible ride difference. I had the rears on for about a month before I put the fronts on, so I dont see why you would have to dp all four at the same time.

Good to hear it Ryan. I put the same on the front and HighJacker AirShocks on the rear. They come in handy when towing the boat, putting the Motorcycle in the back or sometimes both......

i have the sensatracts on my gold 65 since i built it 7 yrs ago
i fortunately got them at advanced auto and .. they got a lifetime warrenty
tomorrow morning i pick up my new free replacement set
(and wheel bearings too) glad i saved my receipts on this one
left front its a little bouncy right now ...
about 43,000 miles since the build and 7 yrs later... not too shabby i guess
the rears i have are NOS twisty shocks i found on ebay also 7 yrs ago
and still bouncing good.... so far but showing some aging

Dan, do you have the part number on the Highjackers?

Digz wrote:Dan, do you have the part number on the Highjackers?

Here ya go....

Thank you ! Wondering what you gained in hieght on the front?

Gained about 1" in the front and about 2" in the back with zero pressure in the airshocks.... Going to put new tires on the 15" centerlines tomorrow and see how they look...

The shocks from ebay raised the front 1" or was it due to your new springs? Or a combination of both. I really don't want to raised my van at all. (rather lower it if anything)

New Springs raised it 1". The shocks from eBay are just standard shocks, they can't raise or lower. I have the airshocks on the rear and use them for wieght control not for raising. The springs are new, and will settle after a month or two to their normal height.

DanTheVanMan wrote:New Springs raised it 1". The shocks from eBay are just standard shocks, they can't raise or lower. I have the airshocks on the rear and use them for wieght control not for raising. The springs are new, and will settle after a month or two to their normal height.

Thats what I wanted to hear!!! Thanks.

DanTheVanMan wrote:

Digz wrote:Dan, do you have the part number on the Highjackers?

Here ya go....



sive

HEY DAN, Where did ya get them NEW SPRINGS!!?? and were they expensive??

Sparky,
Drop "DIGZ" a PM and sure he can give you all the info on the company.

Dan

The company name is State Spring, Grand Rapids MI. Phone# 1-800-727-8729, I believe Jim is the fellow you will want to talk to. with all the bushings, mine came in at 662.00 for all 4, but that was without shipping ( I went and picked them up). I had mine arched some ,whether that added to the cost or not I'm not sure. But I'm very happy with them. I'm sure they could set you up with new U-bolts if you want also.

Sure look good on there and I bet they, along with the new shocks give the old van a new ride !!

Sparky,
They made a world of difference when I put them in mine. No more "Spongy" spring feeling!!!

The shipping from Mich. to FLA. was about $60. Not bad at all considering the weight....

Dan

Cool, Thanx!! I'm gonna start rolling my pennies, WOW!! what a thought man, new shocks, springs, brakes, tie rod ends ..........ect. ect. I wont wanna stop......then door window felt channels and regulator repairs, hinge repairs, yeehaaw !! we sure love our old vans!! I can see gettin rid of the new cars with smog regulations and rediculous reg. fees and sportin the rebuilt old van !! I dig it as it is....all worn and rattly but I can imagine how much I'll really dig it when the door shuts nice and it has a nice REBUILT stout suspension and upgraded/safe brakes.

so does any one have the stock # of front and back shocks for 1965 chevy van from auto zone????

Not sure about AutoZone, but NAPA has all four in the correct size and lengths listed in their stores. If the store doesn't have them, they get them in a day or two, try them.