Gabriel VST SHOCKS

[nyisles_99]

Hey Guys/Gals,

I just purchased the VST Gabriels from PEPBOYS after reading some good info. on this site. My question is for the people who have been using these for some time now. Do you still like them? Have they lasted?

Other question:

Do you guys have a step by step on how to install shocks on a 94XLT? If not, I have some one ready to do it for $10 a shock.


Thanks all.


Dan

 

[Alec]

Mine have about 30k miles on them and are still very good. $10 a shock isn't that bad of an install price, depends on what your time is worth. It'll probably take between 1.5-2 hours.

 

[Jefe]

I take my shocks in for lifetime warranty replacement about every 5k mi because they stop working. . .but considering Rancho 5k's lasted me about 10k I think I abuse my truck a little much. .
Just holding out 'till the RCD suspension lift comes out.

 

[Alec]

Jefe, I'm sure the 35's with short shocks have nothing to do with it

 

[88vert]

do it yourself

Take the front tires off and just loosen up the bolts and take the old off and put on the new,in the back drop your spare and do the same it is very easy and like Alec said 1 hour to 1 hour and a half

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by Alec
Jefe, I'm sure the 35's with short shocks have nothing to do with it

Nothing whatsoever. .

 

[nyisles_99]

thats awesome. You guys respond so quick.

thanks.

So you guys have confidence in me. If i can replace my pads, I guess I can do this.

What tools do I need?

I am having someone do my rotors this week? I don't wanna mess with the bearings and stuff. I got new rotors and pads, having major vibration after I changed the last pad set.


brakes on the X stink.

 

[88vert]

You are right on about the brakes they suck All you need is a rachet and some sockets not sure what size probally around 3/4 and a combination wrench as a backer.Save yourself some money and do it yourself

 

[nyisles_99]

Hey everyone,

Thanks to those who gave me the confidence to change shocks myself. It was a piece of cake. I did not even lift the truck with a jack. The SPare tire tip came in handy.

It took me about 3 1/2 hours, due to some tough bolts and some drinks in between.

I snapped the top bolt off of the original bilstein shock.


By the way I love the VSTs they ride so nice. I will let you guys Know my 2cents after 10K on them.


NEXT:

Rotors and pads
Synthethic oil change

later guys/gals

Did I mention X brakes suck....yeah I think I did

 

[88vert]

Glad to help

Good job

 

[Fantasymon]

VST's

I hate these damn VST shocks. Didnt change a thing on my ride. Maybe since I have the TT lift?? I dont know but I almost think the ride is worse with these shocks. I've only had them about 4 months and I'm going to replace them with some REAL shocks ASAP.
If anyone wants them let me know.

GrantP

 

[JDraper]

I've got the TT and Warrior shackles, and the only complaint I have with the VST's is that on roads with really bad washboards, the back end skips around a little. Other than that, I'm quite happy.

 

[nyisles_99]

so far so good for me.

I like em.

 

[ok89]

Ok guys I have a question (what a surprise ) My dad finally agreed that we can get new shocks on the X however he doesn't want to spend a fortune. He wants a shock that will (please dont laugh too hard) make the X ride more like a car. He thinks the X is too "jittery" as in you can feel every little imperfection in the road. Now is the VST like this as well or does it handle roads smoothly. Can you feel every crack in the road or every little imperfection? Keep in mind this is on a 2wd v-6 that will never see anymore time offroad. So he wants a cheap yet good onroad only shock. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Alec]

The VSTs are firmer than the stock shocks, but they soak up little bumps well. Large bumps are still felt like large bumps though. You can have my Gabriels for free when I get back to Houston in late July, 35k miles on them, if you want to try them out.

 

[ok89]

Well at 30 mph going through the neighborhood my dad thinks it feels too "small bumpy" So you figure that would go away?

Edit: I found the Gas Sport Ryder by Gabriel that says its a "A premium truck shock with a passenger car ride" which is something their VST doesnt say so I think I may give that shock a shot.

 

[rvitek]

I don't know if you've already bought the Gas Sport Ryder's or not yet. They don't have the VST technology, and to me, that's what makes this shock worth it. See if you can research it a bit more before you spend the money/time on them.

Ry.

 

[baehan]

Originally posted by rvitek
I don't know if you've already bought the Gas Sport Ryder's or not yet. They don't have the VST technology, and to me, that's what makes this shock worth it. See if you can research it a bit more before you spend the money/time on them.

Ry.

i purchased the same ones from pepboys and they do say VST on the box.

 

[jjue]

Originally posted by nyisles_99
Hey Guys/Gals,

I just purchased the VST Gabriels from PEPBOYS after reading some good info. on this site. My question is for the people who have been using these for some time now. Do you still like them? Have they lasted?

At first I liked them since my stock shocks were worn. However, in less than 1.5 years, I thought that they were worn or didn't handle as they did new, so I chunked them for Bilsteins. Of course, I actually do some offroading, pull trailers, and live in Mississippi. The salemen at Discount Auto Parts refused to replace the Gabriels despite the fact that I told them that they wouldn't prevent the body shift when braking from pushing the vehicle further (almost like having to brake twice) and the vehicle bounced all over the place. Maybe I should have kept them and tried to replace them at Advance Auto Parts, then sell the replacements. You probably wouldn't want the Bilsteins as they are a firm shock, but I love mine.