spta97
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- June 12, 2003
- Messages
- 1,036
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- NY, NY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2000 5.0 AWD
I have been trying to track down a suspension noise and decided to swap out my front Gabriel VSTs (aka: Ultras) to see if they were defective. I went to AutoZone to get replacments for the fronts and accidentially called them VSTs. The woman behind the counter said they were discontinued (the name had changed and I just forgot about it) so I ended up getting the Gabriel ProGuards instead.
After installing them and taking it for a ride I immediately noticed how much more comfortable they were. Bumps were soaked up with much less punishment. I decided to go after the rears as well. Now having ProGuards on all four corners, I took it for another ride and drove around through out the week. It was so much nicer to hit a bump and not have it feel like the car was going to break apart. After a few more days I retuned my old VSTs (aka: Ultras) and have been happy ever since.
I called Gabriel about it and they said the ProGuards are more like OEM, whereas the VSTs (aka: Ultras) tighten the shock up after hitting a bump so you can maintain control better (the VST technology is more geard toward sporty driving). I was happy with the VSTs for a while, but after putting on the ProGuards I realize they are too harsh for my taste.
I will admit that the comfort of the ProGuards has been possible by a very slight decrease in handling (seems to be slightly more body roll) but I do not plan on auto-xing my truck and it finally rides like it should.
Cost-wise, the VSTs (aka: Ultras) are more expensive so that was another bonus. Bottom line if you like a comfortable ride that handles well (I do drive very "spirited") on the cheap tip (the set was $80) - I would suggest trying out the Gabriel ProGuards. If you don't like them, AutoZone seems not to have a problem taking them back.
ps: The ProGuards are black which is really nice - the white of the VSTs sticking out in the back always bothered me.
After installing them and taking it for a ride I immediately noticed how much more comfortable they were. Bumps were soaked up with much less punishment. I decided to go after the rears as well. Now having ProGuards on all four corners, I took it for another ride and drove around through out the week. It was so much nicer to hit a bump and not have it feel like the car was going to break apart. After a few more days I retuned my old VSTs (aka: Ultras) and have been happy ever since.
I called Gabriel about it and they said the ProGuards are more like OEM, whereas the VSTs (aka: Ultras) tighten the shock up after hitting a bump so you can maintain control better (the VST technology is more geard toward sporty driving). I was happy with the VSTs for a while, but after putting on the ProGuards I realize they are too harsh for my taste.
I will admit that the comfort of the ProGuards has been possible by a very slight decrease in handling (seems to be slightly more body roll) but I do not plan on auto-xing my truck and it finally rides like it should.
Cost-wise, the VSTs (aka: Ultras) are more expensive so that was another bonus. Bottom line if you like a comfortable ride that handles well (I do drive very "spirited") on the cheap tip (the set was $80) - I would suggest trying out the Gabriel ProGuards. If you don't like them, AutoZone seems not to have a problem taking them back.
ps: The ProGuards are black which is really nice - the white of the VSTs sticking out in the back always bothered me.
