What a difference new shocks make...

I can't believe I put off replacing my shocks until one failed, but what a difference new shocks make! The stock KYB's were great, I'd have never touched them if the drivers side front shock had not sprung a leak @ 37215 miles. Just replaced the fronts today, now the rears feel like crap by comparison, so they'll get done next weekend. Braking, cornering, and feel have all improoved. This is a DIY project you should not put off, replace your shocks, your VX will feel like new.

BTW, if anybody want's my old shocks 3 are still good and one makes a interesting conversation piece. I still have my OEM sway bar bushings as well, so if you are local and need spares or out of state and don't mind paying for the shipping they are yours.

Navigator, what kind did you replace them with?

... Gabriel Ultra's with G-Force technology. Got to push them on the way to work this morning on the rugged terrain of Monroe St between North Ave. and Washington Blvd, and the improovement over stock is amazing.

My advice is don't hold off. I kept my stock shocks on thinking they were the best thing since sliced bread, and it took a busted one (out of waranty) to get me to try other brands. Not sure if my extended warranty covered shocks, but I like to work on my VX myself, and if I can do the job, I bypass the warranty. can hardly wait to replace the rear shocks now.

Nav,

Any takers on the old shocks yet?

...have been spoken for :yes: Congrats Tone. Hope to have the old rear shocks off :smack: and available to ship out this weekend, weather permitting :luck:

Navigator,

when replacing your shocks, are there any mods that you have to make?

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Originally Posted by cascabel3

Navigator,

when replacing your shocks, are there any mods that you have to make?

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No mods at all. New shocks bolt directly into the old shock locations.

Part numbers ?

Thanks so much

Gabriel's website has a search function to match their shocks to your vehicle, but the menu does not have the VX as a choice. However, G63707 (front) and G63708 (rear) are the recommended Gabriel Ultras for the Trooper, so I'm guessing that's what you'd want.

I replaced the stock shocks with OMEs and I'm very pleased. I have a ride that feels more controlled. It doesn't seem to skip when I hit a bump while cornering. It's also a lot harder to break a tire loose in the back when accelerating around a corner. The downside is that there is a little bit more body roll, but given the better feel when I hit the bumps, I'm happy to have made that trade-off.

-Tad

Wouldn't OEM shocks be the same as stock?

Yup, OEMs are stock. OMEs (Old Man Emu) are different. Independent4x can get them if you are looking for a set.

-Tad

How much should I expect to pay for new shocks all the way around. I just bought my 99 and I think it needs shocks. Also, where is a good place to get them. HELP!

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Originally Posted by Nazrat

Yup, OEMs are stock. OMEs (Old Man Emu) are different. Independent4x can get them if you are looking for a set.

-Tad

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the stock shocks (kybs) r something like 700 a peice....so ppl mostly use rancho which r alot cheaper...do a search on forums for the shock(cant remember rite now i believe they are rancho 9800) then google for a price

Not quite that much, MZ-N10. My local Isuzu dealer wanted $425 + tax apieces. But others posted that St Charles Isuzu will ship them to you for something like $375 apiece, and you may be able to save yourself the tax that way.

I recently went through all of this research myself, and considered the Ranchos, but ended up going with Bilsteins (B46-1738-H1 and B46-1739-H1 are the part numbers). I am very happy with them, too. I paid about $255 for the set of them (delivered) and installed them myself in an afternoon. And I was able to drive Peewog's VX with stock shocks in good condition (although with 77k miles on them) to compare, and we both found the ride and body motion control almost identical between the two setups.

Good luck!

Question on the Bilsteins (B46-1738-H1 and B46-1739-H1)... I am trying to have my shop order them for me and they do not have a listing for that shock, Is this also a replacement for the Trooper or Rodeo?

Thanks

Yup... they are spec'd for the Trooper. Bilstein recommends the stiffer H1 versions for the rear and the softer H2 versions for the fronts, but most of us have gotten the stiffer H1 versions all around. I highly recommend the H1s.

What do you guys mean OEM ?

O = Original
E = Equipment
M = Manufacturer

It means the same as "stock" when talking about car parts.

I just had 4 Rancho shocks installed for 325.00 total. The ride is night and day diff. from before. The original shocks were still on with 90,000 miles on them. Just FYI.

Hey Nav, where did you buy these, I want them like yesterday

James