Shock absorbers

George,

Don't forget factory shocks. I just replaced my rear shocks on the 90series Prado. Cost just over $100 the pair from CMI Toyota. Thats about half price of any aftermarket shock. Factory shocks have been much more reliable than most aftermarket shocks. Mine don't fade and have done umpteen desert trips with heavy loads. Only replaced them because I'm about to do a Madigan Line trip.

I've had bad experience with Gabriel some years back. I think you'll fine Monroe to be one of the better aftermarket brands.

Phil

I dont think you will hear of to many Koni or Bilstien shocks that dont live up to expectation, but if your spending less than $150 a shock, your really at the bottom end of the shock market.

Some shocks in this range are just marketed really well.

Bilstien have velocity controlled valving, which makes for great ride and handling at any speed, and I feel they work really well on cars up to 2500-30000kg, once over the 3000kg, the Koni shock is the best option IMO, oil, so take a couple of km to "warm up" but handle an overloaded heavy 4wd on the worst roads with ease.

I have had white wide body Gabriels all round on my Triton for 2 years @ $70 each from Supercheap.
Seem to perform well & no signs of deterioration yet .
Used Konis a few years ago on a troopie after swapping them from an old Inter 4x4
& they were excellent . but guess they now cost 3xgabriels.

George,
I've fitted the Gabriel Blue Ryders to my '84 Hilux C/C about 8 months ago and still feel stiff in the ride (replaced the worn out monroe magnums).

Super Cheap Auto had them on special at 20% off - so basically 3 for the price of 4, well close enough anyway at $99.00 each.

Would I buy again - probably but would also look at the Pro Comps at $130 with the boots thrown in or the TJM XGS at $145. OME to me feel a bit soft - but I prefer a firmer ride.

From memory Gabriel have a 12 months warranty, Pro Comp ES9000 lifetime warranty and TJM XGS 3 year / 50,000km warranty.

Do a shop around at each outlet - and remove them from the box for a look and feel. If they don't let you, move on.

Having seen the TJM XGS just last week I'd probably go that way next time.

I prefer to steer clear of the adjustables - either buy a soft shock or a hard shock rather than fiddle with a knob but some like that sort of thing.

Hi George

I have tryed Gabriel when I had a HSV VT commondore and honestly they wherebleepleaked oil but that was only in that situation I no longer have the car but went to Koni's. But the car was used for track with the HSV club in Vic. Im my maverick swb it has arb and my 100 series runs tjm both of them have been good.

Rossco

I had Monroes on my Rodeo and I thought they were way too soft. One leaked after about 10 000km. I replaced them all with heavy duty OME shocks. I think were about $130 each. I love them and would use them again anytime.

Utemad