Sunday, Feb 23, 2003 at 22:47
Don't just look at fits XXXX.
I found that all the "professional" brand shockers being offered as a Vitara fitment would only offer me 1-2 inches extra travel than standard for the Vitara. The first set of dodgy HQ shocks I fitted gave me that.
Considering the Vitara has to be quite possibly the most travel limited 4wd of all time, I felt that was a joke.
Sure I coulda gone Rancho 9000's or Koni's, but I've heard bad bleep about Rancho's and had many problems with Koni's myself over the years.
Instead I just looked in the Gabriel Catalogue for the right (MEGA!) length, fitting, and similar vehicle weight.
Gabriel White 4x4 shocks with 35mm plunger $65 each - Super Cheap Auto.
If they're rated as a "Premium" Gabriel product for Landcruiser shorty I'm sure they're good enough for the Vitara. Slighlty stiff on-road (brand new will settle) but awesome off road - slightly less travel than my last Gabriels (only red passenger car gas - but 600 mm extension!) but heaps more damping.
MY standard length Suzi Shock 47 cm extended and 27 compressed was obviously no good even before the body and
suspension lift combo
Cruiser Shock 55 cm extended 34 compressed.
Over 3 inches more travel and better damping for the stiffer raised springs.
Remember different cars have different mounting points and styles - you can also get eyelet to pin converters which give you extra height too adn enable other shocker mount styles to be used - try Marks 4wd Adaptors or Big Balls off road.....
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