Gabriel Load-Carrier shocks?

[Aonghus]

Ok, this may be outside the box, it may be an old idea that's already been ruled out, or it may just be a dumb idea. But I'm intrigued so I gotta ask. What do you think about these shock+spring combos from Gabriel? I've never used them so I'm just an internet jockey going by reviews and creativity at this point.

 

Here's my thoughts:

We have an old vehicle. That likely means sagging or weakened springs. It also means diminishing options for replacement or lift components. Most of the reviews for these Gabriel Load Carrier shocks indicate 1.5-2 inches of lift, or at least restored ride height, among with improved handling and stability, etc. Maybe this is an option, relatively cheap if a guy already needs shocks, to gain some lift and support and take some strain off old components.

 

I'm wondering if the torsion don't need to be cranked as far to level a rig, or if these would raise the rear end just a bit, which may be back to stock height. I'm concerned about a harsher ride but I don't know.

 

Any thoughts or experience?

 

https://gabriel.com/LoadCarrier

[gamellott]

I have some limited experience with these on a D21.

 

You will probably have a harsher ride due to the increased spring rate on the rear. It also depends on how much less travel you have. Like all other shocks, there is a maximum extension. I was probably very close to that on my D21 giving it a rougher ride.  Cranking on the Torsion bars will give you some added lift if that's the desired effect.

 

The front end on these have a bump stop on the top and bottom. The factory ride height is probably ideal for your daily driver. If you have it too high, you'll lose the potential on your extension, similarly, you'll lose compression if it's too low. All in all, adjusting the ride height will give it a harsher ride than the factory ride height. Part of the reason why I'm sticking with the factory ride height since I do little to ZERO offroading on this. I'm not saying that's good, bad or indifferent. It's all what you want to do with the ride. Just keep in mind that adjusting the height on the front also could buy you into getting the front end aligned, adjusting your tow and camber. 

[adamzan]

I know it's probably not worth shipping them, but I have a brand new set of moog springs for one of these trucks, never installed. I'd let them go for $50 plus shipping.

[Aonghus]

Thanks guys. So if you look at the offerings on the PDF at this link

https://gabriel.com/sites/default/files/tempfile_pdf/Gabriel_Load_Carrier_Shocks_Flyer.pdf

There are a few options that are very close to the collapsed/extended specs for stock Pathfinder shocks. I would think possible travel could be close to stock.

 

I'm wondering, mostly about the front since the torsion bars are adjustable, if these would have a progressive effect. If they provide a little lift on their own, a guy could back off the torsion bars a little bit to maintain either stock or leveled ride height. And I would think "normal" driving would feel similar but would stiffen up as the torsion bars were more engaged on a larger bump. 

 

As for the rear, it seems like the main opportunity might be if a guy was carrying extra weight in tools for instance...

 

Also I'm not knowledgeable enough to know about the different codes for the top and bottom mounts. ??

 

Well, I'm not sure if/when we'd give these a try but I'm intrigued by the idea anyway. I stumbled across some old model Pro-Comp shocks for the front for extremely cheap for the front of my son's rig so we're gonna try those out for now. This is probably a back-burner issue unless he gets a bug in his bonnet this summer when he's making good money. I'll let you know if we try them out!

[adamzan]

That's an interesting thought. I'm not sure I'd use them on the front if that was your idea, would they clear the control arms during a suspension cycle?

 

Pro comp is good stuff, they should out last the truck.

[Slartibartfast]

Mr. 510 got Gabriel 49218 air shocks for a Chevy pickup to fit his, but only in the back. Sounds like he tried the same with the fronts, but they hit the UCAs. I doubt those coilover shocks are any smaller. Maybe aftermarket UCAs would have more clearance?

 

I do get tempted now and then to do the rear air shocks on mine. My rear springs are sagged pretty bad, and the air shocks don't cost that much more than a set of springs. And the shocks can do tricks!

 

Here's Gabriel's explanation of their mount codes.

[tmoore4512]

I have GM air shocks in the rear of mine, been there for many years. Have replaced the air hose kit twice, weakest link for sure. It does provide some lift, I would say maybe an inch or two in the rear.

As for the front, even after modifying my Calmini UCA's the axle will likely keep air or spring over load shocks from fitting. Just not much room there.

Plus, the front end of these guys is heavy anyway.

I did have a set of those load assist shocks on my 2010 F150 but they failed after about a year. The rubber isolators between the spring and the shock body wore out and it made a gaawwd awful screeching noise when you went over bumps. No way to take them apart either.

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[tmoore4512]

Not a lotta room to work with because of the axle, and I honestly don't think the shock tower would handle the weight of the truck.

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