Gabriel G63803 Ultra Truck Front Shock Absorbers for Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, Silverado 1500 4WD, Suburban 1500, Tahoe; GMC Sierra 1500 4WD, Yukon, Yukon XL 1500 (1 Pack)

Big upgrade for my 2003 Chevy venture

Makes my truck ride a whole lot better

Great price and fast shipping! These fixed the truck.

I had ordered these Gabriel shocks several years ago for this truck and they DID come with compression ties - much easier to install. Seems Gabriel is saving some bucks by cutting expenses (down a star). Zero directions or information on shock installation. Please don't show these shocks with compression ties when they don't have them. These shocks are VERY hard to install (next to impossible) unless you have additional shock compression tools. I used a heavy duty ratchet type tie down with S Hooks after I installed the bottom bolts through the bottom of the shock and tightened first. Some advice get new bolts (MUST BE RIGHT SIZE - take your old bolts with you to Lowes), nuts and plenty of washers (locking / flat all Grade 8). Torque on the bottom nut / bolt is around 90 ft/lbs - very tight and double nut). Be VERY sure to put the larger shock washer on the bottom of the upper shock (yes, there are two sizes of metal shock washers (upper) or it will not be possible to install (gives 3 more inches of travel). Put on the top shock lower rubber bushings (lube them with rubber shock lube), compress the shock with the tie down strap ratchet, place the shock in the upper arm hole, lube the upper rubber bushing, tighten the nut on top to stop (20-30 ft/lbs) (recommend double nut). By design, these shocks only allow you to tighten so far before they reach a stop so no need to go further. Does seem a little loose, but that is the way it is. These are Truck Front Shocks - HD and give a truck feel. Also added about 250 lb to the front of the bed for positive front weight. The Gabriel's replaced some KYB Gas Adjust Shocks (nitrogen charged) that made the truck a Bounce House over asphalt bumps and washboards. I like the new HD ride and how they feel on highway / rough dirt roads with heavy trailer. Some advice: Check your Front Stabilizer Links and replace them with the Moog links with clear bushings. Lube them too. Check your front steering drag link, Pitman Arm, and Idler Arm (RH side), also the tie rod ends. These are likely worn out over 120,000 miles. Get an alignment. Hope this helps you avoid loosing your cool when installing.

Good

Perfect fit, very comfortable ride, not too stiff not too soft i love them on my 93 gmt400 4x4.

GABRIEL FIRST SHOCK COMPANY IN THE WORLD. With innovation and quality other shocks do not have. Initially i considered Monroe, Bilstein, and KB. After reading reviews and blog pages it became clear there were many people disatisfied with Monroe - Even though Monroe has better advertising and marketing. Also note: even if the Bilstein and KB are better, i don't think they are going to be doubly better.. So yes, I didn't want to spend a lot of money (My 10 yr old Ford's only worth $2,000) and Gabriel had rebate campaign. The Gabriel shocks ride are not as stiff as the OEM. They are smoother than OEM, and yet still responsive. The Gabriel aret not sluggish in ripply or undulating pavement or overly compressive in hard turning. This was truly the best price for these i could get anywhere. Most mechanics tried to steer me toward their supplier's brand, and many didn't want to install something bought somewhere else. So it takes a little initiative, and research, but well worth it..DON'T HESITATE when it comes to buying the ReadyMount Complete Strut. (1) You don't have to tear apart and reuse your old parts. (2) It's easier/quicker to install-hence cheaper to install. (so the money you save in buying the cheaper incomplete strut will cost in installation)Great product at a great price. I was able to get a mechanic to install the struts and shocks for $180 out the door. Hence with the price of shocks/struts $370 (tax free) I was truly able to get it all done for $550. Which is compared to $700 -$1,200 with inferior shocks and gouging installation. (The installer's price reflected the ReadyMount Complete was easy to install)4 MONTHS LATER: At first it didn't seem like they were doing anything, but now, I am more impressed with the way the shocks and struts seem to make the car float above the bumps and speed bumps without any clunking or thunking.FYI: Amazon does a great job to verify that you are ording the correct part. However, you can always double check from Gabriel's Website to verify part number http://gabriel.com/product-search/light-vehicle/?yr=2005&make=Ford&model=Escape&engine= FYI For History and Info - http://gabriel.com/our-company/history/