Gabriel Hijacker Shocks in Rear

[toomanyveedubs]

how much lift can be had from these?

is there a height difference at 0PSI,50PSI,100PSI,150PSI?

[j_dirge]

"restores ride hieght"
"provides up to 1100lbs carrying capacity"

Gabriel and Monroe advertises exactly what TK is saying you should not do.
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-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[Terry Kay]

They were designed as a towing assist, back in the late 50's / early 60's.
They were called overload shocks.

It all depends on how much your going to carry, and how much air your going to be blowing in them.

The orginal idea was to suppliment the springs capacity--not take the place of them.

Air bags for this job are a better idea.
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T.K.

[j_dirge]

[240Gordy]

[mikls63rag]

Great idea! My van tends to sag a bit, but nothing to worry about. Ive used air shocks in my bugs in the past and when all loaded down with the family, roof rack and pick-nick stuff, pump them up a bit till you aren't rubbing the fenders any more! lol Works great most cars-vans-trucks. I'd get them again for the van this time, camping season is getting here soon!

The ride is about the same when pumped up while loaded and unloaded, Ill let the air out and bring it down to stock ride height. But that's bug talk! Should be about the same for the Vanagons, its the same principle.
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Michael
63' Rag
65' Bug
13' Passat S

[Jteerlink]

I agree with TK. As my coils are fine, I am running 16" wheels and this small boost also helps tire clearance. But I wouldn't pressurize them much higher than 100psi as I also worry about the shock mounts handling that much stress.

In order to extend the shocks, initial pressure upon installation should be at 15psi. At 30-35psi (min. recommended operating pressure) I would say the ride height is unchanged from stock. At 45-50psi the height is just leveled off anything higher is your own operational preference. Mine are at 60psi putting height at 30.5" to the lip of the wheel well with a slight rake, which I like.

Also, as you can see I am not sporting a rack with kayaks or towing anything. Just looking to replace the shocks, ride handling and level off the rear with the occasional heavy load of camping gear, without resorting to the "cutting board" quick fix.

[OilNBolts]

I put a set of Gabriels, Ultras I think, on one of my buses a couple of years ago. They were a huge improvement over the shot KYBs. Also from Autozone, lifetime warranty, and inexpensive.
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Current fleet: Vanagons, two '88 GLs and an 89 Bluestar. Beetles, '63, '64, '72 convertible. Plus, four Subarus and three Prius. Too many cars.

[Terry Kay]

<<Oooh, I see. So it's basically like a built-in air bag. Cool!>>
<<but the "bag" inside the shock is only acting on a few square inches of the shock tube.>>

The air chamber is pretty good size considering the size of the shock.

But yea--the Gabriel Air Shock is an air bag & a separate shock unit all in one package--

It's a better shock than the AC delco & Monroe where the air bags are exposed, & the shock & the air bag are kinda in one piece.
As the shock goes up, the ride gets harder.

The only caveat is be sure not to treat the shocks a Mack Truck spring.

It offer's very little in supporting big sprung weight.

I mean they level you out with a trailer on the back end OK.
But don't think you've got a new HD set of adjustable springs back there
You'll snap that top shock bolt off like a bolt cutter's cut them.

I've got a brand new pair here in a box--20 minutes old.

The shock rod is bent when the top shock mount snapped, and the shock bounced off of the pavment a little at 70 mph.
Junk.

I was a little heavy in the ass end.

Just a little warning to the group.
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T.K.

[Jteerlink]

True. I had a friend who re-welded his mounts twice on his Camaro drag car after using air-pressurized shocks. But there are some considerable differences in force with our application.

Overall, I am pleased with these shocks, but if you decide to go with this setup make sure you do the following:

1) Regardless of your load, replace/upgrade your shock mounting bolts with new high grade, high tensile bolts. Always a good idea when replacing anything.

2) Ensure your air supply lines are protected from the elements and heat from engine/muffler. I have since sleeved them in left over rubber hose just to be sure they don't melt since they are only 4" away from the exhaust.

[Loosenut893]

Sorry to drag this one back up but I'm trying to decide what to use on my '85 Westy that has the dragging butt syndrom. Would these work better or the NAPA/Monroe coil over (part #58595) that has been used as well? Thanks.
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1985 "MAE" Westy
2010 Subaru Outback Premium
1995 BMW R1100 GS
2013 Mini Paceman

[lowdowndub]

I just put a set on my 85 westy this weekend. Seem to work fine. Went in very easy and installing the air lines and valve was simple. Didn't think about using higher quality bolts. I'll have to switch those out. Otherwise very happy with them for $80. Running about 50 psi in mine.

[Jteerlink]

[VisPacem]

Hi

This air shocks solution sounds great. Can they be used on a 2WD (Wolfsburg) and are they available for the front and is it a good idea for the front ?

Thanks
_________________
LG aka VisPacemPB, *The* party Pooper

No Regrets (Nothing to do with Vanagons)

[Terry Kay]

No can do for front shock application.
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T.K.

[floggingmolly]

[j_dirge]

[K58]

along with the shocks you can add a compressor and guage on the dash. I used to have this setup.
http://shop.airliftcompany.cust.shopatron.com/product/348152/25592/_/Leveling_Compressor_Kit
It's great to be able to monitor the air pressure while you drive.

[Loosenut893]

Based on the feedback I'm going to try the Gabriels. Given the adjustability and cost its worth the try and if they prove not to be all that I was hoping for I don't feel like I've wasted a bunch of money. Thanks.
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1985 "MAE" Westy
2010 Subaru Outback Premium
1995 BMW R1100 GS
2013 Mini Paceman

[tripod808]

Just bought a pair of these off of Amazon.

My plan is to weld some reinforcement onto the upper shock mount so that I can use the full 25-200psi range of the shock.