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One of my front shocks is leaking oil. Since the truck is over 36 years old, I guess some new ones are in order.

I searched the old tech forum and the only real discussion found was about Doetsch units. Looking on EI's site they do not list them anymore.

SAV Lists some Rancho shocks for $78ea along with OEM shocks for $232ea. Comments from the old forum are they be too well dampened and may break shock bolts.

On the SDP site under the parts reference page, some NAPA #76991 shocks are listed. They are supposed to be for a 1963-77 Chevy C10 & C20 pick up trucks.

Since I do not plan on any high speed off road runs, the NAPA units are looking good. Anyone tried the NAPA shocks? Any install issues?

I think Scott at EI still carries the less expensive Doetsch shocks. About $60 if I recall. I have them on a 710 and they perform very well.

Paul

I ran the NAPAs for a while on my 712 and broke a few shock bolts.

I've switched to the non-adjustable Ranchos and have had no further issues. HOWEVER, at about the same time as I switched shocks I also through-drilled my back axles in order to use a through-bolt instead of one screwed into threads in the axles, as per the later versions.

I'm happy w/ the Ranchos, but I'm not sure which action eliminated the broken bolts.

I run the Rancho 9000's and broke a fair share of shock bolts. Since I have done the through bolt modification I have not broken a single bolt. I have currently a 9000 leaking, front shock, and need to get a replacement for it on my 712.

Thanks for the feedback!

I will call EI to see if they still carry the Doetsch shocks.

Undy: Is it the rear shocks that break the bolts or fronts also? Did you run the NAPA's listed on the parts ref page? Were there any install issues? The NAPA shocks will look more stock than the Rancho's (with a coat of OD paint).

Regards, Kevin

Kevin,

It was only rears that I broke.

I don't recall the part #, but I remember I got it from Dennis @ Linden. I'd be pretty certain there's only one cross.

I believe those bolted right on, although I used a few washers to space the shock off from the mounts. The extended and compressed lengths were adequate.

The stock ones have some offset inner bushing, IIRC. But even the Ranchos I had to screw around with inner bushings.

I did like the ride with the NAPAs. I thought they rode just a bit better than the Ranchos on-road.

Thanks Undy!

I think I will try the NAPA's. They will look "more stock" than the others with the rubber boots after some camo paint

Kevin

Kevin,

I've still got one of those around, if I'm not mistaken. I had 6, gave 4 away, and IIRC 1 was bad. If you're interested in the last one, let me know and I'll dig it out.

Paul

Hi Paul, I forgot about your response. Thanks for the offer. I am going to buy some from NAPA or similar units. It will be a "spring" project.

No worries.

Oh, BTW, aren't all shock or suspension jobs considered "spring" jobs?

Arrrr...

Sorry, I've been going at the DOT here again, and sick jokes are what happens after I beat my head against a wall for too long.

PU

I just received my Doetsch Tech shocks from Scott.

Now...before I tear into this project is there anything hinky about this that I should know. I have replaced shocks on a vehicle before and it was just R & R, even my minor wrenching skills could manage that.

I have been reading about broken bolts and such, am I in for such trouble down the road...I do not do rock crawling much. Those from a few years ago at Calico can attest to that.

Morris

krick3tt wrote:I do not do rock crawling much. Those from a few years ago at Calico can attest to that.

Morris

You crawled up and down the rocks just fine a bunch of times... oh, you meant in the Pinz?

Guys
For the record I don't recommend the Napa Sensatracs--from experience--- their residual resistance strains the lower fixing bolt (s) and causes fracture due to reversalls.
Even on the through bolt mod version I have seen them bent the 16mm section bolt--that's a lot of force!

Yes Ranchos seem to work and the 9000 versions rate the best and are just about on their limit on extension. Just make sure the internal eye bush is pressed on sufficiently to correct shock body kiss against the road spring on the front application.

Sorry I have no experience with the Doetsch shocks! No customers have them yet!
Dennis

Hi Dennis: The NAPA shocks I found are called "Gas Grande" (part #: NS 76991).
Link:

http://catalog2.genpt.com/catviewer15/% ... wPics=1#bg

Says they are for work trucks.

Kevin