Shocks

Volvo TGB and 30X (303/304/306) mods and resto work, news, resources and non-technical stuff
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chosenview
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Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2012 3:05 am
Location: Gloucester, England
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Shocks

Post by chosenview »

Hi all

What's the latest thinking on shocks for the c303?

I've seen the old threads on bilstein 5150 and some references to procomp but these are quite old

Anyone had any good experiences recently?

Regards

Steve
chosenview
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Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2012 3:05 am
Location: Gloucester, England
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Re: Shocks

Post by chosenview »

Ok. Just for the record I went for procomp es 9000 part number 926500 with bushing kit p19

On order now with Devon 4x4
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thedoeges
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Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 11:16 am
Location: Castle Rock, Colorado

Re: Shocks

Post by thedoeges »

I am also looking for shocks. What was your reason to go with those shocks? I am wondering if going with the original shocks that it came with would be not as good. I know Tatanka is selling them as a cheaper option.

Thanks,

Marcus Doege
dokatd
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Re: Shocks

Post by dokatd »

This seemed as good of a place as any

Gabriel Gas SLX adjustable shocks modified for the TGB11. Part 89409.


Ride is very controlled and more appropriate for the parabolic springs. Not a 100% perfect fit but they do the job well. The bushings are the correct size, the only modification needed is to cut the steel shroud off and mount the shaft side down. These have the gas separated from the oil so they are fine mounted upside-down unlike some other shocks. The length is appropriate for my application and allows a bit more down travel, they are almost exactly the same as stock in terms of length. Currently I am running the fronts on the Xtra Firm setting. I have not installed them on the back yet but expect to set them to regular or maybe soft as I don't usually load the back. These are much large bodies than typical light truck shocks. The main body is 2.3", this helps with heat on faster washboard roads and such. End of the day these are low budget versions of KONIS and adjust in the same manner.
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dokatd
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Re: Shocks

Post by dokatd »

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yano
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Re: Shocks

Post by yano »

Great write up ... thx mister .
This is gold really .
dokatd
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Re: Shocks

Post by dokatd »

Just a follow up, I have the rear shocks installed and they do not require any modifications like the front. The shock can be installed with the full shroud. Because my truck is not loaded in the back I went with the softest setting. This gives me a very balanced feel so far. I might consider dropping the fronts to the mid range instead of the highest setting.

These are without a doubt one of the cheaper options available and the larger body most certainly helps for harsher trails. Though a fancy high dollar set of Fox or King would be fun, these Gabriel GasSLX are more than any C303 will ever need.
dokatd
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Re: Shocks

Post by dokatd »

Final follow up, I took the Volvo out to Moab all last week with the new Gabriel’s. Final conclusion is they worked exceptionally well. I think the length could be a bit longer for what I was doing, but in all reality they were perfect. I did everything from high speed dirt roads to reasonably hard Rock Crawling. I don’t plan on changing a thing about my shocks.

Bonus pic below.
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brandonium
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Re: Shocks

Post by brandonium »

I have been considering Fox shocks but I for the life of me cannot figure out which series supports our shock mount size. I was hoping to run with 2.5's... glad you found a good combo for your rig!
dokatd
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Re: Shocks

Post by dokatd »

Don’t waste your money on Fox. I have owned Fox, Bilstein, sway a way and many others. They will not help on the Volvo. Try the Gabriel’s for as cheap as they are and see what you think. They are an insane value considering their performance. Keep in mind they are oversized bodies so they handle a lot more that the stock ever will.
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