Shocks (VST, etc)

bgodfrey · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 04:53 PM

Hi,

For most of the last 30 years, I have replaced worn original shocks with better grades, usually gas-pressurized, and have been happy. When the shocks went bad on my last truck I went to a Les Schwab tire store and they put on some "VST" shocks. The VST stands for Velocity Sensing Technology or some such. They basically have a valve which opens/closes automatically in response to the speed of the piston movement in the shock. The result is a shock which varies its stiffness in response to need. They worked very well and I doubt that I would ever go back to a plain shock absorber.

It was 1996 or 97 when I put those VST shocks on, and now that truck is gone and my new truck will be needing some new shocks soon. Les Schwab still sells the VST shocks, but technology just seems to keep improving and I'm just curious if other similar or better options have become available in the ensuing 6-7 years. What I'm interested in is a good ride, somewhat stiffer than stock (which is very mushy), the ability to maintain the good ride when loaded, and I don't have to climb around underneath the truck to adjust the shocks. I am not concerned with off-road racing abilities or shocks designed for radically altered suspensions. Any suggestions?

Thank you,

--Brian

dsconstructs · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 07:06 PM

Just had KYB gas-a-just put on mine. Same technology, automatically adjust to the ride. Feel more stable than stock for sure but still very comfortable ride. I didn't want to get too stiff for normal driving either. Life-time warranty on them.

Agent WD-40 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 07:27 PM

How often should you replace shocks? Are these bassically the same thing as Edelbrock IAS performer shocks.

bgodfrey · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 07:39 PM

I don't know about "should", I just replace mine when needed. That means after about 15,000 miles for OEM shocks on the previous Toyota trucks I've owned. The VSTs were replaced at 17,000 miles and were still working fine at 105,000 when I sold the truck.

dsconstructs · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 08:22 PM

Hopefully will not need to replace again. If so the KYB's are lifetime warranted. My OEM's were blown out with 18000 miles on them. Could have had them replaced under warranty but don't think I want shocks on there that would not hold up like they obviously did not. I am not hard on the truck either. Not sure what the Edelbrock's are like. The KYB's are great, not heavy duty stiff riding, but more stable than the OEM's were from the start. Great for my stock truck.

bgodfrey · #6 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 08:33 PM

I should have said that the OEM shocks were replaced by the VSTs after 17,000 miles! The VSTs were lifetime warrented, but they never wore out.

I don't know why Toyota uses junk shocks on their trucks, but it seems that they always have. I've had that experience with 1981 and 1995 trucks, one brother with a 1982, another with a 1985, my best friend with a 1991, etc. None was ever abused. The 1981 was driven on gravel roads, the rest almost exclusively on pavement. The shocks on my Camry Solara are fine after 50,000 miles. Go figure.

--Brian

dsconstructs · #7 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 08:52 PM

I don't get it either, OEM's were supposed to be rated for 60,000 miles. Oh well, what can you do but go better when the originals fail.

lelandstanford · #8 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 07:12 PM

bgodfrey:

Those VST shocks. Are they Gabriels?

dsconstructs:

At least Toyota OEMs are better than Ford's. I have seen so many current generation F-150s (<20K miles) with cupped tires (always front, sometimes rear too).

dsconstructs · #9 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 07:51 PM

lelandstanford,
I'm on second set of tires already on this thing. Think between the shocks and alignment issues. At least Toyota did buy the tires for me at just under 18000 miles. Though I was surprised they didn't catch the worn shocks with how many times they inspected it. So much for taking it to the dealers anymore unless I absolutely have to. Now to see how these shocks and DJs align specs do. Will be a while though, don't log many miles usually on this truck. I'm hoping my tire wear issue goes away now. The truck has been excellent for me except for wearing out tires. Thought about the Ford when I got this one but also heard they have tranny problems too, so decided to trade a Toyota for a Toyota. Good choice if I can quit eating up the tires so fast.

bgodfrey · #10 (**permalink**) 05-26-2003, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lelandstanford
bgodfrey:
Those VST shocks. Are they Gabriels?

I think they are a Les Schwab branded shock, but I don't know who makes them. It's been a long time since I bought them and I just called the store to ask but they were closed because of the holiday. I think they were Road Ryder or something like that.

I just did a web search and found this Gabriel page:

http://www.gabriel.com/Product_listing.htm#Anchor5

If you go there and scroll down a bit you will see the Gas Ryder LT. I think that might have been what I got, but I'm not sure. Apparently Gabriel uses "Ryder" names and Les Schwab uses "Ryder" names, so I bet they're the same thing. In any case, mine worked really well and I'll probably be getting the same when I replace my current ones since nobody has suggested anything better.

--Brian

lelandstanford · #11 (**permalink**) 05-27-2003, 12:01 AM

Local AutoZones carry these Gabriel shocks/struts with lifetime warranty.

I have tried these shocks and struts on various light trucks and cars. They are quality products at reasonable price. In fact, I have never had a worn or leaky one.

The only thing I don't like about Gabriel shocks/struts is the damping rate. They are a little better than OEM but still too soft for my taste.