What have you guys heard about Beltech and DJM shocks? I know they are cheaper than the edelbrocks. I am planning to use a new set of shocks with a Hotchkis setup.

Let me know what you all think. Are there any other brands i should go for? The Edelbrock IAS shocks are supposed to be nice but are $70+ each. Are they worth it or are the Beltechs or DJMs just as good?

One last very important question. How hard is it to install new leaf springs in the rear and coils in the front? I want to save some cash and do the install myself. I figure I could rent a spring compressor from the local auto parts shop and then get an alignment at a tire/wheel shop (to avoid any tire wear problems).

thanks <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> ,

Glenn

<small>[ October 03, 2002, 02:03 AM: Message edited by: MarineBlue03GMC ]</small>

 

I'm not sure about the rest of the stuff, but I've been running Bell Tech Nitro Drop shocks since I lowered my first truck back in 1996. I really like them! Only problem is, I have nothing to compare them to. I don't like Toxics, I know that for sure.

Hope this helps!

 

i used the edelbrock performer IAS shocks on my old silvy. i would recommend them. but like scream said, i have nothing to compare them to.

do they make bilstein's for lowered applications?

 

yes they make Blitstens for lowered apps but Doetsch Techs are the way to go IMO. I have heard many good things about them and they are priced right. I couldn't be happier with mine.

No need for a spring compressor. Remove your front coils by removing you lower control arm and pulling you coils out from the back. Much easier that tring to mess with the ball joints. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> You will need two floor jacks though to let each side down evenly so the spring dosn't pop out. And for the leafs... Just follow the directions and you will be fine. I just want to know if you get to the toque specs on the u-bolts. Once I got to 190 I thought they were about to break and they are supposed to go to 220.

 

Doetsch Techs are the way to go. There priced well too. I have em and lovem. They go well with the 3/4drop <img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" />

 

i have IAS shocks in the back and bell tech in the front. i can tell a differnece between them. the edelbrocks are smoother over small bumps and feel like they transfer from smooth to firm faster than the belltechs. leaf springs are a breeze to put on. coils are a little more time consumming but are pretty easy. i just used to 2 jacks.one to lower the a-arm the other to support the truck.

 

i am running kyb and they work fine. but have nothing to compair them too. they might be sh*t for all i know.

 

I have used Bilstein and Edelbrock. Edelbrock are superior but they are costly north of the 49th. This year I redid the suspension in my truck. I used a 1" Addco sway bar in the rear, a 1 3/8" Belltech sway bar in the front, custom springs in the rear and Belltech springs (with a 1" drop) in the front. I used KYB gas adjust shocks all around and used polyurethane bushings everywhere. Rims are Centreline telstar (15x7) and the tires are BF Goodrich radial TA's P275/60 R15. The resulting ride is very tight with very little body roll. The truck is a 1990 Sportside and some people say that with the short wheel base the ride is joppy! (My wife hates it.) However the fun in the corners makes it all worth it.

 

Now I think Im going to go with the Doetsch Tech nitro slammer shocks. They have a great warranty, and I have heard mostly positive stuff about them.

Does anyone have any more opinions to share about these shocks?

thanks

Glenn <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />