replacing shocks 2001 blazer

[mrmushroomman]

I use my 2001 chevy blazer 2wd to tow my 19ft sea ray and i'm getting ready to replace front and back shocks. Does anybody have recomendations on a good, but cheap shock to use as replacements? I want the rear shocks to be a little more capable of handling the load i'm towing, but don't want a real stiff ride. I do not have the self leveling system. I want a heavy duty shock on the rear capaable of handling about 300-400lb tongue weight with out sagging my back end as much as it does now. Any suggestions wold be greatly appreciated.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: replacing shocks 2001 blazer

Shocks will not affect ride heigth (unless air assist), only ride quality. They only dampen vertical movement. I am a big fan of Rancho 5000/9000 series shocks. If you want a little less sag, I highly suggest a set of rear leaf helper springs. Cheap, easy to install and only affect ride quality when compressed.

 

[Mn Warrior]

Re: replacing shocks 2001 blazer

Fisherman111 is right, the shocks will not change the ride height. If you need to raise the back end while towing, look into some air bags. Air bags will give you the added height you need for towing and you can let out the air for everyday driving. Check with you local repair shop for pricing or look online, the last ones I installed were the firestone brand.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: replacing shocks 2001 blazer

Agree with above, the shocks don't control your ride height.

But if you want a heavier shock than stock that is still inexpensive, I recommend gas charged Gabriels as sold at AutoZone. I put the heaviest ones I could get on the back of each of my vans, and they didn't make it ride harsh at all.

I seriously considered the air shocks for my 99 Montana van as it had the factory air shocks. But in the end, $85 for the kit was just too much to justify when the Gabriels I bought were $21.99/ea.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: replacing shocks 2001 blazer

I too have used gas charged Gabriels on my Dodge B250 and was impresssed with the ride. Also they lasted the 45k miles I owned the van with no problems.

Gabriel introduced the first gas shock back in 1983.

Gabriel gas ryder lt is a very good model.

 

[Philthyphil]

Re: replacing shocks 2001 blazer

Shocks are really just dampers like the english call them They won't change your ride heigth. That said the Gabriel shocks are pretty good, I have had good luck with Monroe sensa-trac from NAPA as well.

 

[Philthyphil]

Re: replacing shocks 2001 blazer

Be glad that at least they are not "lever arm" shocks like Triumph Rick has. They are not cheap. And when they are used as an upper control arm as on a "spridget", when they go bad it really gets your attention. I know you refilled it with 90 wt and it still leaked out, then the STP, then ship them off to Apple and get them rebuilt......lol.....cheers