I need to replace the worn-out stock shcoks on my 88.
No need for anything fancy.
I have decided on some Gabriels, but unsure of which ones.

Anyone use them? Opinions?

Gabriel Guardian
Gabriel Pro Guard
Gabriel Ultra

Not trying to spend more than $20ish each.
TIA

 

Eric, I ran Gabriels on my 86 ex Cab (didn't have the coin for anything else at the time), and they did pretty well, even off road. $ to quality issue was pretty worth it. I can't remember which ones exactly, though, maybe the Guardians?

 

there is very little difference in price, but three options...hmmm

do they come with new bolts too??

i will have to sawzall the old ones off and I am trying to do this this weekend.

 

I am looking at the Ultra. $19.99 each for front and $29.99 each for the rear...

 

I don't think they came with bolts.. Fortunately, living out here in the desert, and having an Arizona truck, I could loosen my stock bolts almost by hand... Bummer for you guys out there on the EC....

 

anyone know the size for the bolts that hold the shocks on?

I am anticipating they will need to be replaced too

 

Don't know about the bolts, but I DO know that Gabriel currently has a promotion going until April 8th with their shocks. It's a mail-in rebate where you buy 4 shocks and you get $20 back by mail. My wife works at Autozone where they have the promo going, and it's a manufacturer rebate thing, so it might be good all over. Is this why you chose Gabriel? (smart choice )

 

I chose them b/cc they are decent price, heard good things about them and I have some bushings to return to Autozone, so it would be some $$$ off.

Is the rebate on a pad by the front door OR do I need to ask for it??
good lookin' BTW

 

Eric, I searched all over (YT, Google, etc.) trying to get what size bolts, and I couldn't find any info. The only thing I didn't do is make a call to the auto part store or a dealership. That's what I would suggest.. I'm bummed, too, because I just threw away my old Chilton's from back when I had the 86... I think it had the bolt sizes listed...

 

Gabriels are junk. CARQUEST is changing over its entire ride control line this year, from Gabriel to KYB.

 

Yes, the rebate is on a pad either @ front of store at the checkout counter, or at one of the parts look-up stands/counters. Different stores put them in one of those places.

 

have you used Gabriels before??

Is there any difference between a cheap Gabriel and a cheap KYB??

 

Before you buy check out OE prices from trdparts4u.com or another toyota dealer. original shocks are very reasonable

 

Gabriels are junk. KYB used to be great, but I think their quality has gone down too. I personally like Ranchos for shocks. Some of Ranchos other products aren't great, but I think their shocks are the best value for your money, albeit a bit more expensive than Gabriels. But like everything else, we all have our favorites. I've just seen too many Gabriels leak for my liking.

If money is no object, Bilsteins (sp?) are the way to go.

 

I am waiting on Strapp22 to get em a price on OEM....

Anyone else have some input/ opinions/ help??

 

I am running the guardian max controls in the front at the moment. They did fine for a while but will not last long once you do some wheeling in them. The only reason I got them is because we sell them at my work and I could get them for pretty cheap. As far as the rebate goes you can go to www.gabriel.com and get the info from there.

You might want to look into the skyjacker shocks even. They are reasonably priced and will last a bit longer off the road.

 

I will not be wheeling the truck in it's current state.
these are for DD/ on-road purposes.

I can't bring myself to pay $60 per shock or more...
I won't lift the IFS and these will get tossed.

Still going to wait on the OEM quote...

 

The front ones are $27.64 pr shock on toyotapartsales.com, the rear ones $27.20.

 

so OEM, Gabriel, or OTHER???

 

Sorry about that, OEM.