Going to purchase some shocks and struts for my '80 GL with 4"lift. Interested in other peoples setups and opinions. Seems like KYB is pretty popular, but am wondering how other brands fare offroad.

i have had monroe,kyb,gabriel,rancho,and pro comp shocks on a 4" lifted rig.

 

by far the best performance i got was from the rancho's.

 

the 5241(search for rancho) i believe is the model number that folks use for this application.it also eliminates the need for a shock mount extension.

 

the kyb struts are what i had coupled with this setup,worked well.

 

the gabriels i had were for like a late 70's model chevelle or something and were WAY to soft.after they broke in they rubbed my 26's on bumps.......lame.....

 

just my .02 cents,there is also the sticky at the top of the forum that has some info in it,ya' know ,in case ya forgot.:)cheers, rbain

How were the Monroe struts compared to the KYB's? I understand that the Monroe has the adjustable spring perch, and the KYB doesnt.

they are comparable,the kyb's lasted a little longer.but the spring perches are a debatable thing in my opinion.you can get the same basic spring rate with a non-compressed(by moving the perch)RX spring.

it just gives a stiffer ride. i never really saw an advantage to having the spring perches adjusted all the way up, it always felt like i lost a little bit of uptravel,although i am sure it was a miniscule loss.

 

just my .02 cents

cheers, brian