99 AWD Astro LS
Hello all,
I would like to install a set of air shocks on my Astro for light load leveling. I have used Gabriel Hi-Jackers in the past on a mini truck (for loading up, not slamming) and they seem to work well but I only had them on the truck for about a year when I sold it.
So may question is....
Is one better than the other? The Max-Airs vs Hi-jackers. Both cost about the same, both are instock at my local auto parts stores.
Any input?
Thank you for your support
Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
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Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
I used a set of Max-airs on the SPB...in fact they are still on it. They work great.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
I also have Max-Airs on the Smilie van. I'm satisfied. They do exactly what I needed them to do.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle
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Topic author - I finally get the smurf thing
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Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
Thank you for the input. I guess Im going to go with the Max-Airs since two "senior" vansmen have them.
Thanks again,
Jesse
Thanks again,
Jesse
99 Astro LS AWD. 200k. Overlands 2inch lift. No name 29inch LT tires.
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- I plan to be buried in my van
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Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
I'm no senior van man, but I have the Maxairs and like them.
"I have a torque wrench and I am not afraid to use it."
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat
http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat
http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
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- Retired
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Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
I have Gabriel Hi-jackers on my rear to prevent it from sagging, when loaded....
I think that they are both pretty much the same in quality, and I would recommend running a single line and airvalve for each side. This prevents the air travelling from one to the other when the axle is on an incline ( so I heard ) for better handling.
I think that they are both pretty much the same in quality, and I would recommend running a single line and airvalve for each side. This prevents the air travelling from one to the other when the axle is on an incline ( so I heard ) for better handling.
`86 V8 Lowered Cargo, extensively modified, shaved bald, wearing the shortest, sluttyest white primer dress....
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
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Topic author - I finally get the smurf thing
- Posts: 140
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:45 pm
- Location: Quakertown PA
Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
But "Rileysowner" you are! You've been around as long as "Smiliesafari" and "LiftedAWDAstro" have.I'm no senior van man.
SoCalli V8, Im thinking of running two lines. When I had my air-shocks in my 81 VW rabbit pick-up, I never had any issues with air moving between the shocks. I dont know, I'll come up with something.
Thanks again guys,
Jesse
guinness drinking smilie! Who doesn't love it!!
99 Astro LS AWD. 200k. Overlands 2inch lift. No name 29inch LT tires.
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- I plan to be buried in my van
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Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
I only ran one line with the fill behind the gas fill door. I have had no issue with that so far, but I figured if I ever do it isn't like changing it is all that difficult, just a little time.
"I have a torque wrench and I am not afraid to use it."
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat
http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat
http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
Re: Monroe vs Gabriel air shocks
Based on Monroe's online "shock selector", air shocks are only recommended for heavy loading (greater than 400 lbs of tongue weight towing).
The SensaTrac shocks are recommended for mild to moderate loading. They are basically HD shocks with an external spring to help maintain ride height.
Just passing on the info from their site.....
Based on pass experience with air shocks, I can't recommend any of them.
Don't like the way they feel, or the way they fail.
The SensaTrac shocks are recommended for mild to moderate loading. They are basically HD shocks with an external spring to help maintain ride height.
Just passing on the info from their site.....
Based on pass experience with air shocks, I can't recommend any of them.
Don't like the way they feel, or the way they fail.
97 Astro LS Passenger Van, 4.3L (newly rebuilt)
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA