Need a lesson on aftermarket shocks

[Bex]

There was a recent post here on shocks, so I went out to check mine. My Tracker passes the 'bounce/compression' test, push it down by the wheel, just comes back up once, etc. But I looked under the car and one rear shock kind of dry and clean - the other is kind of oily and dirty. Does this mean it should be replaced? I'm ashamed to admit these are the original shocks. I would like to replace them if needed, and have been trying to learn about them on the internet. Ugh, I'm confused (and not a mechanic..I would like to get good shocks for my mechanic to put in, rather than relying on whatever kind of shock he would chose..I notice he has a tendency to put in cheap parts). Anyway, I see gas or oil shocks..which is better? (I would do rear shocks first). I don't do much off-roading, (although roads here are terrible) but would like something at least as good quality as original. Also, are Vitara shocks interchangeable with Tracker? I am in Europe, so no Trackers here. Are shocks specific to the year of my car? Anyone know of good website for buying shocks? Any info/lesson, etc greatly appreciated. And (sorry for this one)...what is a strut? Do I only have shocks in the rear and struts in the front? Thanks!

[jtgh]

Hi Beverly.?
rear shocks are simple old fashioned shocks ( snubbers, or dampeners, a better name)
shock absorbers do not absorb shock, now isnt that confusing.....?
they dampen the spring so it does not , ring like a bell or oscillate.
most work in both directions ,up and down and are unequal.
soft going up , heavy down.
the bests ons "Koni's " are fully adjustable for racing.$$$$

any autostore in this country can get them.
even rockauto.com
the rear shocks are very inexpensive. Id get KYB's as they are good for the $$

the struts are again, actually Mcphersion struts, and folks drop the front name.
a strut is a shock that replaces one part of the syspension system. (economy)
but front end needs alignment after doing the job.

some structs , one can replace a shock cartridge inside so you save having to buy a whole strut for both sides in the front.

MacPherson strut - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

i love wiki, so here it is.


here is the kyb set

Suspension Products for Suzuki Sidekick 2dr 4wd 1991

[grc1]

Hi, If you are satisfyed with the bounce test and they appear good , then just leave them alone.

Shocks are very easy to change and its a perfict way to start to learn about your suki/tracker.

As for the oil on your shocks, yes it is usually an indication that the shocks have a leak and are going bad.


But But But where is the oil really coming from.????


My shocks always have oil on them espeasaly the front. And its not from the shocks but engine oil or antifreeze or ect.
Most mechanics will take one look and tell you than you need new shocks without ever testing them. So please beware----a little dirt or oil can cost you a lot of money when there may not be anything wrong in the first place.

As for what type of replacement shocks. I can only say take a good look around and ask other people what they are running and Why. As for me ,I perfer stock factory shocks .

Hpoe this helps

[jtgh]

the gas shocks , help , in extreme off road usage.
they wont foam up inside. driving off road ,and fail to operate.

the cheapest shocks can be junk so avoid no name china shocks if you stop em.

cheers.

[vonroretz]

Top of the line shocks for your tracker
OME Nitrocharger Shocks
LOW RANGE OFFROAD

[Bex]

Wow, thanks guys for all the info. I understand this somewhat better now. I was a bit concerned as my left rear shock is nice and clean, and the metal rod that comes out of it is dry (although why dry when it should be going in and out of oil in the chamber??) My right shock is filthy, oil all over the outside top part of it, and the metal rod is oily. I'm trying to upload pix but can't get the attachment thingy to work...Will keep trying.

[jtgh]

no need upload, it bad.

oil on top part of shock is bad.
or

you were at Sears and the mech squirted oil on it, (law suit) hahahahahaha

same trick as short stroking the dip stick . to get you to buy oil.

sorry, yours is for real , its bad. ( i dont think axle oil can reach shocks)
and they are Piece of cake to fix , sans rust. (but no you, yours are rusty)

Like billy Joel says, "you get more mileage out of a cheap set of speakers."

put the extra cash into Oil Futures, (trust me)
or copper, or other metals.

there is no limit on how much you can spend. on car parts or boats.

$1000 each

Koni Front 28 Series Racing Shock Honda Civic 88-91


hahahahaha

[Bex]

(Un)fortunately, no Sears yet in Ireland. Looked at the Koni shocks...great deal! I can ride around on 'em for 90 days without paying. Will also check out cheaper KYB's. Thanks again, Jane (not Bev!!)

[Bex]

I got on to the KYB site, found (what I think is) the proper shock, GR-2 part no. 34327, but can you not order from their site? When looking for this specific part number, I can't find the '34327'. I assume that you can't just put in any old gr-2 shock, right? It must be specific for the 1991 Geo Tracker? Followed the autoguide link, too, but couldn't find the shocks there.

[Bex]

This is now becoming a wonderful adventure. I'm getting a couple of different part numbers for the KYB shocks (34324...343247), and I'm looking for a place online to order them. I figure I'll be slick and try KYB Europe or distributors. I put all my info in (now I'm a 1991 Suzuki Vitara). And site wants to know if I'm Vitara ET or Vitara TA? I want to know WTF? I am lost in catalogues, questions and part numbers. Would appreciate the link to online purchase of KYB shock for wee 1991 Tracker (no ET no TA no BS), if possible. Sorry and thanks!