Ski/Suspension Shock Absorbers

[WinnipegStPaul9]

In speaking with Dustin (JD600) Elder tonight the subject of ski and suspension shocks came up again. With all the repoping going on why in the world can't someone like Gabrial reproduce shocks for us? Anyone on this board have expertise in this area? If so, please share your knowledge. Thanks,

DA

[JDT]

Several years ago I talked with a Gabrial sales rep about making a run of OEM Cat Chrome shocks.

No problem at $2500.00 for 10 of them.

End of story as far as I was concerned.

The price maybe less for a larger run.

[stymie]

don
gabriel still makes the shocks for most of the suspensions it is the same shock that peterbuilt uses on their cabs. i havent checked on the ones for the skis yet.
tod

[jdrob]

I used to work a several auto parts stores and could get just about any shock !! I had several instances with gabriel , If i gave them a number they could get me the replacements... I know alot of clerks that dont have time todo this thing called research.. but i did and it usually always paid off! I kept the customer happy and i learned something new!!! Well anyway if anyone knows or has access to auto parts manuals (gabriel) see what you can come up with ?? Now as for me i am on it again i will keep you guys posted Oh and 1 other thing i am sure there are still bendix carb kits out there too.... to be discovered thanks Rob

[Sprailfire340]

Rob - were you able to track any Gabriel part numbers down?

[ICCSF 108]

Are we sure that these shocks would have to be reproduced?? doesn't the suspension & ski shocks have a MFG. name & part number on them couldn't they be cross referenced to see if that shock hasn't been updated to a newer number &/or still in use elsewhere??

Kenny

[Sprailfire340]

Kenny - That was my understanding of what Rob was saying...replacements are out there, just need to do a little research to find what they have been subbed to, but the chrome replacements would need to be repopped.

[nick80lf]

I stumbled on this site that makes custom shocks for snowmobiles.
http://www.deycore.com/custom_shocks.htm

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather find one that's an off the shelf item. Just putting it out there as one option. Think they would make a polished stainless shock?

Nick

[jdrob]

Ok guys i talked t my buddy at the auto parts place (Carquest) he tells me if i get him some numbers he wil go through them to see if some are still available!! i have quite a few numbers for him to try.. i tried to call gabriel and i couldn't get through to talk to anyone that wasn't a recording or machine GRRRRR! press 1 for yes 2 for no!!!!! So i will get these numbers gathered up and take them to my buddy to see what strings he can pull ?? I do believe some of these number will supersede to an new number ?? If not i will be taking 1 and doing all the proper measurements to get replacements...

[Matt]

It is a goal of mine to have replacement shocks, including bushings, available here in the store, but not something I've started on yet.

[TOYMECH]

Just my 2 cents on here with regards to chrome shock absorbers for the Sportfires (or other brands).... There is a fellow in town here that does custom Harley's that has a connection with a plating shop. I was talking with him about having shock absorbers plated. He told me that he has them done all the time (assembled obviously) and even showed me some that had just come back from the platers. Does not affect them one little bit. As well, a friend of mine's father used to own a plating shop. I remember them plating shock absorbers as well with no ill effects. In fact, that is precisely how they are manufactured. Hope this is a help...
Greg

[ICCSF 108]

It might be worth while for someone to contact this Deycore Enterprises, http://www.deycore.com/custom_shocks.htm to see what they charge to rebuild a shock as most of use already have the shocks we just need them rebuilt..

Kenny

[Matt]

I don't believe these shocks are the rebuild-able type Kenny, but of course there might be a way to do it. Many of mine are dented and damaged, besides the fact that they don't work properly.

[Sprailfire340]

I had a local rebuilder look at a few jd shocks last winter and he said they could not be rebuilt as they are a sealed unit. I think our best bet is to see if they can be subbed to a current Gabriel #. I'll throw one in the truck and see if I can find a "go-getter" next time I drive by the local auto supply shop.

[jdsledsrgr8]

I researched this very topic about 2 years ago. I found this.

RydeFX Shocks 8200 series according to them will work for my cyclone. I have not purchased a set to in fact verify this but may do so yet this fall.

I spent quite a bit of time researching all the shock manufacturers and got alot of "not interested in helping" responses. It would be great if some our reproduction specialists found someone to reproduce them.