Gabriel Shocks

[rwkrapfel]

Just received 4 gabriel shocks for my 65 airstream - they will be mounted vertically. They seem like they will do nothing - I can easily compress them with my hands. Extending them is a bit more difficult but not hard. Is this just how they are supposed to be? I can't imagine them doing anything if I can so easily compress them with just a few pounds of pressure. Do I need to prime them or something? Looking for some confirmation. Thanks

Rob

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by rwkrapfel

Just received 4 gabriel shocks for my 65 airstream - they will be mounted vertically. They seem like they will do nothing - I can easily compress them with my hands. Extending them is a bit more difficult but not hard. Is this just how they are supposed to be? I can't imagine them doing anything if I can so easily compress them with just a few pounds of pressure. Do I need to prime them or something? Looking for some confirmation. Thanks

Rob

So, is the issue that they're easy to compress and extend, or that it's easy to make them move quickly? Shocks don't offer much resistance to relatively slow compression/extension, but the faster you try to move the piston, the more it should resist (up to a point.)

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by rwkrapfel

Just received 4 gabriel shocks for my 65 airstream - they will be mounted vertically. They seem like they will do nothing - I can easily compress them with my hands. Extending them is a bit more difficult but not hard. Is this just how they are supposed to be? I can't imagine them doing anything if I can so easily compress them with just a few pounds of pressure. Do I need to prime them or something? Looking for some confirmation. Thanks

Rob

It's not how slow they react, but how do they react with a fast blow.

What you describe is exactly how they are supposed to work.

Andy

[Softtalk]

I have a 1978 Caravanner that need shocks replaced. The manual calls out Delco 400008 as the part number, but cannot find it to cross reference. Anyone outthere have a part number for the correct shocks to buy?

Thanks to everyone for the help we all enjoy!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Softtalk

I have a 1978 Caravanner that need shocks replaced. The manual calls out Delco 400008 as the part number, but cannot find it to cross reference. Anyone outthere have a part number for the correct shocks to buy?

Thanks to everyone for the help we all enjoy!

Airstream shocks are only available from an Airstream parts stocking dealer.

Andy