I was at a small local parts place that I don't go to often. I was talking to the guy about the new to me 2002 Durango SXT 4x4. With 70K on the factory shocks I figure they are about done so I asked what they carried. He said Gabriels - I did not even know they were around. He said they were very good shocks and a mechanic standing in line behind me backed him right up.

He suggested the Ultras. I looked on the Gabriel website and saw they also had MaxControls. I was thinking about going with Monroe Reflexs or KYB GR2s they also make Gas Adjusts prior to this discussion.

I want a better than OEM shock but it will be a dailey driver so I want some good road manners/handling. It will only do light off road so nothing rough. Any thoughts on the Gabriels? What about the KYB vs. Reflexs? Any of these made in the USA or are all imported - be nice to employ an American. All replies appreciated.

 

I don't have any experience with Gabriel but I can attest to Bilstein being a great shock. They are expensive but worth it. They handle great. If you don't mind a stiff shock it is ideal.

 

i've got a set of Gabriel Ultras from autozone. i've had them on for about 3 years. they're holding up fine and i've got no complaints other than they're painted white when new. they're a good moderately priced shock at under $30 each. Monroe Magnum is a similar good shock. Bilsteins are very highly regarded but pricey. if you spring for the Bilsteins check pricing on ebay where its a LOT lower than retail.

 

I have biltsteins on my Durango, KYB on my wifes Trailblazer, and Monroe on my Demon. Alll three tiers of priceing and I can not tell difference in ride betwwen the three. Gabriels should be fine,
FF

 

i have never heard of the gabriels, we run monroe reflex shocks on all of our trucks and they have always been very good

 

I've heard bad stuff about monroes but i've never tried them so who knows.. Ive put kyb GR2s on my neon.. freakin awesome shock if you wanna tear into some corners but try driving at normal speed over a bad pair of rail road tracks and your back will cry for the next week.. the best thing to do is to really check out online retailers.. shocks have a tendency of going on sale.. also, you'll save a ton by shopping online..

 

i got my monroes for 17.99 a peice ive jumped the truck a few times and their still strong rebelboy approved lmfao

 

2 months ago I went to Autozone for 4 Bilsteins and the salesguy talked me into Gabriels. He said for the price and lifetime waranty you couldn't beat it. I installed them at they have been much better then the stock shocks. So far I am really happy with them.

 

I installed gabriels front and back. Stiffer ride than stock and much better handling. I must admit that the D was bought used and the shocks were never changed, I believe. The old stocks I took out were kybs. Anyone know if they were stock?

 

Dan I am in the same situation. Bought it used and the shocks look a little rusted and are painted black so I believe they are the stock shocks with 72K on them.

Dan and RT which Gabriels do you guys have on there - are they the Pros, Ultras or the MaxControls?