Gabriel Coil Shocks - for my FJ40

[Sno Dawg]

to begin...
yes, I did several searches to see if there are any ongoing threads discussing this.

Question:
Many years ago I had several FJ40 bobtails in various states of running and they all seemed to have the a similar problem with springs. The 78, 75 and 74 I had all listed to the left. I was in college and parts were not easy to find (for me) in the late 80s and early 90s so I turned to SOR or was it ManAFree? I can not remember.

They sold Gabriel Coil Overload shocks that leveled the rear and gave about 1 to 2 inches of lift Sure they were stiff as hell, but I was using my truck as a daily driver and hauling sand and cinder blocks so it made for a stable ride.

Does anyone have any memory of this?

Can anyone provide any info on these shocks and if they are still available?
I called SOR and MANAF and the guys that I spoke with did not know anything about them.

Was there a reason why they they stopped selling them?
I realize that they probably put undue stress on the springs, but don't we all?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Teeth to the wind,
Sno Dawg
1974 FJ40 "Stocky Stick"

P.S. Yes, I know that I should just get new springs, but I was just thinking about a simple fix until I had the time to tear things down.

 

[justbecause]

iv seen them before a guy i know bought a cruiser that had a pair in the rear and he threw them away. they ride like hell (as you know) i dont know if they were actually bad for the vehicle but they are bad for you back side, if you need the ability to carry a heavy load in the rear just order a set of rear springs from someone who offers different weight tolerances or add a leaf tot eh springs you already have

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

Gabriel overload assist shocks. Front Part #43048, Back #43111. What short wheel base offroad truck that is thirty something years old doesn't ride like @#^&? I've been running them for years and they are stiff but my truck isn't for comfort, just function. The cush ride is my wife's Fj Cruiser. They give about 1 to 1 1/2" inches of lift but also put life back in leaf springs. I have found that the positive force from the coil actually loads the wheel that is off camber. Kind of a poor buys articulation tool. Say what you will but I have run these going on 15 years without a hitch.

 

[Downey]

Coil Over Shocks are not a shock, they work about 90% in the wrong direction. I'd prefer to simply weld a pipe between my frame and axle housing!!!!!

 

[Sno Dawg]

Gabriel overload assist shocks. Front Part #43048, Back #43111. What short wheel base offroad truck that is thirty something years old doesn't ride like @#^&? I've been running them for years and they are stiff but my truck isn't for comfort, just function. The cush ride is my wife's Fj Cruiser. They give about 1 to 1 1/2" inches of lift but also put life back in leaf springs. I have found that the positive force from the coil actually loads the wheel that is off camber. Kind of a poor buys articulation tool. Say what you will but I have run these going on 15 years without a hitch.

yo Potato

these were my exact thoughts even about 15 years ago. In my experience with Toyota trucks, I have never been happy with the suspension whether it be from my 13 year old FJ40 sagging to my 1 year old Tacoma with 6000 miles unable to handle a motorcycle in the back. I love Toyota trucks including the 2 I have now, but I am always looking for solutions to their lacking suspension.

The Gabriel coil overload shocks. I might just have to pick up a set of these shocks and see if they still make me happy.

BTW - I put a Downey suspension (new +2 coil in the front and an add a leaf in the rear - with Doetsche(SP?) tech shocks) on my 99 Taco and it was the best money I have ever spent on a truck. I was incredibly sad when the truck was recalled even though I got $15,500 for it.

Potato - are you sure those are the order number?
I am planning on putting on new shackles and I wonder if I can figure out longer sized shock numbers.

Teeth to the wind,
Sno Dawg

 

[Fast Eddy]

What short wheel base offroad truck that is thirty something years old doesn't ride like @#^&?

My '78, with stock springs and Bilsteins, rides great.