1972 Shock Absorbers

[Larry M.]

I traced a rattle in the rear suspension to the old (from January, 1985) Delco gas shocks on our 1972. They've got 22,000 miles on them.

Does anyone have any info on Delco Reactek shocks that they can share with me? Or any recommendations for any other shocks.

I installed the fronts at the same time as the rears, so even though there's no noticeable problem with the fronts, I'll replace them as well.

Thanks!

Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Shock Absorbers

Larry------

The only information I can provide on the Reacteks is that they were discontinued quite awhile ago. They were the last shocks available from GM or Delco that were configured virtually the same as the original shocks and among the last ones that were manufactured internally by Delco Chassis (part of DELPHI by that time). They were a very good shock. I've never heard of a "rattle" problem with one, but I suppose it's possible that some internal part came loose. I did have one of these fail VERY early due to fluid leakage, though.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Larry-----

I forgot to mention that about the best you can do these days are the current Delco shocks, Delco #530-315, front, and Delco #530-4, rear. They're configured a bit differently than original shocks, and I believe they're manufactured by Monroe (Federal-Mogul) or Gabriel (Arvin-Meritor), but they'll perform well and are relatively inexpensive.

[Larry M.]

Re: Addendum

Joe,

Thanks, as always, for your help.

Larry