Simple question (I hope), are Gabriel strut cylindars any good?

Thanks!

 

Yeah, I'd like to know the same thing.

 

Good compared to what ?

 

i asked the same thing last week and i got no reply i was wondering the same thing. they are on ebay for way cheap compared to the cheap/ good strut kyb has 2 offer.

 

I just put a pair of the "Gasryder" shocks on the rear of my -SE. They were the only things that any local auto parts place could get for me, and I needed it ASAP. They're not bad. Certainly a lot better than the 19-year-old stock ones they replaced. And definately better than busted shocks. The ride's still a little bit bouncy sometimes, but not uncomfortably so. And the snap oversteer is not as bad as with the original worn ones.

They're not going to make the car blow up if you put them on, but they're not the most awesome shock ever invented, either. I'd rate them as "not bad for the price".

 

Thanks for all of your responses.

RacerX7fb, I am guess I am not trying to compare them to any other shocks (except maybe the stock). I just want to make sure they aren't junk.

I don't do any serious driving/racing, I just want something that gives a good ride and corners well. I don't think these are going to compete with the 5-way adjustable stuff.

I guess I am just looking for a replacement for the stock, but not necessarily an upgrade. In the same breath, I don't want a downgrade.

ddwtruck.

 

I never drove the car on "good" OEM shocks, so I can't really tell you how they would compare to a brand new set from your local Mazda dealer. However, I can tell you that the way the car handles now (street driving, occasionally somewhat agressive) seems to be how the car was designed to handle when it was new. If anything, the ride seems like it might be a little too soft, (I get a bit of bouncing, but that might be the front shocks needing an update since they're still the originals) but the handling on the twisties is quite predictable and firm. I only had to shell out about $40 for the rear pair, so I think, for the money, you're going to be very happy with them for regular street driving.

 

I got Gabriel Pro-Ryder gas shocks on the rear wheels, which is what the car came with when I got it couple of years ago. They had just been put in at the time I bought the car. Anyway, the suspension is sporty stiff, snap oversteer better than I expected. I'm quite happy with them.