Using NOS shock absorbers

[nwjones18]

My 89 Bronco was in need of shocks and I found all six (mine has quad front shocks) Motorcraft brand shocks on Rockauto for $120 shipped. These were all their 'wholesale closeout' shocks. I got them and one of them had a shipping label from 1998, and from the look of the boxes I'd say they were all around that age. All shocks looked new and had no leaks/seemed to work fine so I installed them. I was just curious what other peoples thoughts were on using "new" 15 year old shocks?

 

[Sawdusted]

Well, you got a good price on them no doubt but stuff like shocks have rubber seals in them and it all depends on the storage conditions on how fast the rubber will go bad.

Oh well, you got a good deal out of it anyway, even if you have to replace them after 2 years.

 

[Rand]

they have rubber parts in them? 15 year old rubber might be degraded.

and the term is "dual" shocks.

quad would be 4 per side.

 

[nwjones18]

Originally Posted By: Rand
they have rubber parts in them? 15 year old rubber might be degraded.

and the term is "dual" shocks.

quad would be 4 per side.


I am pretty sure that everyone including Ford refers to the heavy duty front suspension with 4 shocks as the "quad shock option". Any search for shocks for the bronco will say something like this
"MOTORCRAFT Part # AS194
F Gas Shock Absorber QUAD SUSPENSION w/o LIFT KIT,AFT OF AXLE"

 

[95busa]

I had an 88 f150 with that. It was tough!

 

[bvance554]

You got a great deal. Look new, no leaks, sounds good to me. Maybe they won't last as long as a new shock would, and only time will tell but i'd install them with confidence.

 

[rfeir]

Nylon seals are used.

 

[NHGUY]

Quad shock option means 4 front shocks.That option started in 1978,GM followed later in the 1980s.In its day,the 78/79 Ford F150/Bronco with quad shock option had the hands down best suspension of its day.The leaf spring suspension of K1/Blazer and W1/Ramcharger couldnt lay claim to ride,compliance,or flexibility.