Experiencing a less-than-comfortable ride in your vehicle can detract from the joy of driving, especially in larger vehicles like conversion vans. Bill from Lansdale, PA, a seasoned car enthusiast and meticulous DIYer, recently sought to remedy the jarring ride quality of his 2019 GMC Savana 2500 Long W-B Explorer Vista-Cruiser Conversion Van. Initially equipped with stock shocks that delivered a subpar experience, Bill embarked on a journey to find the ideal solution, ultimately discovering the transformative power of Gabriel Car Parts.
His quest began with an upgrade to Bilstein dampers, a move that provided a noticeable improvement. However, the persistent “tugging” sensation, exacerbated by heavy 20-inch wheels and chassis flex on uneven roads, remained. Coupled with an unlevel front-to-rear stance and distracting dashboard rattles, Bill knew further enhancements were needed. Recalling the impressive results he had achieved decades prior with Gabriel “Super-E” shocks, he decided to explore Gabriel’s current offerings. Impressed by Gabriel’s informative YouTube video showcasing their product range, Bill opted for MaxControl shocks for the rear and Ultra shocks for the front of his Savana.
The outcome? Nothing short of revolutionary. Bill describes the transformation as akin to transitioning from a “tri-hull fiberglass boat to a classy wooden v-hull.” The improvement in ride quality was, in his words, “staggering!!!” His detailed feedback highlights several key areas where Gabriel car parts delivered exceptional performance:
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Unparalleled Smoothness on Any Road Surface: Bill reports a complete absence of jarring, even on concrete and imperfect paved roads. He observed road undulations visually, yet the ride remained remarkably relaxed and composed. His attempts to find road surfaces that would challenge the Gabriel shocks proved futile, demonstrating their ability to absorb imperfections effectively.
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Elimination of Chassis Torque Sensation: The unsettling feeling of chassis flex on uneven surfaces, initially attributed to a potentially less robust design, vanished entirely. Gabriel car parts addressed this issue, providing a more solid and stable driving experience, much to Bill’s relief and satisfaction.
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Achieving Near-Flat Ride Quality: The previously annoying front-to-rear unlevelness was virtually eliminated. Bill was particularly impressed by this improvement, noting the almost “Interacting/Interconnecting Torsion Bar Suspension” like sensation, reminiscent of a 1956 Packard, highlighting the balanced and level ride now achieved with Gabriel car parts.
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Complete Dissipation of Dashboard Rattles: The audible dashboard rattles that plagued the driving experience are now completely gone. This significant reduction in noise further contributes to a more refined and enjoyable ride, showcasing the dampening capabilities of Gabriel shocks.
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Superior Control Over Rollercoaster Bumps: Large bumps are now damped and controlled perfectly, without compromising ride comfort. This crucial balance between control and comfort is a hallmark of Gabriel car parts, ensuring a smooth yet stable ride over varying road conditions.
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Negating the Impact of Heavy Wheels: The unsettling feeling of heavy 20-inch wheels impacting ride quality is no longer present. Gabriel car parts effectively manage the weight and motion of these wheels, contributing to a more agile and responsive feel.
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Enhanced Cornering Stability: Cornering is now so controlled that Bill believes a rear roll bar is unnecessary. This improvement in handling and stability underscores the performance enhancements delivered by Gabriel car parts, offering greater confidence and control during turns.
Bill, with his extensive automotive experience and perfectionist approach, recognizes the remarkable engineering feat achieved by the Gabriel team. He and his auto-enthusiast wife are genuinely “in shock” at the transformative impact of Gabriel car parts on their GMC Savana. His testimonial serves as a powerful endorsement for anyone seeking to dramatically improve their vehicle’s ride quality and overall driving experience. For those considering upgrading their shocks, Bill’s experience strongly suggests that Gabriel car parts offer a solution that truly delivers on its promise of superior performance and comfort.
