Road Response Shocks

[Roberto L.]

Hello, a very recent catalog show AC Delco 'Road Response'... Shocks. I remember and filed those posts from here concerning the Reactec shocks, and the convinience of replacing the rubber mounting pieces to have a more similar factory configuration, paint and so on. Is it the same with these shocks? Are the Road Response the current available standard shocks for a 70 coupe?

Thanks, Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Joe L.]

Re: Road Response Shocks

Roberto-----

I don't know anything about the Delco "Road Response" shocks. However, these are an aftermarket-type shock and not an OEM-type shock. The current part numbers for the OEM-type shock and the GM replacements for your original shocks are GM #22046803, front, and GM #22011967, rear. These shocks may or may not be the same as the "Road Response". I doubt it, but it's possible. To confirm it, you'd need to look at the actual part number ON THE SHOCK for the above-referenced shocks and the actual part number ON THE SHOCK for the "Road Response" units. The part numbers ON THE BOX are usually not the same as the part numbers ON THE SHOCK. That's because the box usually contains other hardware and, so, the part number on the box is the part number for the shock + the hardware.

I prefer the Reactec Shocks to either the OEM-type shocks or any other shock, including the "Road Response". The fact that the Reactec shocks are more expensive than the "Road Response" is a "hint" that they are superior.

[Joe L.]

Re: Road Response Shocks

Roberto-----

I don't know anything about the Delco "Road Response" shocks. However, these are an aftermarket-type shock and not an OEM-type shock. The current part numbers for the OEM-type shock and the GM replacements for your original shocks are GM #22046803, front, and GM #22011967, rear. These shocks may or may not be the same as the "Road Response". I doubt it, but it's possible. To confirm it, you'd need to look at the actual part number ON THE SHOCK for the above-referenced shocks and the actual part number ON THE SHOCK for the "Road Response" units. The part numbers ON THE BOX are usually not the same as the part numbers ON THE SHOCK. That's because the box usually contains other hardware and, so, the part number on the box is the part number for the shock + the hardware.

I prefer the Reactec Shocks to either the OEM-type shocks or any other shock, including the "Road Response". The fact that the Reactec shocks are more expensive than the "Road Response" is a "hint" that they are superior.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

One other thing that I meant to comment on: the issue of using the factory-installed, one-piece lower bushings on the rear shocks or using the as-original 2 piece bushings has come up before. I would defy anyone to discern the difference between these two bushing types WITH THE SHOCKS MOUNTED ON THE CAR AND THE RETAINER, LOCKWASHER AND NUT INSTALLED.

The 2 piece grommets can be used if one is REUSING an original-type shock and wishes to replace the lower grommets, which should be done EVERY time that the shocks are removed and re-installed. These grommets are still available from GM under the original part number, GM #3735334. However, folks that remove the factory-installed one piece grommet on NEW shocks and replace them with these SERVICE grommets are wasting their time and money, even as little as the new grommets cost.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

One other thing that I meant to comment on: the issue of using the factory-installed, one-piece lower bushings on the rear shocks or using the as-original 2 piece bushings has come up before. I would defy anyone to discern the difference between these two bushing types WITH THE SHOCKS MOUNTED ON THE CAR AND THE RETAINER, LOCKWASHER AND NUT INSTALLED.

The 2 piece grommets can be used if one is REUSING an original-type shock and wishes to replace the lower grommets, which should be done EVERY time that the shocks are removed and re-installed. These grommets are still available from GM under the original part number, GM #3735334. However, folks that remove the factory-installed one piece grommet on NEW shocks and replace them with these SERVICE grommets are wasting their time and money, even as little as the new grommets cost.

[Gary S.]

Re: Road Response Shocks

When I replaced the Delco's on my 72 last fall, Zip was advertising Reactecs and sent me Road Response. The latter are slightly wider than the original and then end configuration is similar but visibly different. The above information aside, when they are painted Delco Gray they look nice and original. They won't fool anyone who knows what the originals look like. They ride satisfactorily too.
Gary

[Gary S.]

Re: Road Response Shocks

When I replaced the Delco's on my 72 last fall, Zip was advertising Reactecs and sent me Road Response. The latter are slightly wider than the original and then end configuration is similar but visibly different. The above information aside, when they are painted Delco Gray they look nice and original. They won't fool anyone who knows what the originals look like. They ride satisfactorily too.
Gary

[Roberto L.]

Re: Road Response Shocks

Thanks Joe and Gary. So the Rd Response are slightly different. Uhm, will check those part numbers and see what I find, will need to check a GM dealer site in the web. I don't need the shocks at present but want to know about them.

Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Roberto L.]

Re: Road Response Shocks

Thanks Joe and Gary. So the Rd Response are slightly different. Uhm, will check those part numbers and see what I find, will need to check a GM dealer site in the web. I don't need the shocks at present but want to know about them.

Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC