Gas Shock Life

[Blue86Monte]

I just found a set of KYB Gas-a-Shock set on a local forum for only $50 for the whole set of 4.
The guy said he only had them on a project car, never used for any type of street use.
My question is: He said the shocks are roughly 6-7 years old. How long is the life of a gas shock? For only $50 it doesn't seem like such a bad deal, but I would hate to install just to see them wear out in a few months.
Any info is appreciated.
Thanks,
Cory

 

[gto78]

I haven't had much luck with gas shocks. On my explorer I went through 3 sets of monroe's "best" shock in about 25K miles. I know that can't be normal, but I still don't like them. I replaced them with good old fashioned oil filled shocks and it rides about 1000% better in my opinion. Also, I can tell if the oil shocks are shot usually by looking at them to see if oil is leaking out.

So to answer your question, my guess is that they're are probably in good shape since they werent used, but I don't think they will last very long if used every day.

 

[pontiacgp]

Gas shocks have hydraulic oil in them and the advantage of using gas shocks is they are more stable and are not affected like oil shocks to temperature. I tried KYB's but didn't like them as they are auto adjusting and I blew the front shocks apart so I am running Afco gas shocks and I find them the best shock I have ever used. As far as the shelf life for shocks I don't think there is one.