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  1. #1
    FEP Power Member smitty54's Avatar
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    Default Fitment for Front Struts 84 GT Convertible RockAuto

    I ordered Gabriel Ultra struts from RockAuto which were supposed to fit an 84 GT convertible. These were Gabriel #G55551 and they don't fit. The strut bracket doesn't fit over the knuckle on the wheel assembly. The old struts had a 1" space on the brackets and the Gabriel Ultra's only a 7/8" space. Were there differences in size's for the 84 GT? Since I purchased these over 30 days ago and RockAuto will only do an exchange of the same model strut under warranty, which doesn't do me any good. Anyone have an idea as to how to find the correct strut?
    http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/f...ion,strut,7584
    Last edited by smitty54; 12-05-2017 at 10:42 PM.
    "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone driving faster than you is a maniac."
    George Carlin, Rest in peace

    Rick
    84 GT Convertible
    68 Cougar XR7
    14 Ford Explorer Limited

  2. #2

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    Source: Gabriel 2015 Shock & Strut Catalog (Car, Light Truck, Van) (ppg 110-111)
    MUSTANG Ultra (front) Ultra (rear)
    87-93 2.3L 4 Cyl L ---- ----
    5.0l 8 Cyl V ---- ----
    LX G56504 69633
    84-93 All ---- ----
    84-93 GT G55551 69755
    84-86 LX G56504 69633
    LX Exc. 5.0L ---- ----
    SVO G44947 69755
    84 L ---- 69633
    82-83 All G56504 ----
    GL, GLX G56504 69633
    GT G56504 69755
    83 L G56504 ----
    82 Ghia, L G56504 ----
    79-81 All G56504 69633

    Why did Gabriel bunch 84-86 GT with 87-93 GT? Maybe (I don't know for sure) the strut valving changed in mid 1984 when Ford changed from slapper bar rear suspension to Quadra Shock rear suspension? If that is the case what you need is a strut with the G55551 valving but the G56504 mounting bracket spacing AND the holes in the bracket with the proper spacing.

    What Gabriel should have done it produce the G55551 strut sleeve with mounting brackets that were spaced for the 1984-86 spindle, with the upper holes slotted, and then include spacers with slotted holes to take up for the thinner 1987-93 5.0L spindle.

    Make contact with RockAuto and see if you can get someone technical enough to understand Gabriel's error.
    Last edited by FoxChassis; 12-06-2017 at 08:49 AM.
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  4. #4
    FEP Power Member dagenham's Avatar
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    Default

    Gabriel book has changed since 2015. They no longer list the inserts to replace the front Koni's on the svo. It's possible they are leaving the four eyed cars behind I suppose.
    I replaced the fronts on a 91 5.0 a few years ago with Monroe's and I had to use shims that were included.

  5. #5
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Default

    Rockauto only sells the parts Gabriel made.

    Sure bet is to contact Gabriel/Ride Control, LLC:
    http://gabriel.com/our-company/contact/

    Gabriel Customer Service
    Phone:
    800.251.5932
    Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
    Email: customerservice@gabriel.com

    Gabriel Answerman tech support:
    Phone:
    800.999.3903
    Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT

  6. #6
    FEP Power Member smitty54's Avatar
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    Default

    I finally got through to Rockauto and they will allow me to return these for a refund as long as I pay shipping. Rockauto does not have a customer service dept that you can call. If you look at their website, there isn't a phone # for customer service. They need to correct there listing to show that these don't fit the 84 GT.


    Quote Originally Posted by FoxChassis View Post
    Source: Gabriel 2015 Shock & Strut Catalog (Car, Light Truck, Van) (ppg 110-111)
    MUSTANG Ultra (front) Ultra (rear)
    87-93 2.3L 4 Cyl L ---- ----
    5.0l 8 Cyl V ---- ----
    LX G56504 69633
    84-93 All ---- ----
    84-93 GT G55551 69755
    84-86 LX G56504 69633
    LX Exc. 5.0L ---- ----
    SVO G44947 69755
    84 L ---- 69633
    82-83 All G56504 ----
    GL, GLX G56504 69633
    GT G56504 69755
    83 L G56504 ----
    82 Ghia, L G56504 ----
    79-81 All G56504 69633

    Why did Gabriel bunch 84-86 GT with 87-93 GT? Maybe (I don't know for sure) the strut valving changed in mid 1984 when Ford changed from slapper bar rear suspension to Quadra Shock rear suspension? If that is the case what you need is a strut with the G55551 valving but the G56504 mounting bracket spacing AND the holes in the bracket with the proper spacing.

    What Gabriel should have done it produce the G55551 strut sleeve with mounting brackets that were spaced for the 1984-86 spindle, with the upper holes slotted, and then include spacers with slotted holes to take up for the thinner 1987-93 5.0L spindle.

    Make contact with RockAuto and see if you can get someone technical enough to understand Gabriel's error.
    "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone driving faster than you is a maniac."
    George Carlin, Rest in peace

    Rick
    84 GT Convertible
    68 Cougar XR7
    14 Ford Explorer Limited

  7. #7
    FEP Senior Member
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    They used to have a number to call, but i think it is gone now. You should make sure they are aware of the faulty listing and they will do something about it.

    I would go further down the route of contacting Gabriel and letting them know that their listing is incorrect and you may be able to get RockAuto to pick up the shipping as well. I had them do something similar on a throttle body for a Freestyle I bought from them a few years ago.
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  8. #8

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    Gabriel also machines the stub portion of their struts incorrectly. They have a shorter threaded length than the stock Mustang struts. When using them with c/c plates, you must install additional spacers so that the nut doesn't bottom out on the threads.
    Jack Hidley
    Maximum Motorsports Tech Support

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