[DeTomaso] Need new shocks - which to go with

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

FWIW, the actual failures in Aldan non-gas shocks can be at two separate 
places. #1 place I've seen is the o-ring that seals the external damping knob, 
and thats trivial to fix- the knob and valve unscrew, and the o-ring is a 
std part (Viton might be a better replacement). 
The other is the shock-rod seal, and replacement of that is not trivial, 
nor is replenishment of the lost shock oil which is of unknown viscosity and 
can transform a shock's action. Finally, we may be comparing apples to 
coconuts: Aldan sells a number of different shocks that might fit a Pantera, some 
of which are gas-charged. Comparisons should include the shock model. 
Dunno if its possible to home-repair the Aldan damping adjust o-ring on 
their gas shocks, or whether they're high pressure or low pressure styles. 
Konis are high pressure (over 350 psi inside according to their website) so you 
do NOT want to try disassembling them at home! In fact, the high gas 
pressure alone adds about 40 lbs of lift to any spring you install on such Konis! 
FWIW- J DeRyke