Front suspension, old gas shocks from 2002

Should I install these shocks? The shocks were supplied with the vehicle when I bought it a few weeks ago. Based on the label it looks like they were manufactured in 2002. As you can see by the pictures the shocks of never been installed. The front shocks in my vehicle now are original. Do gas shocks go bad over time? I'd rather not buy new ones at this time if I don't have to. My first thought is they would be slightly better than what's on the vehicle. Please let me know your thoughts. There is 62,000 original miles on the vehicle. I did try to exchange them at Napa they told me I was past the 60 day return policy

 

Figured I’d chime in since I own a 92 pickup. I had these exact shocks on my truck and they lasted probably two years before they started leaking and the ride quality diminished. Replaced them with Bilstein 4600 and never regretted it. I believe I spent around $70 per corner for the Bilsteins but it was definitely worth it IMO.

 

x2 on the BILSTEINS, if the truck doesn't have the coilover springs I would use the 2002 shocks cause they are pretty easy on/off should they start to leak. if they are coilovers get BILSTEIN 4600 they almost always non leakers

 

You make a good point. My pickup ran torsion bars and replacing the shock was super simple. OP could run the Napa shocks until they blow out and then get billies.

 

I had a 1994 4wd, with that top stud the nut rusts up pretty good but I used to sawzall chop it right off to replace the fronts was a lot easier by a long shot than those freakin coilovers, plus those are free shocks no need to waste them, if they leak than u need some new ones

 

Thanks everyone for your comments and ideas. I went ahead and installed the NAPA gas shocks. It only took about an hour so no major investment. I'll run these shocks for a while and then upgrade to the BILSTEINS. Thanks again