[SimonB]

Control Instruments Automotive (Pty) Ltd have launched the widely-anticipated Gabriel Safari HDP shock absorber for SUV’s and 4x4 vehicles.

The HDP (heavy-duty performance) range, as with other Gabriel shock absorbers, is locally designed and manufactured for local off-road conditions and will be available at all major fitment centres and retail outlets during June 2011

“The Safari HDP is a robust big-bore shock absorber specifically designed for extreme South African off-road conditions and comes with a three-year unlimited kilometer warranty, the first in SA for a 4x4 shock absorber,” said Sean Staley, executive manager – marketing, at Control Instruments Automotive.

“The HDP is a clear indication of Gabriel’s market leadership in product design, development and expertise in local manufacture.”

The HDP addresses the 4x4 enthusiast and 4x4 work-horse markets. It is specifically designed as an OEM replacement shock for vehicle fleets, agriculture, government, mining, military, construction and medium to small-size commercial vehicles for all popular makes of vehicles.

The ‘beast’ branding used for the HDP re-enforces the product’s ruggedness, power and reliability.

Gabriel has been in operation in South Africa for over 76 years and has a local manufacturing plant for the shock absorbers sold in South Africa.

Technical Information

The design of the HDP is based on strength, durability and performance. The HDP’s larger bore working cylinder reduces stress on the working components of the shock, increasing durability.

One of the primary end results of a successful shock is heat control. High-temperature oil allows the HDP shock to operate at higher temperatures making it more suited to severe off-road conditions and reducing the chances of fade.

A hydraulic lock design prevents metal-to-metal contact inside the shock under full extension, protecting the shock from topping out and causing damaged to internal and external components. This in turn gives a longer life expectancy.

360º reinforced welded mounts, known as ‘fully welded mounts’, add significant strength to the mounting points. This is especially re-assuring in severe off-road conditions.

Solid eye rings mean that one-piece machined eye-rings are stronger than the alternative curled eye ring used in many of the competitive products.

The HDP has durable bushes in polyurethane or rubber which contribute to longer life and cast iron piston rings give added durability.

DU bushes in the rod guide reduce friction between the rod and the guide, reducing the amount of heat generated, limiting wear on the piston rod. Velocity-sensitive valving adjusts damping to compensate for different speeds as well as road conditions.

[paw_by_paw]

Hi Simon,
Yip this looks good . Hope it will be available for the older Pajero versions as well. I struggled to get shocks for my Blister a while ago and ended in installing KYB gas shocks which is the origanal Mitsu shock I am told.
Regards

[tonton]

Nice! Hopefully at a reasonable price!

I was going to fit KUBU's next, but these seem to be a real option to go for...

Anton

[SimonB]

I have emailed the distributors for full technical specs and a list of all Pajero models which will be supported which I will post when they send it to me. SRP seems to be in the region of R1350 to R1550 each

[JohanV]

looks good and might consider it as a replacement for the current Gabriel safari i got on the isuzu

any idea if they will bring out coils springs and all that as replacements for the Old Man Emu system?

[SimonB]

Johan

Gabriel manufacture shocks only - I am not aware fo them selling complete suspensions so I doubt if they will be bringing out matching coils.

[SimonB]

Some more info received:

Below is some information that yourself and your Members would find of interest.

Further at the base is a table with Part numbers and models being released over the forthcoming weeks

Gabriel Shock Absorbers - Introduction

Gabriel manufacturers a comprehensive range of shock absorbers that are designed and engineered to suit the conditions of South African roads and also its vehicle park. Drivers who use Gabriel Shock Absorbers comment on the smooth travelling of their vehicles, however shock absorbers are not just for comfort; as their primary purpose is to keep wheels in contact on the ground. Shock absorbers also affect the steering, road handling and braking of your vehicle, which is why they are vital for your safety.

Our years of research and testing have resulted in Gabriel developing a shock absorber that is firm enough to prevent the wheels from leaving the ground, but also supple enough in their damping to ensure that the vehicle is not directly subjected to the forces incurred by the various hazards and road conditions present.

Our shock absorbers also control the bouncing movement of the wheels by controlling the rate at which the suspension springs compress and extend. In so doing, the shock helps maintain traction and control of the body, as well as the pitch and roll of the car during cornering, braking and acceleration. With more accurate control and steering, Gabriel shock absorbers enhance safety through good road holding.

Gabriel Safari HDP - Introduction

The Gabriel Safari HDP is a genuine, robust, technologically advanced, big-bore shock absorber specifically designed and manufactured in South Africa to cater for the heavy duty performance requirements of today’s SUV, 4x4 and light commercial applications.

Allowing for greater ride control and increased comfort over other comparative Shock Absorbers in the market, the Gabriel Safari HDP and its three-year unlimited kilometre warranty delivers up its Historical Gabriel pedigree and also set a new standard for performance based shock absorbers applications.

Gabriel Safari HDP – Product Features

• Ø35, Ø41 or Ø46 Big bore Working Cylinder
• High temperature oil that can operate effectively at 180ºC
• Viton rod seal
• Hydraulic stop lock
• 60º reinforce welded mounts
• Solid Machined eye rings
• Durable polyurethane / rubber mounting bushes
• Teflon DU bushes in rod guides
• Velocity sensitive valving
• 3 years unlimited kilometres warranty

Gabriel Safari HDP – Colouring Features

• New “eye catching” Green product housing/body
• Black dust cover
• Black mounting bushes
• New look packaging with quick side reference HDP colour coding

Gabriel Safari HDP – Product Benefits

• The Big Bore working cylinder will reduce the stress on the working components of the shock absorber thereby increasing the durability of the shock.
• The High temperature oil infused with Nitrogen gas allows the shock to effectively operate at higher temperatures (180ºC) as encountered in severe off-road and loading conditions. Normal oil operates effectively at 120 ºC.
• Infusing nitrogen gas enhances quicker shock absorber response times, greater vehicle control and ride comfort.
• The new polyurethane mounting bushes considerably reduce wear and tear.
• The Teflon insert between the rod guide and the rod significantly reduces the friction between the rod and the rod guide.
• The new hydraulic stop lock cushions any metal to metal contact inside the shock under full extension.
• The new cast iron piston ring is much more durable in high operating temperatures than the alternative rubber Teflon type rings.
• The full 360º Reinforce welded mounts adds significant strength to the mounting points of the shock absorber.
• One piece solid machined eye-rings are much stronger and aesthetically more appealing than the normal alternative curled eye rings
• Rust inhibit finish applied (Chrome plated & trication of zinc phosphate)
• Designed for both standard and up to 50mm raised suspensions

Gabriel HDP Mitsu.PNG (15.48 KiB) Viewed 6354 times

I dont know if the SWB and LWB Gen2 use the same shocks, and I dont know if the same applies to the Gen3+ (LWB and SWB)

[Greg_SA]

As far as I know, the shocks are the same for Gen3+ SWB and LWB. The front springs are the same too... only the rear springs are different.

I might consider these shocks as well for my Pajero in the future... or Bilstein, which also have the adjustable spring mount for the front spring (so you can add a bit of lift). Then a spacer for the back spring, and you have a low cost lift...

[SimonB]

My Gabriel HDP shocks should be arriving today

[Davidvan]

Simon, that is awesome, looking for new shocks for my Gen 3, so please provide feedback, will be very helpful in my decision process.

David