Reply to "New Shocks?"

In addition to what Doug said, there is the sub-group of gas-pressurized vs non-pressure shocks. Long hard use causes heating, viscosity & damping changes and more bubbles. Gas pressure inside tends to keep bubbles from forming in the shock oil as it passes thru the damper valves. Bubbles change the damping and thus the handling. Finally, in order to hold gas pressure, much better seals must be used which tends to extend operating life. So gas is good if you drive the car much, or as it was intended.

There are several levels of gas pressure used by various mfgrs: late Konis use 350 psi while far-east-types tend to use lower (sometimes, much lower!) pressures. The high pressure in late Konis applies about 45 lbs of spring force all by itself, so when you buy springs, add the gas pressure effect in. Most gas shocks can be mounted upside down which not only removes a small amount of unsprung weight for better handling, it sometimes puts the height adjuster ring and damper adjust valve(s) in a more easily serviced position.

The downside? gas shocks cost more and some need adapters to fit Pantera shock bolts & mounts, since most mfgrs do not make a specific shock for the Pantera.