Difference between shock and fork oil

[trailblaze]

I just got into rebuilding my bike's shock and fork. I have been looking at the different types and brands of oils. I have found that some brands sell a shock/fork oil and others sell them two different oils one for shocks and one for forks. Is there a difference between the two oils? I have also noticed a difference in price of the different oils. The range is from $20-$6 a quart. I want to run something good but is there a noticable difference between each brand and price range of oil? Thanks

 

[mxneagle]

Other than viscosity, the only difference would be anti-foaming additives found in fork specific oils.

 

[Dave.Smith]

Forks need anti-foaming and anti-oxidation additives. If you ride in cold weather a low pour point is a plus. Viscosity index means little.
Shocks need a high viscosity index and an additive package that can handle higher temps.
As to $$. Sometimes you get what you pay for and sometimes you pay for the label.

 

[KlausMesserer]

interesting,

I just went to a local bike shop today after calling them to make sure they had shock oil in stock. 2.5W Spectro shock oil specifically (formerly spectro suspension fluid). After getting to the shop they handed me a bottle of spectro cartridge fork oil assuring me it was shock oil. After returning home I got online to spectro's website only to find out that they have a shock oil and a cartridge fork oil. My shock is a White Power Super Adjuster from 1989. Is it save and wise to use the fork oil in my shock, or should I get the real thing?

Thanks,
Klaus

 

[marcusgunby]

I have to admit to using motul fork oil in shocks, this is not for pro level riders, i have had no complaints so far, no fast fading issues or long term problems, im not saying its right, just that i cant prove its bad.