69 shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 334
Likes: 56
69 shocks
Hello to all. I have a 69 S.B., front springs are about two years old and the steel rear a bit older but in good shape. At present it has four KYB Gas Adjust model shocks that are five years old. They appear in good shape as well and I believe perform as they should. What I'm looking for is a bit "softer" ride. Don't want, or expect a car that floats over bumps like a highway cruiser, just a little gentler on my aging bones. Not concerned over better or higher performance from a shock as the need doesn't really arise.
My question is, between the KYB Excel , AC Delco Professional Premium Gas charged or the Monroe OE Spectrum will any of those make for a bit gentler ride. Also has anyone have any experience or preference with the three mentioned. Thanks and take care.
My question is, between the KYB Excel , AC Delco Professional Premium Gas charged or the Monroe OE Spectrum will any of those make for a bit gentler ride. Also has anyone have any experience or preference with the three mentioned. Thanks and take care.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Tire pressures are an important aspect of ride quality. 28-30 psi would be my recommendation for a decent ride, but still proper tire pressure.
If your ride is too stiff with the KYB's set as soft as they will go and your tires are set at 28-30 psi, you need to swap out the KYB's. For general purpose driving, any good quality gas shock (AC Delco, Gabriel, Monroe, etc) will do a decent job. If you are planning on keeping that car for a LONG time, spend the money for Bilstein Heavy-Duty shocks (NOT Sport shocks!). They are more expensive, but will last a VERY long time and give quality ride and perormance.
If your ride is too stiff with the KYB's set as soft as they will go and your tires are set at 28-30 psi, you need to swap out the KYB's. For general purpose driving, any good quality gas shock (AC Delco, Gabriel, Monroe, etc) will do a decent job. If you are planning on keeping that car for a LONG time, spend the money for Bilstein Heavy-Duty shocks (NOT Sport shocks!). They are more expensive, but will last a VERY long time and give quality ride and perormance.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 334
Likes: 56
Hi. thanks for the replies and suggestions. The KYB's aren't adjustable, do not have any idea why they are called gas-a-just. The tires are 245-60/15"and are about 32#. I never even thought of dropping the pressure a bit, should be able to go as low as 28 with no problems. As often didn't think of the easiest and no cost option first. Again, thanks for the replies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Me crinkling my eyes....I have a 69 with the KYB EXCELS.... which 'perform as they should' softer!
I have a set of original 17,000 mi. Delcos which I removed from the 82 CE...they are in great shape. I took them out because they were too soft. (for me)
Two words to remember....Jounce and Rebound.
What you are apparently asking for is a soft shock in JOUNCE (hit a bump) and stiffer in Rebound (settlement and control)
This is the way the Delcos are set up.
'KYB gas-a-just' mean they have VARIABLE deflective valving based on amplitude of Jounce/ Rebound and Frequency....they adjust themselves. Not a fixed orifice shock.
Attend to the inter-leaf 'STICTION' between your 9 leaf springs....SOAK the leaves in oil....that'll smooth the puppy out.
Tire pressures have been mentioned.
good luck
Unkahal
You also have the option of putting in a fiberglas monoleaf spring....effect on ride, quiet, handling, control ASTOUNDING! Fiberglas has no Stiction.
I have a set of original 17,000 mi. Delcos which I removed from the 82 CE...they are in great shape. I took them out because they were too soft. (for me)
Two words to remember....Jounce and Rebound.
What you are apparently asking for is a soft shock in JOUNCE (hit a bump) and stiffer in Rebound (settlement and control)
This is the way the Delcos are set up.
'KYB gas-a-just' mean they have VARIABLE deflective valving based on amplitude of Jounce/ Rebound and Frequency....they adjust themselves. Not a fixed orifice shock.
Attend to the inter-leaf 'STICTION' between your 9 leaf springs....SOAK the leaves in oil....that'll smooth the puppy out.
Tire pressures have been mentioned.
good luck
Unkahal
You also have the option of putting in a fiberglas monoleaf spring....effect on ride, quiet, handling, control ASTOUNDING! Fiberglas has no Stiction.
Last edited by L-46man; Jul 17, 2019 at 06:23 PM.
