KYB vs monroe shocks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
KYB vs monroe shocks
Are KYB gas shocks any better than monroe gas shocks. I need new rear shocks on my 68 driver and there is a large price difference between the two.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i am currently running monroe sensatrac's in the rear and very expensive,no longer available, edelbrock's in the front.i'm sure the kyb's would most likely last longer but i am very happy with the ride and handling.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 1
From: Niagara Falls ON
I bought Monroe's several years ago for my C4. I don't put a lot of miles on the car and they didn't last long (maybe 2,000 miles over 6 years) When I removed the shocks all 4 collapsed and wouldn't return. I replaced them with KYB's.
I have Monroes on mhy C3. I don't know how old they are since they were on when I bought the car about 5 years ago. The rear shocks are going so I will replace them but haven't decided if I will give Monroe's another chance or not.
I have Monroes on mhy C3. I don't know how old they are since they were on when I bought the car about 5 years ago. The rear shocks are going so I will replace them but haven't decided if I will give Monroe's another chance or not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Monroe's are a mass market shock designed for the standard street car and are really just an OEM replacement shock, at best. KYB's are definitely a better quality, handling and riding shock-that's why they are more money!
I have not had monroes on my C3 and would not based on my exerience with them on other standard passenger cars many years ago. I have had Delcos, Koni oil's, KYB gas A Just and Bilsteins, currently, on the C3. By far the superior shocks, and I mean by FAR are the Bilstein's. I would not spend money on any other after having the Bilstein on the C3 and a few of my other cars (1994 Mustang GT Convertible and 2008 Chrysler 300). They are that good-THUS the price!
If you are looking to save some money-KYB's.
I have not had monroes on my C3 and would not based on my exerience with them on other standard passenger cars many years ago. I have had Delcos, Koni oil's, KYB gas A Just and Bilsteins, currently, on the C3. By far the superior shocks, and I mean by FAR are the Bilstein's. I would not spend money on any other after having the Bilstein on the C3 and a few of my other cars (1994 Mustang GT Convertible and 2008 Chrysler 300). They are that good-THUS the price!
If you are looking to save some money-KYB's.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I agree with "jb" that Bilsteins are the best, and last forever. KYB's are close, but don't seem to last as long. Sure Munroe's are fine too, but think as mentioned, really more of a typical daily product. If you do decide on Munroe's or KYB's, good ordering online from places like Advanve Auto, as can usually save 20% this way. I buy most of my auto parts like this, and just pick them up at the local store, next day.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
I want to thank everyone that answered my thread. I really appreciated your comments. I went to Advance and they recommended the monroe sensatrac's. They said that the KYB's were more for a truck or small suv. In other words, were a firmer ride. They also said that they would take 5-6 days to get in after ordering. My old 68 coupe rides hard enough with the 9 leaf spring. Again, thankyou, Lou.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
Had KYBs
I had KYBs installed on the vette when I first got it, over 10 years ago. They were an improvement over the very old and worn OEM parts. These were GR2s maybe? Anyhow, I quickly upgraded to Bilsteins which are well worth the money!! Got em from Vette brakes not a bad deal actually when you consider the improvement. I also went with a fiberglass rear spring, ...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I want to thank everyone that answered my thread. I really appreciated your comments. I went to Advance and they recommended the monroe sensatrac's. They said that the KYB's were more for a truck or small suv. In other words, were a firmer ride. They also said that they would take 5-6 days to get in after ordering. My old 68 coupe rides hard enough with the 9 leaf spring. Again, thankyou, Lou.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Used KYBs on every car/truck owned for over 10 yrs been real happy
They never seem to go bad.
Yes they are a touch firm but not "stiff" if thats what you like they are the ticket.
They never seem to go bad.
Yes they are a touch firm but not "stiff" if thats what you like they are the ticket.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Last Monroe shocks I bought for my SUV lasted me 2 years and all 4 were leaking. I switched to Bilstein HD shocks. Huge difference, much better shocks, had them about 2 years now and no issues so far. I run Bilstein Sports on my vette. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Neither one come close to Bilstiens, I had KYB's and when I changed to Bilstiens it was like a night and day difference, save up a few bucks, they are not that expensive and well worth every cent. Had them on my Vette for near 10 years now and still perform well 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Can you expand a little on the differences you noticed? Quicker response? Smoother response? etc.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
The ride was so much better I could not believe a set a shocks could do that and my KYB's were in good condition. I didn't feel every crack and rut in the road, they weren't soft and my Vette stayed stable and flat over going around corners, they are just superior shock absorbers. I can't express how much better they are you have to feel it yourself.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
The ride was so much better I could not believe a set a shocks could do that and my KYB's were in good condition. I didn't feel every crack and rut in the road, they weren't soft and my Vette stayed stable and flat over going around corners, they are just superior shock absorbers. I can't express how much better they are you have to feel it yourself.
Thanks