KYB vs. Bilenstein Shocks
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 23
From: Golden CO
I'm going KYB also, mine's a (very fun) daily driver. So this is a pretty easy installation right, never done shocks. I have read up on the correct torque specs (around 100 not the incorrect 170ish in the FSM, found that in this or another thread). Otherwise just common sense and safety and basic tools, right? Wish I could switch out the bushings but I need shocks so badly, just don't want to take the time to hit those too. Any tips appreciated!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
What is curious is how different the opinions are from one installation to another.
KYB's are too stiff or harder than Bilstein's, and vice-versa.....
What seems to be the constant is the new shocks are usually being compared to the worn out units.
KYB's are too stiff or harder than Bilstein's, and vice-versa.....
What seems to be the constant is the new shocks are usually being compared to the worn out units.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I have KYB gas a just shocks and upgraded mono leaf suspension package. I purchased the KYB's at the time to save money but over the last few months since Nov 2010 they have completely started to fail me. they are terrible. DONT BUY THEM! go with OEM, tried and true.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
My experience exactly! The KYBs were merely OK when new. Started to loose their dampening ability in a few thousand miles. Before this experiment I've run QA1's, Koni and Bilsteins and some other brand names that will remain anonymous.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 23
From: Golden CO
Well my KYB are on the way for my 170k mile '92 from the recommended 'shockwarehouse.com' in FL, free shipping total $135. And since my current shocks are 100% goners the KYB will be a huge improvement but, I'll monitor over the miles to see how quickly they show any noticeable deterioration.
Is anyone replacing bushings anywhere when they replace shocks? Wouldn't that make some difference in high performance (maybe not just street driving) handling?
Is anyone replacing bushings anywhere when they replace shocks? Wouldn't that make some difference in high performance (maybe not just street driving) handling?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 23
From: Golden CO
Shockwarehouse.com, ordered KYB's for my 92 from them 7/24 and it's 8/15, still no shocks. Finally called them (don't bother emailing) and very helpful guy took the call within 3 rings, told me they have the fronts but KYB is almost 2 months backorder on the rears so, they'll come mid September. They're going to ship the fronts now. Best prices, calling for cust service was a good experience but it would have been good to be notified of the long lead time when ordering online (actually, I would recommend calling to order and ask the status, at their pricing they probably run a pretty lean ship with low inventory). Just fyi.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
I can tell you from experience with two sets of KYB's one worn out and one set brand new... They are TOO SOFT to be compared to a z51 package.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 2
From: California City Ca
Koni Reds adjusted to the middle settings on my 86 with new PolyGraphite Bushings rides great.
When I purchased the car it had some blow out Monroe with oil runnig down the side of them they so bad they were leaving a oil on the ground where the car sat, and dry roted rubber OEM Bushings.
I am sold on Koni's for the C4 and PolyGraphite bushings.
Now If I just can get the rest of the car from rattlling and squeaking ya it a C4 it nature of the beast LOL.
When I purchased the car it had some blow out Monroe with oil runnig down the side of them they so bad they were leaving a oil on the ground where the car sat, and dry roted rubber OEM Bushings.
I am sold on Koni's for the C4 and PolyGraphite bushings.
Now If I just can get the rest of the car from rattlling and squeaking ya it a C4 it nature of the beast LOL.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
I have a 96 lt4 with the original fx3 shocks. The car has 92k on it. Just wondering if any of you switched to regular shock set up, whether they were kyb or bilstein and if you thought that there was a big difference. The problem here, as stated in an earlier post, is that people are comparing their new shocks to the old worn out ones they replaced.I would pay attention only to those that have tried to compare new bilstein to new kyb. In my case, I dont race or autocross and to replace the fx3 is a lot of money so I am interested in hearing from anyone who has done this switch and what your experience was. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 50
From: Palmdale CA
I have a 96 lt4 with the original fx3 shocks. The car has 92k on it. Just wondering if any of you switched to regular shock set up, whether they were kyb or bilstein and if you thought that there was a big difference. The problem here, as stated in an earlier post, is that people are comparing their new shocks to the old worn out ones they replaced.I would pay attention only to those that have tried to compare new bilstein to new kyb. In my case, I dont race or autocross and to replace the fx3 is a lot of money so I am interested in hearing from anyone who has done this switch and what your experience was. Thanks
On a side note: you need to secure the FX3 wiring..
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
I have a 96 lt4 with the original fx3 shocks. The car has 92k on it. Just wondering if any of you switched to regular shock set up, whether they were kyb or bilstein and if you thought that there was a big difference. The problem here, as stated in an earlier post, is that people are comparing their new shocks to the old worn out ones they replaced.I would pay attention only to those that have tried to compare new bilstein to new kyb. In my case, I dont race or autocross and to replace the fx3 is a lot of money so I am interested in hearing from anyone who has done this switch and what your experience was. Thanks
