Just Installed KYB Shocks WOW!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 283
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Just Installed KYB Shocks WOW!
I had bought KYB shocks off of Ebay a few months ago for 100 bucks. My vette had a rattle in the back on both sides. Sorta sounded like a couple of heavy pans rattling around there every time I hit bumpy road. Plus the car just felt ratty to drive.
Removing the shocks, front and rear was VERY easy. However, I noted that the rubber donuts that sit on top of the shock, did not match up to the KYBs. There were in very good shape, so I reused them. I also noted that the rubber in my sway bar brackets was ripped to shreds. A call to my local autozone revealed that they dont sell these. I ordered them from the local stealership/ Well, I took the new rubber donuts that I had from the KYBs cut and driiled them to fashion a temporary fix so that there is no metal to metal contact.
I took my sweet time, but used pneumatic tools. Took me 3 hours total.
The car sits in the air about one inch higher. Took it for a ride. OMG!! the car rides like its new and I do not feel any of the small bumps like I used too! It is a drastic difference in the ride and makes me wanna drive even more! BTW, my car now has 110k miles. I looks like the original billisteins were on the car. If you feel small bumps in the road......change dem shocks and inspect your suspension. You'll be very happy.
Removing the shocks, front and rear was VERY easy. However, I noted that the rubber donuts that sit on top of the shock, did not match up to the KYBs. There were in very good shape, so I reused them. I also noted that the rubber in my sway bar brackets was ripped to shreds. A call to my local autozone revealed that they dont sell these. I ordered them from the local stealership/ Well, I took the new rubber donuts that I had from the KYBs cut and driiled them to fashion a temporary fix so that there is no metal to metal contact.
I took my sweet time, but used pneumatic tools. Took me 3 hours total.
The car sits in the air about one inch higher. Took it for a ride. OMG!! the car rides like its new and I do not feel any of the small bumps like I used too! It is a drastic difference in the ride and makes me wanna drive even more! BTW, my car now has 110k miles. I looks like the original billisteins were on the car. If you feel small bumps in the road......change dem shocks and inspect your suspension. You'll be very happy.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thanks...
Though my '88 came with Bilsteins it had KYBs when I got it 7yrs ago. Since I've lowered the rear and like the look, I was wondering how ride height would change if I installed new KYBs.
Though my '88 came with Bilsteins it had KYBs when I got it 7yrs ago. Since I've lowered the rear and like the look, I was wondering how ride height would change if I installed new KYBs.
Last edited by 65Z01; Apr 29, 2007 at 01:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 283
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It would be a little figh at first and then settle to almost the same height. If your shocks are 7 years old, probably could use a change. my friend's 85' vette has the heavy duty Billsteins and that car rides STIFF!
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Instructor
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From: 86 Convertible 4+3 Coronado, CA
Similar results on my '86...replaced the existing Sensa-Tracs 
with KYB 
, and replaced worn sway bar bushings and end links with polyurethane in front and back. A big difference in response all the way around, and mine has 126K on the clock.
A good weekend project for those who bought their Vettes with high miles and want to restore much of the original handling.
with KYB , and replaced worn sway bar bushings and end links with polyurethane in front and back. A big difference in response all the way around, and mine has 126K on the clock.A good weekend project for those who bought their Vettes with high miles and want to restore much of the original handling.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Orlando FL
I recently changed out my shocks also. I installed the HD Bilsteins and removed the original Bilsteins. I also felt every rock in the road and now it rides much better.
In my opinion, based on this one personal experience, the shocks I remove I don’t think were bad, just different. They were 2-3 times stiffer and did not leak or show any signs of being bad. I just think the car came with stiffer shocks from the factory like sport or road rally shocks. I kept the shocks for just in case I would want to revert back for some reason.
In my opinion, based on this one personal experience, the shocks I remove I don’t think were bad, just different. They were 2-3 times stiffer and did not leak or show any signs of being bad. I just think the car came with stiffer shocks from the factory like sport or road rally shocks. I kept the shocks for just in case I would want to revert back for some reason.
Race Director
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Shocks are much like tires in this regard:
The cheapest new units will feel 10X better than the best units which are worn out.
Larry
code5coupe
__________
I ain't easily impressed....
The cheapest new units will feel 10X better than the best units which are worn out.
Larry
code5coupe
__________
I ain't easily impressed....
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From: Hampton, VA Yea, i'm a redneck... but you love it
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas